Best Things to do in Waco | Must-see attractions 2025

Mayborn Museum Complex

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1300 S University Parks Dr

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Strecker Museum Complex in Waco, Texas features hands-on discovery rooms and engaging exhibits on natural science, history, and a 19th-century village.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may have a ticket fee.

Waco Convention Center

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

100 Washington Avenue

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Waco Convention Center, located in Waco, Texas, hosts various events including conventions, meetings, and entertainment shows with a capacity exceeding 4,000 attendees.

Duration: About 2-3 hours.

Free entry for public events. Some private events may require a ticket.

Historic Waco Foundation

2:00 PM–5:00 PM

Museum

503 S 4th St (Webster Street)

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Fort House Museum, one of four Historic Waco Foundation house museums, showcases Waco's history through exhibits and living-past performances.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Baylor University

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

1301 South University Parks Drive

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Baylor University, a private Baptist institution in Waco, Texas, offers comprehensive education and a rich history since 1845. It's known for academic excellence and vibrant campus life.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free to visit the campus. Some events may require entrance fees.

Waco Hippodrome Theatre

4:00 PM–12:00 AM

Theater

724 Austin Ave (8th St.)

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The Waco Hippodrome, a historic theater in Waco, Texas, offers movies, live performances, and a unique charm dating back to its 1914 foundation.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Tickets range from $10-$20, with discounts for seniors and children on select events.

East Terrace House Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

100 Mill St (Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd)

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East Terrace Museum in Waco, USA, is a historic Victorian house showcasing local art, cultural history, and guided tours through its elegant rooms.

Duration: 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintaining the museum.

The Old Art Center

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Gallery

1300 College Dr

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The Art Center in Waco, Texas, offers diverse contemporary art exhibitions, workshops, and community events, serving as a hub for local artistry and education.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events and classes may require registration or a fee.

Earle Harrison House

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

1901 N 5th St

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Earle Harrison House in Waco offers a rich collection of native plants and trees, emphasizing sustainability and education amidst serene landscapes.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special workshops may require a small fee.

Waco Regional Airport

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Airport

7909 Karl May Dr

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Waco Regional Airport, located in Waco, Texas, serves as a regional hub with commercial flights and multiple amenities for travelers.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free access to the terminal area; fees apply for specific services like parking.

Cameron Park Zoo

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Zoo

1701 N 4th St

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Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas features 52 acres of natural habitat with over 1,700 animals, diverse species, and recreational trails.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Adults 13+: $9, Children 4-12: $6, Seniors: $8.

Dr Pepper Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

300 South 5th Street

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The DR Pepper Museum in Waco, Texas, is dedicated to the history of the nation's oldest major soft drink, showcasing memorabilia and exhibits across three floors.

Duration: More than 1 hour.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Cameron Park

7:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

2601 N University Parks Dr

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Cameron Park in Waco, Texas, is a 400-acre city park featuring two rivers, hiking trails, playgrounds, and a zoo, ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some activities may have additional costs.

Spice Village

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Mall

213 Mary Ave On the Corner of 2nd Street and Franklin Ave

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Spice Village in Waco, TX offers a unique shopping experience with over 60 stores, featuring a variety of apparel, home decor, and vintage finds under one roof.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may have a charge.

Martin Museum of Art

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

60 Baylor Avenue

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The Martin Museum of Art in Waco, Texas, features a rich collection of artworks and hosts various exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free entry. Some special exhibitions may require a ticket.

Richland Mall

Mo-Sa 10:00-21:00; Su 12:00-18:00

Mall

6001 W Waco Dr (at Hwy 6 & Hwy 84)

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Richland Mall in Waco, TX offers over 100 specialty shops, major department stores like Sears and JCPenney, and diverse dining options at an easily accessible location.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free to enter. Individual stores and dining options may have their own costs.

Waco Suspension Bridge

Open 24 hours

Bridge

Doris Miller Park

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The Waco Suspension Bridge, built in 1870, is the oldest standing suspension bridge in Texas and a popular pedestrian-only landmark over the Brazos River.

Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Free.

