Despite being a full-time traveling family having explored the entire nation, we frequently venture to specific locations repeatedly. Central Texas is one such place for us. Perhaps due to having relatives in Oklahoma, this region is conveniently close. Regardless of the cause, we always manage to uncover delightful activities in central Texas. I highly suggest making a trip there if the opportunity presents itself.
Entertainment in Cleburne
Allow me to commence by sharing our experiences in the quaint town of Cleburne. This town may border on the northern side of what’s deemed “central” Texas, yet it often becomes a destination during our central Texas stays, and hence, I deem it close enough.
Activities to Engage In
We absolutely cherish the charming historic downtown region in Cleburne. Strolling along the picturesque Main Street is a delightful way to spend some leisurely time. It was during one of these strolls that we chanced upon the Layland Museum of History. Despite its modest size, this museum is meticulously organized, and the best part is that it’s absolutely free to visit. Delving into the local history was a pleasure, and the vintage theater located upstairs was truly captivating.
Our visit to the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum in Cleburne was incredibly enjoyable. During our trip, we were fortunate to receive a private tour of the historic structures due to the off-peak visit timing. I highly recommend coordinating your visit with a living history event, as they are truly remarkable.
Lastly, I must highlight the Texas Children’s Museum. Although we explored this attraction before the birth of our daughter, our son, then 6 or 7 years old, absolutely relished the experience. The museum features numerous themed rooms, each offering a unique activity. There’s a room with a sand pit, a LEGO room, a music area, a large climbing structure, and so much more!
Additional pursuits in Cleburne comprise:
- Cleburne Railroad Museum
- Gone With the Wind Museum
- JN Long Cultural Arts Center
- Lowell Smith History Center
- Dinosaur Science Museum
- Browsing antique shops
- Exploring Cleburne State Park
Where to Dine
Our dining experience at Grumps Burgers in Cleburne was thoroughly enjoyable. We were particularly impressed by the local soda options available at the soda dispenser!
Our Accommodation
Thousand Trails Lake Whitney serves as our base for exploring Cleburne. As members of Thousand Trails, this is a logical choice for us, and we find the park enjoyable despite the heavily worn roads. For fellow Thousand Trails members, this park is a great option. Alternatively, camping at Cleburne State Park could be considered.
Exploring Waco
During our recent visit to central Texas, we opted to explore the city of Waco. Initially, my expectations were low, but to my surprise, I stumbled upon a plethora of enjoyable things to see and do.
Suggested Activities
We droveTraveling to Waco made for a delightful experience. On the initial day, we explored the impressive Waco Mammoth National Monument, a place we had visited in the past but had not recalled vividly. Let me tell you, this spot is simply amazing. It is a protected NPS site preserving the mammoth fossils discovered in Waco. Additionally, the park remains an active excavation site, allowing visitors to witness fossils still embedded in the earth. Make sure to join the ranger presentation during your visit; it is truly worthwhile.
Our second day in Waco was dedicated to a visit to the Dr. Pepper Museum. Loving specialty museums, this one suited my tastes perfectly, and I was far from disappointed. The museum provided an intricate account of soda’s history overall, with a particular emphasis on Dr. Pepper, naturally. I genuinely believe even non-soda drinkers would find enjoyment in this museum if they have an interest in history. Those who do enjoy soda will relish the complimentary beverage offered at the tour’s end.
You might also consider these attractions in Waco:
- Cameron Park Zoo
- Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
- Magnolia Market
- Mayborn Museum Complex
Places to Dine
Waco introduced us to the Texas-based chain Tejun – The Texas Cajun. Being a big Cajun food enthusiast, we felt compelled to give it a try, and we were pleasantly satisfied with our decision. The pricing is reasonable, the dishes are savory, and it satisfied my Cajun cravings splendidly. We particularly enjoyed the rear deck, ideal for basking in the warm weather by the water.
Our Accommodation
Our route to Waco took us from Thousand Trails Lake Whitney. As previously mentioned, this proves to be a great option for Thousand Trails members. Individuals not affiliated with Thousand Trails might want to explore lodging at Mother Neff State Park.
