Top 20 Best Things to Do in Waco TX This Weekend with Family and Kids

Waco sits along Interstate 35 where the Brazos and Bosque rivers meet in Central Texas, roughly 95 miles south of Dallas and 100 miles north of Austin. The city has grown from a historic agricultural crossing into a leading travel destination anchored by Magnolia Market, paleontology sites, and expansive municipal river parks. Uncovering the best things to do in Waco TX starts with balancing high-profile shopping and quiet nature trails.

Planning a Waco Texas weekend trip gives travelers the chance to experience frontier history alongside contemporary cuisine. For visitors evaluating things to do in Central Texas, Waco provides a walkable downtown hub with minimal driving between sites. Understanding venue hours, ticket rules, and transit connections saves substantial time.

Quick Comparison: Top Waco Weekend Attractions at a Glance

Ranking the top Waco attractions with family and kids requires looking at shade, interactive activities, and stroller accessibility. When mapping out fun things to do in Waco for a two-day itinerary, selecting the right activities depends on your group’s budget and how much time you want to spend outdoors versus indoors.

Travelers coming from North Texas often pair these attractions with day trips from Dallas, since the drive down Interstate 35 takes approximately 90 minutes outside of peak weekday rush hours.

Explore Magnolia Market at the Silos

Magnolia Market at the Silos serves as Waco’s central retail and dining complex, covering two downtown city blocks surrounding two historic 120-foot grain silos built in 1950. The complex features multiple curated home decor shops, an outdoor turf lawn, the Silos Baking Co., a full-service coffee shop, and an open-air food truck pavilion.

Entry to the grounds is completely free. Guests only pay for goods purchased in retail stores, treats from the bakery, or meals at the food truck court. Detailed logistical guidelines can be found on the Magnolia Market at the Silos Visitor Guide.

The complex operates Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is closed on Sundays. Saturday mornings draw the highest crowds of the week. Arriving at 9:00 AM sharp or visiting after 4:00 PM provides a relaxed shopping experience with shorter lines at the bakery.

Navigating Magnolia Market at the Silos parking is easiest when using the free dedicated lot on 8th Street between Jackson and Webster avenues. If that lot fills, park in a free downtown public garage and ride the Silo District Downtown Trolley directly to the entrance gate.

• Address: 601 Webster Ave, Waco, TX 76706
• Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Closed Sunday
• Admission: Free grounds access
• Pet Policy: Leashed dogs allowed in outdoor green spaces

Discover the Waco Mammoth National Monument

Waco Mammoth National Monument protects the nation’s only recorded discovery of a Pleistocene Columbian mammoth nursery herd. The fossils were discovered in 1978 along the Bosque River and date back roughly 67,000 years. Today, the 100-acre park is co-managed by the National Park Service, the City of Waco, and Baylor University.

The park grounds, welcome center, and shaded nature trails are completely free to explore. Purchasing a pass to the Waco Mammoth National Monument dig shelter gives guests a direct look at in-situ Ice Age fossil beds during a 30-minute guided walking tour. Tours depart every 30 minutes with no advance booking required for standard groups.

Tour fees are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors (62+), military, and youth ages 4 to 17, while children 3 and younger enter free. Specific fee schedules and operational updates are published through the National Park Service Waco Mammoth Fees and Tours.

Elevated walkways inside the shelter allow visitors to look directly down onto in-situ mammoth skeletons, a camelops bone, and saber-toothed cat remains. Outside, children can complete the Junior Ranger activity book and earn an official wooden ranger badge at the visitor counter.

• Address: 6220 Steinbeck Bend Dr, Waco, TX 76708
• Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tour Fees: $6 adults, $5 youth/seniors, free ages 3 and under
• Pet Policy: Leashed dogs permitted on paved nature trails; pets prohibited inside the Dig Shelter

Visit the Cameron Park Zoo and River Trails

Cameron Park Zoo encompasses 52 acres of natural habitat exhibits located within Cameron Park along the Brazos River corridor. The zoo houses more than 1,700 animals across Asian forest environments, African savannas, and native Texas river ecosystems.

