14 Most Popular Fun Things To Do In Abilene (TX)

The beautiful city of Abilene is located in Taylor Jones County in Texas, US. It would be nearly impossible to choose one of the most popular fun things to do in Abilene, TX during your visit to this amazing fun-packed and rich western heritage city. Each corner of the city is offering immense enjoyment that are really hard to avoid. Opportunities are just endless and our vacation time is limited. There are lots of year-round family attractions to explore here.

The city is also well-known for its cultural experiences. Visitors can explore amazing live music venues, unique types of parks, an historic theatre, museums and the largest collection of storybook sculptures in the world. So, here are some of the best fun things to do in Abilene, TX. Visit this cultural and historical city in your next vacation and grab as many fun places as you wish to.

1. Fort Phantom Hill

Chimneys-in-Fort-Phantom-Hill-in-Abilene — Fort Phantom Hill

The historic Fort Phantom Hill is located in Jones County, TX. Opened in 1851, the historical place is a favourite among history buffs. Also known as the Camp on the Clear Fork, Fort Phantom Hill is one of the places that carries the mystery of the past. This adventurous site is one of the best places you must explore during your visit to the city.

One of the most pristine historic sites in Texas offers the amazing Texas Forts Trail. The tour is a 650-mile highway tour of historic Texas forts in West Central Texas. The tour can’t be miss.

Fort Phantom Hill provides free admission to the visitors. And it’s open daily, from dawn to dusk. Exploring the remnants of three stone structures and 12 stone chimneys standing on the 38-acre site inside Fort Phantom Hill will surely help you enhance knowledge.

Address: 10818 FM600, Abilene, TX 79601

Phone: (325) 677-1309

2. Abilene State Park

Abilene State Park in Taylor County, Texas is one of the most popular outdoor tourist attractions in the state. The beautiful location, lots of space beneath the greens and woodland, make Abilene State Park one of the best fun things to do in Abilene, TX. The state park was opened in 1934 and is managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The 529.4-acre state park is located next to Lake Abilene, one of the most popular fishing destinations among anglers. The amenities the state park features include a concession building, swimming pool, pool shelters, pergolas, stone water tower, stone pump house, water fountains, stone seats, picnic tables and fireplaces.

Make this outdoor adventure your next family fun destination. Make the most of the outdoors by following the park’s wild hiking trails. The site is well-known for wildlife observation, too. The easy-to-see animals are white-tailed deer, foxes, squirrels, raccoons, cottontail rabbits and armadillos.

How the birdwatchers can’t get any chance in this enriching outdoor attraction. Multiple birds visit the park from time to time. Though there are many birds making the state park their safe permanent home. Northern cardinal, hummingbird, Carolina chickadee, greater roadrunner, northern mockingbird and Mississippi kite are seen in the park.

Admission charge to the state park varies. 13 years & older are charged $5 per head. Below that age, admission is free. Group visit is also available. For that there are some rules. To know more, you may visit the website.

Address: 150 Park Rd 32, Tuscola, TX 79562

Phone: (800) 792-1112

3. The Grace Museum

The-Grace-Museum-in-Abilene — The Grace Museum

The Grace Museum, earlier known as the Abilene Fine Arts Museum, was established by the Art League of the Abilene Woman’s Club in 1937. This fine museum offers rotating exhibitions, interactive workshops and lots of permanent art collections.

The Grace Museum is actually home to five art galleries and a history gallery. It is a great spot to visit with your family and kids in Abilene. Enjoy the fine arts, take a look at the art library and lastly, visit the education center to have some extra knowledge about diverse topics.

Another most engaging activity in The Grace Museum is amazing colorful festivals that perfectly suits all age types.

Address: 102 Cypress St, Abilene, TX 79601

Phone: 325-673-4587

4. Abilene Zoo

Abilene Zoo is one of the most visited spots in the city. There is no need to say, this animal-land will instantly give you the African Safari type vibes. Visitors can encounter more than 1,000 animals and over 250 species.

Abilene Zoo is not only famous for its Arctic and Australian animals, but also visitors can enjoy here a nice gift shop, children’s adventure center and a great aquarium also. The inside picnic grove is perfect to enjoy your meal after exploring the big zoo area.

Willing to experience some different types of engaging activities that are different from typical animals watching? Turn your head to community parties, events, educational programs and camps which make this zoo a year-round destination among the tourists.

Address: 2070 Zoo Lane Abilene, TX 79602

5. Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden

Do you think that any visit to Abilene can ever be completed without visiting this premier fun destination? I guess your answer is a big ‘No’. Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden is located in Abilene Convention Center. It is the most whimsical park in Texas.

