Things to Do in Waco

This city is anything but wacko, for it’s the county seat for McLennan County, and home to the esteemed Baylor University. This diverse city offers endless activities that friends and family are sure to enjoy. Get settled into your Waco hotel, and then let the kids run wild at the Cameron Park Zoo, then grab an afternoon pick-me-up at the Dr. Pepper Museum, and wrap-up the day at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame Museum.

Sports, Soft Drinks and the Wild West

Satisfy your sweet tooth at the historical Dr. Pepper Museum. Come see where “Doc” Charles Alderton created Dr. Pepper in the 1800s, as well as the original bottling plant. Pay tribute to the Texas Rangers—not the baseball team, but the fearless law enforcement officers who defend the Wild West—at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. For the sports fans in your group, stop by the Texas Sports Hall of Fame for interactive exhibits and displays dedicated to the likes of Nolan Ryan, Lee Trevino, George Foreman and Babe Didrikson.

Get Physical

Don't want to spend a sunny day inside a museum? Pack your walking shoes and head to the Waco Riverwalk that runs through the city, along the Brazos River. You can see the sights from land or rent a kayak for a view on the water. Explore the organic beauty of Cameron Park, and check out limestone bluffs and overlooks, or catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife in its natural habitat. Stay active with 20 miles of hiking trails, and refuel with a nice, family meal in the designated picnic area.

One-Stop Shopping

Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, the Magnolia Market at the Silos is a popular stop you can't afford to miss. Owned and operated by Chip and Joanna Gaines from the hit TV show Fixer Upper, this marketplace is a unique experience. You'll find a wide variety of shops—from apparel to jewelry, home decor and more—to spark design ideas. While here, grab a bite from one of the many on-site food trucks—like Captain Billy Whizzbangs and Chuck's Gormet Popcorn. Visit the garden space, part of Joanna's vision for the marketplace; and be sure to stop by the Magnolia Seed + Supply, too. Finally, relax on the big green lawn in the center of the property, or enjoy those sunny days with a lawn game from their big box.

Time to Grab a Bite

When stomachs start to growl, head out to the River Square Center, an area of restored warehouses that thrive as restaurants, bars and traditional shops. Take the family to Buzzard Billy’s to enjoy dinner and watch the sunset. Get rowdy with the locals at George’s for cold beer and Baylor football. Pig out on plentiful helpings of juicy, tender meats at Tony DeMaria’s Bar-B-Que. Make sure to get there early since doors close at 2 p.m.—that is, if the meat hasn’t run out already!