20 Kid-Friendly Adventures in Lubbock

20 Kid-Friendly Adventures in Lubbock

Even though I haven’t visited myself yet, Lubbock, Texas, seems like a great under-the-radar spot for fun family trips. This friendly college town has a small-town vibe but still packs big entertainment and adventure. Kids can ride rollercoasters, splash in parks, or learn hands-on in cool museums. Families can catch movies under starry skies at the drive-in theatre or snuggle up for ice skating when rare snow hits.

With over 300 sunny days a year, there’s plenty of time to enjoy parks, zoos, and more at an affordable price without huge crowds. They call Lubbock the “Hub City” because there’s something for everyone: history, sports, music, and good old-fashioned family fun. It is safe to say that Lubbock should be on your list of places to visit if you haven’t planned for it already. This list of 20 kid-friendly adventures in Lubbock is worth every penny and guarantees an unforgettable experience.

1. Joyland Amusement Park – Ride Coasters & Waterslides

Larry Pieniazek, User:Lar, (primary), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Joyland Amusement Park provides over 35 rides and attractions, perfect for families with kids of all ages. The park opens daily during the summer months, with weekend-only operations in shoulder seasons, usually from noon to 10 pm. Single-day passes start at $20 for kids under 48 inches tall and $25 for adults. Wristbands offer unlimited rides economically.

Joyland has thrill rides like rollercoasters for older kids as well as kiddie areas for little ones, with beginner rides from toddlers on up. Families will want to experience attractions like the Tilt-a-Whirl or bumper boats together. With an on-site restaurant serving pizza, burgers, and snacks, it conveniently fits both adventure and dinner. Don’t forget socks for sock-only rides! Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted to make this vintage park accessible. 

2. Science Spectrum Museum – Interactive Science Exhibits

The Science Spectrum Museum allows families to explore over 100 fascinating, educational exhibits, covering physics, chemistry, and more. Popular displays let kids walk through a larger-than-life kaleidoscope, use real lab tools for DIY experiments, and experience live science demonstrations.

Open Tuesday-Saturday plus school holidays. General admission starts at $11, and for children 3–12, it’s just $9. With exhibits and topics spanning science basics to more advanced concepts, school-aged students will especially appreciate the interactive activities that make STEM learning entertaining. Themed events happen regularly to discover new areas of science in an approachable way.

3. Buddy Holly Hall – Catch Family Shows & Events

At Buddy Holly Hall, families can watch delightful live dance, comedy, and music performances by touring companies and groups of all kinds. The venue is suitable for viewers of all ages, with specific family-friendly shows regularly scheduled. Ticket prices vary by performance, ranging from around $20-100 per person. Located on historic “Buddy Holly Avenue,” it honours Lubbock’s role in launching the iconic 1950s rock n roll.

4. Silent Wings Museum – Unique Aviation Simulators & History

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Kids with flying dreams can take part in virtual reality aviation experiences at Silent Wings Museum, including a full-motion flight simulator that lets them “pilot” a historic warplane as if in the cockpit.

With no direct cost to access exhibits, this aviation history museum is an affordable indoor adventure for families to enjoy interactive displays and games that bring the sights and achievements of air and space travel to life. Open 6 days a week except for major holidays, Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 pm.

5. Stars & Stripes Drive-In – Nightly Classic Outdoor Movies for Families

Stars & Stripes Drive-In delights families by bringing back old-fashioned outdoor movie nights under the stars. Kids can wear PJs and bring blankies to cosy up while watching kid-friendly double features projected onto the giant screen.

Parents will love the blast from the past while sipping on classic concessions like popcorn and milkshakes. With movie sound broadcast right to your car radio, you can sit out in the fresh air or hang out tailgating style. Affordable at just $9 general admission with kids 5–11 only $4, it’s a budget way to make memories together while enjoying films together curled up al fresco.

6. Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre – Behind-the-Scenes Animal Rescue Tour

South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre provides a unique opportunity for animal-loving families to go behind the scenes of their wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility through an educational guided walking tour.

Friendly staff introduce the animal enclosures and share the centre’s special conservation mission of nursing sick, injured, and orphaned animals back to health for re-release. Kids can safely see native species like bobcats, badgers, jackrabbits, and more under care up close while learning how to gently protect precious regional wildlife. Tours run Saturdays year-round for just a $10 suggested donation.