Signature exhibits include the Brazos River Country habitat, where visitors walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by native fish and river otters. The Asian Forest exhibit features Sumatran tigers, orangutans, and Komodo dragons housed along boardwalks beneath mature pecan trees.

Purchasing Cameron Park Zoo tickets in advance online or at the gate grants full-day access to 52 acres of animal exhibits. Pricing is set at $18.00 for adults (ages 13+), $14.00 for children (ages 3–12), $14.00 for seniors (60+), and free for children ages 2 and younger. Operating hours run Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Directly outside the zoo gates lies the greater 416-acre Cameron Park. Hikers and mountain bikers can access 26 miles of free multi-use trails maintained by the city, as detailed in the City of Waco Cameron Park Guide. Scenic lookouts like Lovers Leap offer 100-foot vertical views over the confluence of the Brazos and Bosque rivers.

Families traveling through Central Texas who want additional wildlife drives can also plan an excursion to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, located roughly 50 miles northwest of the zoo.

• Address: 1701 N 4th St, Waco, TX 76707
• Zoo Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Zoo Admission: $18 adults, $14 children (3–12), free under 2
• Park Trail Hours: Daily 6:00 AM – midnight (100% Free)

Experience the Dr. Pepper Museum and Soda Fountain

The Dr Pepper Museum occupies the historic 1906 Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company building in downtown Waco. Invented in Waco in 1885 by pharmacist Charles Alderton, Dr Pepper is the oldest major manufactured soft drink in the United States, predating Coca-Cola by one full year.

The museum spans three floors of memorabilia, vintage delivery trucks, antique advertising campaigns, and interactive exhibits on carbonation chemistry. General admission includes a ticket for a complimentary 12-ounce craft Dr Pepper poured at the on-site soda fountain, which can also be upgraded to an ice cream float.

Tickets cost $12.00 for adults and youth ages 5 and older, while children 4 and younger enter free. The museum operates Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM, with details verified on the Dr Pepper Museum Admission and Visitor Schedule.

Hands-on workshops like the Make-A-Soda lab let visitors create custom soft drink syrup formulations to take home in a glass bottle. These specialty labs require advance reservations through the museum website, whereas general admission passes can be purchased at the door.

• Address: 300 S 5th St, Waco, TX 76701
• Hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
• Admission: $12 per person (ages 5+), includes complimentary soda
• Parking: Paid $10 lot across 5th Street; street meters nearby

Tour the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum serves as the state-designated official historical center commemorating the legendary law enforcement agency established in 1823. Located on a 30-acre park along the Brazos River, the facility houses over two centuries of law enforcement artifacts.

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Waco campus preserves authentic firearms, historical saddles, badges fashioned from Mexican silver pesos, and personal accounts of frontier scouts. The Hall of Fame gallery honors individual Rangers who displayed exceptional service, while modern exhibits detail contemporary forensic investigations.

Admission is $10.50 for adults, $8.50 for seniors (60+) and military personnel, $6.50 for active law enforcement, and $4.00 for children ages 6 to 12. Children under 6 enter free. Operating schedules and research archives are accessible via the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum Official Portal.

The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with final entry tickets sold at 4:30 PM. Paved parking is free directly in front of the building along the Interstate 35 frontage road.

• Address: 100 Texas Ranger Trail, Waco, TX 76706
• Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
• Admission: $10.50 adults, $8.50 seniors/military, $4 children (6–12)
• Parking: Free on-site lot

Explore Baylor University and Armstrong Browning Library

Baylor University was chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas, making it the oldest continuously operating university in the state. The 1,000-acre campus borders the southern bank of the Brazos River, offering wide pedestrian malls, shaded lawns, and classic red-brick collegiate architecture.

A standout stop on campus is the Armstrong Browning Library and Museum. This dedicated research facility houses the world’s largest collection of personal letters, manuscripts, and memorabilia belonging to Victorian poets Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The Italian Renaissance-style building features 62 stained glass windows illustrating scenes from the Brownings’ poetry.

Visitors can also walk through Burleson Quadrangle and stop by the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat. The accredited campus sanctuary houses North American black bears, featuring waterfall pools and glass-walled viewing bays where guests can watch the bears for free.

Campus walking grounds are open daily at no cost. Self-guided walking maps can be picked up at the Wiethorn Undergrad Admissions Center during business hours.

