7 Ways to Entertain the Family in Abilene
Oplin House is located about 25 minutes outside Abilene, Texas. Once a frontier settlement, Abilene has a rich history and is an ideal destination for couples and families seeking entertainment at a slower pace than a major metropolitan city.
If you can peel your family away from Oplin House once you arrive, a trip to Abilene is a fun way to spend a day.
Here are our favorite family activities in Abilene:
625 N 1st St, Abilene
Frontier Texas! Is an ideal destination for families. Although we have to caution some of the museum exhibits might be scary for kids under 8, the museum is an exciting spot to discover the history of the area in an engaging, interactive way. Holograms tell the stories of settlers and Native Americans who first discovered and settled in the area.
Pro tip: Most Saturdays at noon, the museum hosts a live shootout in its courtyard. Free to the public, actors recreate the story of an 1884 saloon shootout that occurred just across the street in Downtown Abilene.
102 Cypress St, Abilene
While downtown, another great destination for young children is The Grace Museum. Each floor boasts new reasons for visitors to peruse, from local and international art galleries to exhibits about the history of Abilene and an extensive children’s area where kids can practice art, play pretend and explore science.
2070 Zoo Ln, Abilene
An impressive collection of wildlife for a town the size of Abilene, the local zoo beckons families with breezy, shaded walkways and several interactive opportunities for young children. Check the event calendar before you visit as this attraction regularly hosts special activities for kids.
2070 Zoo Ln, Abilene
The Abilene Zoo is actually located within Nelson Park park, which also boasts many miles of walking trails, two expansive playgrounds and a splash pad.
4541 Loop 322, Abilene
It’s tough to choose the biggest attraction at this family entertainment center, but hopefully your family can narrow down whether they want to tackle mini golf, laser tag, the arcade or the go karts first.
352 Cypress St, Abilene
This historic theater doesn’t play new releases, but that’s all part of the allure. Their curated film selection often features family-friendly films at great ticket prices. Parents will love the opportunity to step back in time in the beautifully-restored building.
Pro tip: Harkening back to old movie times, this theater puts an intermission in most screenings so viewers can grab refreshments in the basement concession stand.
7925 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene
Before heading back to Oplin House, load up on ribs, chops and sausages at this award-winning meat market and bring it to the house to create a gourmet meal for the family.