7. Maxey Park Train – Miniature Railway Ride Around Large Community Park

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All aboard the Maxey Park Train for a delightful ride through trails and tunnels around the large community park. Families with young children will love this special chance to play as locomotive engineers aboard the tiny train cars.

The 15-minute ride loop passes by the park’s other attractions like playgrounds, ballfields, picnic areas, and the community pool for easy access to extend your activities. With an affordable $2 child fare and just $3 for adults, it’s a budget way to enjoy a mini rail adventure together while taking in some charming community sights and scenery.

8. Ranching Heritage Centre – Living History Ranch Museum from the Old West

At the National Ranching Heritage Centre, families can explore what life was like on old cattle ranches in the American West. Over 40 historical buildings were relocated here to walk through, including homes, schools, shops, and barns decorated with authentic furnishings. Costumed historians provide guided tours on weekends to answer kids’ curiosities.

Unique exhibits feature cowboys, chuckwagons, and livestock breeds prominent in pioneering the Plains for agriculture. With so many hands-on displays, it brings frontier history alive for children’s education through engaging sights, sounds, and experiences in an open-air living museum they’ll love.

9. Dorothy Garrett Coliseum – Year-Round Ice Skating, Soccer & Playgrounds

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Dorothy Garrett Coliseum gives families affordable year-round recreation under one roof. Kids can take a spin on the NHL-sized ice skating rink available for public sessions daily for only $7 admission. Attempt tricks on a skateboard at the 20,000-square-foot covered skatepark.

Sign up for youth soccer leagues, taking advantage of the megadome field turfed for play in any weather. Or visit the indoor playground with slides and jungle gyms to let imaginations roam. With fun fitness options for all seasons, it’s everything active youngsters could ask for in one place for playdates, parties, or everyday energy release!

10. Frosch Studio – Fun Pottery Painting Classes for All Ages

Frosch Studio allows families to get creative by making their ceramic art pieces in entertaining paint-your-own-pottery sessions suitable for all skill levels, ages 5+. Budding young painters will enjoy decorating colourful bisque figures, mugs, plates, and bowls however their imagination fancies.

Prices vary by piece, starting at around $5 plus a small studio fee, way less than buying finished pottery. Frosch handles the kiln, firing everything to a glossy finish. Kids can gift their new fridge magnets and jewellery dishes with masterpieces. Parents may enjoy a wine and canvas night. With such affordability, it’s no wonder Frosch remains a favourite for kids’ birthdays and group events full of memorable DIY merriment.

11. Urban Air Adventure Park – Indoor Trampoline Park Play for High Flyers

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For high-flying fun, Urban Air Adventure Park spans over 23,000 square feet of connected trampolines and adrenaline-pumping attractions. Kids ages 3–17 can jump to their heart’s delight across wall-to-wall bounce surfaces, slam dunk on the courts, and master ninja courses, letting energy loose in the ultimate indoor playground.

Attractions like the Tubes Playground cater perfectly to younger kids with cushy structures for unlimited play at their level. Special needs-friendly options make bouncing joy accessible to all. Parents can sign a waiver online for quicker entry. Hourly passes start at $12 or get the most playtime value by choosing an all-access pass to maximise airtime enjoyment!

12. Joyland Golf – Affordable Mini Golf with Splash Fountains & Fun Themes

Joyland Golf: Affordable Mini Golf with Splash Fountains & Fun Themes Joyland Golf entertains families with not one but two creative 18-hole mini golf courses spanning pirate themes and fanciful water features. Lush landscaping surrounds joyful fairways accented by cascading fountains, rock formations, and fun special effect holes sure to delight kids’ senses.

This affordable classic family activity starts at only $6 per person for unlimited rounds to practice mastering holes across two courses in one visit. Joyland stocks clubs and balls for convenience, while parents can purchase beer & wine. Guests are welcome to carry their snacks and drinks too. With double the shorter courses, it doubles both convenience and lasting memories without doubling regular mini golf rates!

13. Castle Mini Golf – Outdoors 18-Holes at Lubbock’s Enchanted Castle

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Castle Golf Club whisks families away to a mediaeval kingdom with enchanting 18 holes of miniature golf surrounded by castle walls, drawbridges, and moats. Kids will delight in the fantastical bonus shots, like navigating a magic portal or across the back of a fire-breathing dragon!