Exploring Glen Rose
In Glen Rose, we only spent a brief amount of time, just a day’s visit. Nonetheless, what we experienced was thoroughly delightful, leaving us eager to return!
Activities to Consider
As previously mentioned, our time in Glen Rose was limited. We primarily visited to explore Dinosaur Valley State Park, and it proved to be a journey well worth taking. (Certainly one of central Texas’s finest attractions.)
This park stands out due to its actual fossilized dinosaur footprints. These prints can be found in the riverbed, so it is advisable to visit when the water levels are low for the best viewing experience. We also suggest stopping by the visitor center, joining a ranger-led talk, and indulging in some hiking within the park.
Other attractions in Glen Rose to consider:
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
- Paluxy Heritage Park
- Dinosaur World
- Somerville County Museum
Dining Options
After our park exploration, we strolled into town for a sweet treat at Shoo-Fly Soda Shop. While we did not indulge in any savory dishes, we thoroughly enjoyed our ice cream and the charming ambiance, along with the warm hospitality typical of Texas. I look forward to revisiting this delightful spot to further explore its offerings!
Our Lodging
During our visit to Glen Rose, we lodged in one of the numerous Texas Thousand Trails parks (though specifics evade me due to the passage of time). Nevertheless, I regret not setting up camp in Dinosaur Valley State Park. Yes, you can camp right by the dinosaur tracks there! The park emanated a lovely atmosphere, and I deeply regret not choosing to stay there.
Austin stands out as my preferred city in the whole state of Texas. The vitality of this city is truly captivating to me! I have a deep appreciation for the cultural scene here, and the cuisine is also quite impressive.
Our adventure in Austin was filled with memorable moments, making it one of our top activities in central Texas. Our trek around McKinney Falls State Park was particularly special. While on our favorite trail in the park, rain showers transformed the ground into a haven for slugs. Watching our son enjoy interacting with these small creatures and moving them off the path to safety was a joyous experience.
Within the city itself, a standout attraction for us was Thinkery. It may seem unconventional, but considering that we have children, Thinkery proved to be an ideal spot. We spent two entire days immersing ourselves in the museum. The facility boasts a fascinating imaginary room where kids can engage in role-playing as farmers, chefs, and more. Additionally, there are areas for water-based activities, experimentation with light, reading, and outdoor play structures.
An exceptional and distinctive experience we had in Austin was witnessing the Congress Bridge Bats. In my view, this is a must-see for anyone visiting the city during the summer when the bats inhabit the bridge. To catch a glimpse of the bats, position yourself at the southeast corner of Congress Bridge. It’s advisable to arrive early as the area tends to get crowded. As the sun sets, you’ll witness the incredible sight of hundreds of bats emerging from under the bridge for their nightly hunting expedition. It’s a surreal and breathtaking experience that will remain etched in my memory forever!
A visit to Austin would be incomplete without savoring some barbecue. Among the various options we tried, we concluded that Terry Black’s Barbecue stood out as our favorite choice. For a sweet treat, be sure to locate one of the many Amy’s Ice Creams outlets scattered across the city; this local chain offers delightful ice cream flavors!
During our Austin visit, we set up camp at McKinney Falls State Park. Positioned on the outskirts of the city, this park offers easy access to attractions, and as mentioned earlier, the hiking trails are truly wonderful!
Despite making several trips to the region, there are still numerous attractions in central Texas that we have yet to experience. Below, I have highlighted some spots on our agenda for future visits.
The charming town of Fredericksburg boasts a rich German heritage. It features highly-rated German dining establishments, quaint cafes, small museums, and boutique stores. The town’s Oktoberfest is renowned for being one of the best around!
National Park Service sites always find a place on my itinerary when exploring a new location, and Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is no exception. We are eager to visit this park soon and delve deeper into the history of President Johnson.
Reportedly, Old Tunnel State Park is another site where bats can be observed. Given our fondness for the bat encounter in Austin, visiting this park to witness the bats there seems like a compelling proposition.
Situated just outside Johnson City, Pedernales Falls State Park appears to be an appealing destination for camping, hiking, swimming, and enjoying scenic views.
As evident from our experiences, central Texas offers a plethora of captivating activities. I trust that our family’s adventures have inspired you to rent an RV and embark on your exploration of this region!