• Address: 1311 S 5th St, Waco, TX 76798
• Campus Access: Open daily; buildings follow academic schedules
• Admission: Free campus grounds and library access
• Highlights: Armstrong Browning Library, Bear Habitat, Burleson Quad

Take a Tour of McLane Stadium

McLane Stadium opened in 2014 as the 45,000-seat home of Baylor Bears football, situated directly on the Brazos River waterfront. The venue is notable for its horseshoe architecture, shaded canopy roof, and riverfront lagoon that permits boat tailgating known locally as “sailgating.”

Guided 75-minute stadium tours give sports fans behind-the-scenes access to facilities normally closed on game days. Tour stops include the home team locker room, the post-game press conference room, the Baylor club level, private luxury suites, and the artificial turf field along the sideline.

Tour tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3 to 12, with children under 3 admitted free. Tours must be booked online through the McLane Stadium event website.

A scenic lighted pedestrian bridge connects the stadium directly across the Brazos River to the central Baylor campus. Walking the bridge provides panoramic views of the Waco suspension bridge downriver.

• Address: 1001 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Waco, TX 76704
• Tour Schedule: Scheduled select weekdays and non-game Saturdays
• Tickets: $10 adults, $5 children (ages 3–12)
• Parking: Free visitor parking in Lot A on non-event days

Sip and Relax at Valley Mills Vineyards

Valley Mills Vineyards sits roughly 25 miles northwest of downtown Waco along Highway 6, offering an estate winery experience focused exclusively on 100 percent Texas-grown fruit. The boutique estate is owned and operated by the Bagnasco family, who cultivate vinifera grapes tailored to Central Texas limestone soils.

The tasting room features an outdoor patio overlooking rolling vineyard rows and surrounding cedar hills. Red wine flights highlight barrel-aged Tempranillo, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon, while white wine selections include dry Vermentino and crisp Viognier.

Standard wine tastings cost $20 per flight, with tasting fees credited toward the purchase of two or more bottles. The winery operates daily from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Weekend reservations are strongly recommended for indoor tables and guided production cellar tours.

Wine enthusiasts touring across Central Texas can easily compare these estate selections with larger Texas Hill Country wine excursions situated just an hour south along Highway 281. Travelers continuing past Valley Mills can explore the wider region through our guide to the best things to do in Bosque County TX, covering Meridian State Park, Clifton’s historic Norse museums, and the iconic Old Rock Church.

• Address: 1686 FM 1637, Valley Mills, TX 76689
• Hours: Daily 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Tasting Fee: $20 per person (applied to bottle purchases)
• Atmosphere: Quiet countryside patio; family-friendly outdoor seating

Learn at the Mayborn Museum Complex

The Mayborn Museum Complex, located on the Baylor University campus, combines natural science exhibits, regional cultural history, and interactive discovery labs under a 142,000-square-foot facility. It is one of the primary family-friendly educational destinations in Central Texas.

The Jeanes Discovery Center occupies two floors of themed hands-on rooms where children can explore physics, sound, and weather phenomena. Highlights include an oversized walk-on piano keyboard, giant bubble wands, and an optical illusion gallery.

Downstairs, natural history dioramas display Central Texas wildlife, walk-in limestone caves, and a full-size cast of a Columbian mammoth skeleton. Behind the main museum, visitors can walk through the Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village, which preserves nine wood-frame structures depicting 1890s frontier life.

Admission costs $12.00 for adults, $11.00 for seniors (65+), and $10.00 for youth ages 2 to 15. Active Baylor students and children under 2 enter free. Sensory backpacks are available at the front desk for young visitors with sensory sensitivities.

• Address: 1300 S University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76706
• Hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Admission: $12 adults, $11 seniors, $10 youth (ages 2–15)
• Special Closures: Closed during Baylor home football game Saturdays

Shop at The Findery in Downtown Waco

The Findery operates out of the historic 1908 Percy Medicine building in downtown Waco, situated just two blocks northwest of Magnolia Market at the Silos. The retail collective occupies multiple floors filled with vintage farmhouse furnishings, modern home textiles, artisanal lighting, and curated clothing.