The spot is world-famous for making the storybook characters sparkling with life. Strolling this fairytale-like land with your little children is definitely going to give you a lifetime memory. The garden features giant sculptures of iconic cartoon characters such as “The Three Little Pigs” and “Charlotte’s Web”. If you are visiting the place with your whole family and there is a mixture of all age types among your family members, it is certain that all of them will be kids in this totally kids-friendly zone.

Address: 1008-1098 N 6th St, Abilene, TX 79601

6. National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature

National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature is a perfect family fun spot. Admission to NCCIL is free. The mission of this American museum is to inspire and empower next generations and to disclose their creativity. The museum was established in 2000.

There are numerous exhibits, educational programs and tours hosted by NCCIL. Visitors are provided instructors’ guides to get and feel the art experiences in a better way. For adults, there is a monthly program. Definitely take part in these small but very exciting and fun-packed learning games.

There are some weekly art activities for families and children for free. This year-round destination is open for public from Tuesday to Saturday, and the timing is from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Address: 102 Cedar St, Abilene, TX 79601

Phone: (325) 673-4586

Related: Things To Do in Cleveland TN.

7. Paramount Theatre

The historic Paramount Theatre is located in downtown Abilene, TX at 352 Cypress Street. Built in 1930 by H. O. Wooten, the restored vintage theater serves performing arts and classic films. The theater is run by a non-profit organization. A free movie in Paramount Theater is a worth-catching fun activity.

The renovated outstanding architecture, a velvet blue ceiling, drifting clouds and twinkling stars along with touring shows, make Paramount Theater a superb family-friendly place to catch a movie. The operating hours are from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays. To get more information about their events, live productions, you may visit their website.

Address: 352 Cypress St, Abilene, TX 79601

Phone: (325) 676-9620

8. Center For Contemporary Arts

The art gallery in Abilene, Texas is a unique place the city offers us. Discovering the arts in your own way at Center For Contemporary Arts is one of the best fun things to do in Abilene Texas. Live performances and variety of exhibits are lined up throughout the year. Center For Contemporary Arts was founded in 1989.

The contemporary art center schedules a downtown mini arts festival each month. And their motto is to encourage and empower artists and children through variety of arts. The art center has many other reasons to visit. It conducts three main programs, Exhibitions, ArtReach and ArtWalk. All are great fun and holds uniqueness.

More than 26,000 visitors catch these education programs every year. The art gallery offers free admission to the exhibits. The variety is undeniable. So, must try to catch these fun and educative activities during your visit to Abilene.

Address: 220 Cypress St, Abilene, TX 79601

Phone: (325) 677-8389

9. Dyess AFB Memorial Museum and Linear Air Park

Dyess AFB Memorial Museum and Linear Air Park is another free to the public place with lots of amazing opportunities. This fine museum features exciting artifacts and the history of Dyess Air Force Base and Abilene Army Airfield.

Guided tours are available at Linear Air Park. Most of the tours are conducted on weekday mornings. Even virtual tours are also available. Dyess Memorial Museum offers you watching country’s the largest static display of history aircraft. To attend the tours, visit their website. Don’t miss the opportunity to get personalize with the largest air park in the USAF.

Address: 800 Arnold Blvd, Abilene, TX 79603

Phone: (325) 696-2099

10. Grover Nelson Park

Grover Nelson Park is one of the biggest parks in Abilene. There is no shortage of facilities here. From picnic areas to playgrounds, from walking paths to softball fields, all are present inside Grover Nelson Park.

Take a stroll with your dog in the dog park. And don’t forget to visit the zoo. Not only your kids, but also your whole family will enjoy spending an entire day in this popular park. The 174 acres of Nelson Park offers plenty of open space.

There is also a man-made lake inside the park that is home to many birds and animals. Do you know this park hosts a program, called “Adopt-an-Animal” program. It is a great fun, indeed.

There are so many exhibits that displays animals like American Black Bears, Black Rhinoceros, Central American Spider Monkeys and many other animals.

11. Swenson House Historical Society

Swenson-House-Historical-Society-in-Abilene — Swenson House Historical Society

Swenson House Historical Society is a popular historical landmark located in Abilene. There are several guided tours and events visitors can enjoy here. The Swenson House was built in 1910 by W.G. and Shirley Swenson.

The Swenson House Historical Society is a must-visit place while you are visiting Abilene. It preserves lots of original architectural features. For enjoying a group tour, this is also one of the most popular places.

You just need to give minimum two hours to the society and in return, it will give you lots of fun things to explore.

Address: 1726 Swenson St, Abilene, TX 79603

Phone: (325) 232-8454

12. Frontier Texas

Frontier Texas, opened in 2004, is an amazing history museum that features some really incredible exhibits about the American West throughout the year. The museum features facilities like a gift shop, a theatre and educational programs.