Winding garden pathways under towering fortress turrets set an immersive scene for this course full of imagination and adventure. Even royal newcomers to putt-putt will enjoy attempting to conquer the castle against paranormal obstacles. Play unlimited rounds on creatively crafted fairways for just $8 for adults, and $7 for kids 4–12 years old at one of the most beloved Lubbock landmarks.

14. Clapp Memorial Park – Carousels, Splash Pad, Playgrounds & Green Space

Clapp Park spans over 16 acres and is packed with endless family amenities like amusement rides, musical playgrounds, and even free splash pad areas for cooling water fun all summer.

Kids can burn up energy wandering through themed activity zones like conducting a train engine or rock climbing a lookout tower before taking a spin on the historic carousel ride. Shady pavilions offer space to picnic and recharge at any time. With vibrant, engaging attractions for toddlers and tweens, this lively community park makes for easy, eventful outings full of physical activity and wonder that youngsters adore.

15. Funtrackers Family Fun Park – Fast Go Karts, Laser Tag, Rides & Arcades

At Funtrackers, kids rule with thrill rides like the stomach-dropping Tornado, race tracks reaching 50mph go-karts, a two-story laser tag arena, plus mini golf, bumper boats and an arcade. Designed for family fun, this park has something to entertain all ages and adventure levels so parents can join in too!

Affordable compared to major theme parks, Funtrackers offers pay one-price value with armbands starting at $30 on weekends. Conveniently located right off Marsha Sharp Freeway, it’s the perfect place to stop on long road trips to refuel on food and folly before more Lone Star sightseeing!

16. Play Faire Park – Multi-Level Indoor Playground with Party Areas

Play Faire Park is a big indoor playground where kids can climb, slide, and explore. There are tunnels, bridges, ball pits, and more! Different play zones suit ages 12 months to 12 years for safe fun. Parents can rent party rooms or play too. Buy discounted play passes online. Food is allowed for birthday celebrations. Open 7 days with toddler times on weekdays.

17. Classic Car Museum – Vintage Cars Spanning Many Eras

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The National Classic Car Museum displays over 33 unique vintage vehicles. Kids can see old cars ranging from a 1901 Curved Dash Oldsmobile to a 1981 Delorean. Interactive exhibits let visitors pretend to pump gas, change tyres or repair engines. See rare gems like a 1954 Gullwing Mercedes-Benz. Affordable at $11 for adults and just $4 for kids 5-12 with discounts for seniors, military families and AAA.

18. Cowboy Symposium – Rodeos, Horse Shows & Western Heritage

Each September the Cowboy Symposium celebrates cowboy history and culture. Families can watch professional rodeos, and trick riding shows, or meet real working cowboys.

Live music, food, Native American dancers in traditional outfits. Horse parades, chuckwagon cooking demos, displays of saddles, and boots spurs from the Old West to experience. Free admission to walk around the Trade Show. Ticketed rodeo events sell out fast when cowpokes come to town!

19. Butterfly Center – Hundreds of Live Tropical Butterflies in Garden Exhibits

Bettina Arrigoni, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Butterfly Center delights kids with hundreds of live, colourful butterflies flying freely in indoor garden exhibits. See butterflies native to Texas and New Mexico sip nectar, emerging from chrysalises.

The fun digital microscope station shows wings up close. Docents help identify different species. Open year-round for just $5 adults, and $3 kids 3-17 with discounted family packs available. Peaceful spot to inspire nature lovers and budding young photographers!

20. Pete’s Playground – All Ages Outdoor Play Areas with Fun Magical Themes

At Pete’s Playground families enjoy beautifully themed outdoor playscapes perfect for pretend play. Kids love tunnels, treehouses, pirate ships, and castles with safety surfacing.  Use imagination in Enchanted Forest, Fairytale Town, and Adventurers Cove. Located alongside park trails and Llano Estacado Winery where adults can enjoy wine tasting when kids wear themselves out in these magical playground kingdoms for free community fun!

With endless options for affordable family fun, Lubbock has something to thrill kids of all interests and ages. From hands-on museums to epic indoor playgrounds, families can make magical memories however they play.  When it’s time to refuel, enjoy local barbecue beside vintage Cadillacs or lasso up cowboy cookouts and shows. With welcoming western hospitality and attractions suited for any budget, Lubbock, Texas delivers big fun in the Lone Star state perfect for your next unforgettable family getaway!