The original exposed brick walls and hardwood floors provide an authentic backdrop for shoppers looking for unique home accessories. Across Webster Avenue, the shop operates an annex location known as The Findery Marketplace, offering expanded boutique apparel and gift selections.

There is no admission fee to browse the stores. Shopping on Friday or Saturday mornings before 11:00 AM allows you to browse before downtown sidewalks reach peak afternoon foot traffic.

Free street parking is available along 8th Street and Mary Avenue, though spots fill quickly on weekends. Walking from the Silos parking lot takes less than three minutes.

• Address: 501 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76706
• Hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Admission: Free shopping access
• Distance: 2 blocks from Magnolia Market

Take a Guided Waco Tour and Brazos River Cruise

Guided sightseeing excursions provide valuable historical perspective on Waco’s transformation, historic neighborhoods, and architecture without requiring visitors to navigate unfamiliar streets. Several local outfitters offer specialized bus, van, and riverboat options.

Waco Tours operates the popular Classic Waco Tour in air-conditioned passenger vans. The 2.5-hour route covers downtown historic sites, Cameron Park bluffs, Baylor landmarks, and several residential properties renovated on television. Tickets start around $59 per passenger and include a complimentary coffee or ice cream stop.

For an aquatic route, the Waco River Cruise departs from the boat docks near McLane Stadium. The 2-hour pontoon cruise travels down the Brazos River beneath five historic bridges while guides narrate local history and point out river wildlife.

Tours operate multiple departures on Fridays and Saturdays. Weekend reservations should be booked at least one to two weeks in advance during spring and fall seasons.

• Departure Points: McLane Stadium marina and downtown meeting depots
• Tour Length: 2 to 2.5 hours
• Pricing: $59–$79 per passenger depending on tour type
• Best Time: Morning tours avoid midday summer heat

Sunset Horseback Riding at Brazos Bluffs Ranch

Brazos Bluffs Ranch sits 15 minutes north of downtown Waco, offering private trail rides across 300 acres of cedar hills, prairie meadows, and limestone cliffs overlooking the Brazos River. The working horse ranch provides guided trail packages suitable for both novice and experienced riders.

The signature Lone Star Sunset Ride lasts approximately two hours and departs in the late afternoon. Riders follow wooded paths along 100-foot bluffs with clear panoramic views of the river valley as the sun sets over Central Texas.

Following the trail ride, guests gather around an outdoor stone fire pit for campfire s’mores and refreshments. The relaxed ranch environment makes it a memorable evening activity for couples and families with older children.

Riders must be at least 10 years old to participate in trail rides, and advance reservations through the ranch booking portal are required. Closed-toe boots or shoes and long pants are mandatory.

• Address: 7007 Gholson Rd, Waco, TX 76705
• Tour Times: Daily late-afternoon departures; reservations required
• Age Minimum: 10 years and older
• Included Amenities: Guided ride, safety helmets, campfire snacks

Have Fun at Hawaiian Falls Waco

Hawaiian Falls Waco is a 10-acre seasonal water park situated on Lake Shore Drive in north Waco. Operating from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the park provides family-focused aquatic entertainment with shaded cabanas, water slides, and zero-depth splash zones.

Attractions include the Tempest Tower, a 65-foot slide structure featuring multiple high-speed enclosed tube and body slides. The Breaker Bay wave pool generates continuous waves for body surfing, while the 800-foot Kona Kooler lazy river circles under waterfalls and water cannons.

Toddlers and young children spend time in Keiki Kove and the Waikiki Waterworks play area, which feature mini slides, dumping buckets, and shallow wading pools. Daily general admission is roughly $30.99 for adults and $20.99 for children under 48 inches tall.

Travelers looking for additional aquatic options can compare this destination with other prominent water parks across North Texas when planning multi-day summer road trips.

• Address: 900 Lake Shore Dr, Waco, TX 76708
• Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
• Hours: Typically 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM on weekends
• Admission: Approx. $30.99 adults, $20.99 under 48 inches, free under 2

Catch Inland Waves at Waco Surf

Waco Surf, located 15 minutes east of downtown on Old Mexia Road, is a world-renowned inland surf resort and water park. The resort features a two-acre artificial surf lagoon powered by PerfectSwell pneumatic wave technology, creating customizable ocean waves in the middle of Texas cattle country.