Art Forum of Waco

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Gallery

1826 Morrow Ave

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Art Forum of Waco features contemporary exhibitions focusing on local and regional artists, contributing to Waco's cultural landscape and artistic dialogue.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Hawaiian Falls Waco

11:00 AM–9:00 PM

Amusement Park

900 Lake Shore Dr

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Hawaiian Falls Waco offers a variety of water attractions including a wave pool, slides, and a lazy river in a family-friendly seasonal park.

Duration: 3 to 5 hours.

Paid admission. Discounts available for children and groups.

Brazos Park East

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

2000 Martin Luther King

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Brazos Park East in Waco features scenic views along the Brazos River, offering trails, picnic areas, and recreational facilities for visitors of all ages.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free.

McCulloch House Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

407 Columbus Ave (4th Street)

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McCulloch House Museum in Waco highlights historical artifacts from the 19th century, focusing on local history and culture with guided tours and educational programs.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special programs may require a fee.

The Olive Branch Christian Fellowship

6:00 PM–8:00 PM

Church

1101 Columbus Ave

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The Olive Branch Christian Fellowship in Waco, United States, offers spiritual growth through community engagement, worship, and family programs.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a ticket.

Cultivate 7twelve

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Museum

712 Austin Ave (8th)

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Cultivate 7twelve in Waco offers a versatile cultural venue for art exhibitions, live music, workshops, and artisan goods, supporting local creativity and community engagement.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Varies by event. Some events are free, while others may require a ticket purchase.

Central Texas Marketplace

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Mall

2400 W Loop 340

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Central Texas Marketplace is a shopping center in Waco, Texas, featuring diverse retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. A hub for locals and visitors alike.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Special events may charge a fee.

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

100 Texas Ranger Trl (at I-35 and S University Parks Dr)

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Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco showcases law enforcement history with artifacts, photos, and programs dedicated to Texas Rangers.

Duration: 2 hours.

Adults: $7, Children (ages 6-12): $4, Under 6: Free.

Waco Mammoth National Monument

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

6220 Steinbeck Bend Drive

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Waco Mammoth National Monument features in-situ fossils of a herd of Columbian mammoths, offering insights into Pleistocene wildlife in Texas. It's a key paleontological site in the U.S.

Duration: 1.5–2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Crestview Park

Dawn to Dusk

Amusement Park

4700 Sanger (New Road)

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Crestview Park in Waco offers expansive green spaces, picnic facilities, and playgrounds, making it an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. No admission fees apply for accessing the park.

Miss Nellie's Pretty Place

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Garden

2602 N University Parks Dr

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Miss Nellie's Pretty Place in Waco, Texas offers scenic views and nature trails, making it a prime spot for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors seeking tranquility.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free entry for all visitors.

Kendrick Park

6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Park

Bagby (Kendrick)

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Kendrick Park in Waco, Texas, is a community park featuring recreational facilities, open green spaces, and scenic walking paths for outdoor enjoyment.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Free. No entry fee is required to access the park.

Northern Gateway Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Amusement Park

704 Park Lake Dr

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Northern Gateway Park in Waco, Texas, is a city park offering green spaces, walking trails, and recreational facilities for residents and visitors.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require registration.

First Baptist Church Waco

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

500 Webster Ave (btw 4th St. & 5th St.)

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First Baptist Church Waco, established in 1855, serves as a prominent place of worship and community hub in Waco, TX, known for its rich history and modern facilities.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Services and events may have associated costs.

Union Missionary Baptist Church

9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Church

112 Clay Ave

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Union Missionary Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, is a historic place of worship founded in 1878, known for its beautiful architecture and community outreach.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. No admission fee is required.

Bosque River Stage

5:00 PM–11:00 PM

Theater

Waco

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Bosque River Stage in Waco, USA, offers live music experiences with scenic river views and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for all music lovers.

Duration: Approximately 2-4 hours for events.

Free. Donations are welcomed during performances.

Waco Hall

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Theater

624 Speight St (Baylor University)

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Waco Hall, located in Waco, Texas, is a multi-purpose facility serving as a venue for concerts, events, and recreational activities, contributing to local culture and community engagement.

Duration: 1-2 hours, depending on the event.

Free for many events; some special concerts and exhibits require a paid ticket.

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

1701 Dutton Ave (btw 17th & 18th)

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University Baptist Church Waco is a historic Baptist congregation established in 1960, known for its striking architecture and community engagement in Waco, Texas.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations welcome but not required.