This premier heritage museum is a must stop for history buffs. Through the multimedia presentations, visitors get to know about the region’s history and about Native Americans. Plus, there are rotating and permanent exhibits are performed which are very thrilling!

13. Abilene Golf Studio

Abilene Golf Studio is another charming attraction among the tourists. This golf studio is located at 244 Pine St. Suite 303 in Abilene. Must visit the spot with your children and enjoy lots of fun games in this sports bar.

The studio is open from 11 AM to 11 PM. The staffs are very friendly and the house gives enough space to the visitors to feel them an incredible and realistic experience. From traditional outdoor golfing to indoor golf experiences, all are available.

If you love golfing, it’s time to polish your skill. And if you are here to give a taste about the game to your toddler kids, the studio also suits it perfectly. So, it is not the time to think for which purposes you are in the Golf Studio, but it’s the moment to simply enjoy the fun and unique golfing experiences with your whole family and to improve your skill.

Address: 2074 Butternut St, Abilene, TX 79602

Phone: (325) 704-2485

14. Camp Barkeley Dog Park

Camp Barkeley Dog Park is located in Grover Nelson Park in Abilene, Texas. The park is perfect to make your pets to be more socialize. Many dog owners visit the park to let their dogs interact with other dogs. Camp Barkeley Dog Park is one of the few parks that allow off leash pets.

There are two divided sections inside the park for small and large dogs to move separately. The 1-acre area is for small dogs and the 2-acre is for large dogs. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.

For pet owners, there are benches and restrooms available. It’s an enjoyable park. The place is well-kept and clean. During your visit to Camp Barkeley Dog Park, you’ll encounter many cute dogs with their wonderful owners. so, the park is a good place to spend some time among these innocent creatures.

Address: 2070 Zoo Ln, Abilene, TX 79602

Phone: (325) 676-6217

FAQs

1. What is Abilene Texas best known for?

Abilene Texas is known as the “Official Storybook Capital of America”. The largest collection of sculptural storybook characters in the state makes Abilene one of the best and unique place to visit in the US. Must visit the downtown with your family and kids and explore these amazing sculptures.

2. What is there to do in Abilene Texas for adults?

There is a lot of things to do and see in Abilene Texas for all ages. Top attractions include Frontier Texas, Abilene Zoo, Fort Phantom Hill, The Winery at Willoe Creek, Grace Museum, Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden and more enriching attractions are available in Abilene Texas.

3. What made Abilene Texas famous?

The rich history, cultural celebrations, enriching attractions, top heritage sites and great outdoors like Abilene State Park and Abilene Zoo and the all time favourite Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden make Abilene very popular and famous as well among the world-wide travelers.

4. Is Abilene TX worth visiting?

Abilene Texas boast world’s some of the most unique attractions including Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden which make the city knows as the “Official Storybook Capital of America”. Plus, year-round family attractions, cultural opportunities, the booming downtown and wild outdoor activities make Abilene a must-visit city in Texas.

5. Does Abilene TX have an aquarium?

Abilene Zoo features a great aquarium.

6. What kind of wildlife is in Abilene Texas?

Abilene State Park and Abilene Zoo offer great wildlife observation opportunities to the wildlife explorers. The common species include white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits, raccoons, armadillos, foxes, squirrels and many types of birds in the state park. The zoo features more than 250 species with 1,00 animals including bears, lions, monkeys, giraffe, reptiles, a variety of birds, black rhinos and amphibians. Not only these two places in Abilene are popular for wildlife observation and photography, many other places are there that cater to almost every wildlife buffs.

7. What is the most popular state park in Texas?

Garner State Park is Texas’ the most popular and the most visited state park. The state park offers 1,774 acres of Hill Country adventure. Another popular one is Ray Roberts Lake State Park.

8. Does Abilene TX have a lake?

There are many recreational lakes in Abilene Texas. These lakes are popular with fishing, swimming and boating. The popular lakes are Oak Creek Reservoir, Hords Creek Lake, Kirby Lake, Lake Coleman, Lake Fort Phantom Hill, Lake Abilene, Hubbard Creek Lake and Possum Kingdom Lake. These reservoirs can be the perfect escape in any weekend.

9. How many parks are in Abilene Texas?

Abilene boasts all types of enriching attractions including amazing parks. The city has more than 25 parks offering the many diverse recreation opportunities along with modern facilities.

10. What is Abilene State Park known for?

Abilene State Park with its 529.4 acres facility caters to impressive wildlife observation opportunity. It is one of the most popular state parks in the state. Abilene State Park is also home to some of the wild trails, a dining hall and a number of playgrounds.