The surf lagoon produces peeling rights, lefts, and custom aerial air sections every 90 seconds. Sessions are categorized by skill level, ranging from beginner roll-in waves to high-performance expert barrels that attract professional surfers from around the globe.

Beyond the surf basin, Waco Surf features the Wedge, a set of giant angled slip-and-slide water ramps that launch riders into a deep freshwater pool. The resort also includes a mile-long lazy river, private shaded cabanas, and on-site lodging in cabins and renovated airstreams.

Non-surfing guests can purchase water park beach passes starting around $39 to $59 depending on the season, while dedicated surfing sessions must be reserved weeks in advance through the Waco Surf online schedule.

• Address: 5347 Old Mexia Rd, Waco, TX 76705
• Hours: Open seasonally daily; weekend hours vary by session
• Passes: Beach passes $39–$59; 1-hour surf sessions priced separately
• Amenities: Lazy river, Wedge slide ramps, restaurant, cabana rentals

Enjoy Dirt Track Racing at Heart O’ Texas Speedway

Heart O’ Texas Speedway has hosted grassroots stock car racing in Elm Mott, just north of Waco along Interstate 35, since 1966. The venue features a high-banked, quarter-mile clay oval track known for close wheel-to-wheel racing and high-speed cornering under Friday night lights.

The track operates weekly from March through September, with grandstand gates opening at 6:00 PM and racing heat events starting at 8:00 PM. Racing classes include IMCA Modifieds, Southern SportMods, Stock Cars, Factory Stocks, and Outlaw Street Stocks.

Grandstand admission is budget-friendly, typically priced around $15 for adults, $12 for military and seniors, $5 for youth ages 6 to 12, and free for kids 5 and younger. Pit passes can be purchased at the gate for fans who want up-close access to drivers and race cars.

Bleacher seating is open, and concessions serve classic stadium fare including burgers, nachos, and cold drinks. Ear protection is strongly recommended for young children due to the loud exhaust volumes of the V8 engines.

• Address: 784 Jerry Mashek Dr, Elm Mott, TX 76640
• Schedule: Friday nights March through September; races start at 8:00 PM
• Admission: $15 adults, $12 seniors/military, $5 youth (6–12)
• Facility: Open bleachers, free on-site gravel parking

Relax by Lake Waco Parks and Swim Beaches

Lake Waco spans 8,400 surface acres on the western edge of the city, created by an impoundment of the Bosque River managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The lake serves as the primary freshwater recreation hub for boating, bass fishing, swimming, and shoreline camping in McLennan County.

Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Waco parks and recreation areas provide boat ramps, swim beaches, and primitive campsites. Airport Park and Twin Bridges Park are the two most popular access areas for weekend travelers, offering paved multi-lane boat ramps, designated sandy swim beaches protected by buoys, shaded picnic tables, and clean restrooms.

A standard day-use fee of $5 per vehicle applies at Corps of Engineers parks, or visitors can display an America the Beautiful federal pass for free vehicle admission. Overnight campsites with 30-amp water and electric hookups can be reserved through Recreation.gov.

Anglers target largemouth bass, channel catfish, and white crappie around riprap points and submerged timber. Review our dedicated Lake Waco camping and park guide for complete campsite maps, wetland trails, and ramp fee breakdowns.

• Primary Access: Airport Park (4600 Airport Rd) and Twin Bridges Park
• Hours: Parks open daily 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Day-Use Fee: $5 per vehicle
• Activities: Boating, wakeboarding, swim beach access, shoreline fishing

See the Branding the Brazos Sculpture and Historic Suspension Bridge

The Waco Suspension Bridge opened in 1870 as the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi River, playing a crucial role in the Chisholm Trail cattle drives moving herds toward northern railheads. Engineered using 3 million local bricks, the historic bridge reopened following an extensive multi-year rehabilitation as a pedestrian-only river crossing.

Directly adjacent to the bridge in Indian Spring Park stands “Branding the Brazos,” an impressive monumental bronze sculpture installation by Texas artist Robert Summers. The installation features three bronze cowboys on horseback driving 25 life-and-a-half sized longhorn steers toward the river crossing. Connecting across the river from Indian Spring Park, the Waco Suspension Bridge Indian Spring Park promenade remains a focal point for evening strolls.

A long-standing local tradition encourages visitors to bring corn tortillas and try tossing them from the bridge deck onto the concrete pylons below. The surrounding park lawns connect directly to the paved Waco Riverwalk trails on both riverbanks.

Visiting the bridge and sculpture is completely free at all times. Paved walkways are well-lit after dark, providing views of downtown Waco and Baylor University reflected on the Brazos water.

• Address: 101 N University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76701
• Hours: Open 24 hours daily
• Admission: 100% Free public access
• Highlights: Historic 1870 bridge deck, 28-piece bronze cattle drive sculpture

Hike the Limestone Bluffs at Brazos Park East

Brazos Park East covers 35 riverside acres situated along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on the eastern bank of the Brazos River. The park is renowned for its sheer limestone cliffs rising directly out of the river, providing some of the most striking photographic viewpoints in McLennan County.

The park features a popular 18-hole championship disc golf course that winds through mature pecan groves and along the cliff edges. Paved riverside trails connect directly to the broader riverwalk system, making it an excellent staging point for morning jogs or family bike rides.

A public boat ramp provides deep-water access for motorboats, kayaks, and paddleboards launching onto the Brazos. Covered picnic pavilions with barbecue grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Admission and parking are completely free year-round. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon provides comfortable temperatures and dramatic sunlight reflecting off the white limestone cliffs across the water.

• Address: 3516 N Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Waco, TX 76704
• Hours: Open daily 6:00 AM – midnight
• Admission: 100% Free
• Facilities: 18-hole disc golf course, boat ramp, river trail connection

Browse Events at the Waco Convention Center and Cultural District

The Waco Convention Center encompasses 144,000 square feet of multi-purpose event space in the heart of downtown Waco, located directly opposite Heritage Square and the suspension bridge. The facility hosts weekend artisan trade shows, home and garden expos, regional comic conventions, and community festivals.

Even when an indoor convention is not in session, the surrounding Downtown Cultural District offers an active weekend street environment. Every Saturday morning from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the Waco Downtown Farmers Market sets up at 500 Washington Avenue, featuring more than 40 local vendors selling organic produce, freshly baked sourdough, artisanal cheeses, and hot breakfast tacos.

The district’s central location allows travelers to park once and explore multiple attractions on foot. Walk along Austin Avenue to browse local coffee roasters, independent bookshops, and vintage clothing boutiques.

Travelers considering Central Texas itineraries can compare Waco’s compact downtown layout with day trips from Austin to plan an organized multi-city weekend getaway.

• Address: 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
• Farmers Market Hours: Saturdays 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (year-round)
• District Highlights: Heritage Square, Washington Avenue dining, Riverwalk trail
• Transit: Direct boarding stop for the free Silo District Trolley

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Waco TX

What are the best free things to do in Waco this weekend?

Visitors can hike the 416-acre Cameron Park trail network, walk the historic 1870 Waco Suspension Bridge, and view the Branding the Brazos cattle drive sculptures without paying an admission fee. The grounds and outdoor lawn games at Magnolia Market at the Silos and the nature trails at Waco Mammoth National Monument are also completely free.

How much does it cost to visit Magnolia Market at the Silos?

Admission to the grounds, retail shops, food truck courtyard, and lawn game space at Magnolia Market is entirely free. Visitors only pay for retail items, bakery goods, restaurant meals, or ticketed seasonal workshops.

Is Cameron Park in Waco free to enter?

Cameron Park is completely free and open to the public daily from 6:00 AM to midnight across its 416 acres and 26 miles of trails. Cameron Park Zoo operates inside the park grounds as an independent ticketed facility charging $18 for adults and $14 for children.

Can you tour the Fixer Upper Castle in Waco?

The historic 1913 Cottonland Castle renovated by Chip and Joanna Gaines is a private residence that does not host walk-in public interior tours. Sightseeing vans from Waco Tours regularly pass the exterior on Austin Avenue so travelers can photograph the landmark from the street.