The fascinating town of Amarillo lies along the Texan plains on Route 66.
In between its sandy deserts and grassy plains is where you’ll find the perfect mix of new and old Southern traditions.
This darling borough is known for its interesting museums, space centers, and delicious steak.
Is your family up for viewing breathtaking canyons and historical museums?
Are you ready to immerse yourselves in the rich Texan culture and more?
If so, you might have just found your next family vacation destination. Good job, mom!
Getting excited yet? Check out these fun things to do in Amarillo with kids and get ready for your next family adventure.
1. Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West
19100 FM1258
Amarillo City, TX 79118
(806) 672-9256
Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West started when owner, Phyllis Golden, envisioned sharing the true nature of the American West to travelers from all over the world.
Specializing in food, cattle, hospitality, and tourism, the group proudly boasts their rich lands that match their colorful history.
Why Your Family Should Go
Yee-haw! Riding on horseback would definitely be one of the best things to do in Amarillo with kids.
This place allows you to ride along with actual cowboys and cowgirls along the ledge of Palo Duro Canyon.
While trotting along, your family will experience the traditions of the West and the Texas Panhandle.
What to Do with Kids
Horse rides in Texas are a must when considering attractions for youngsters. Saddle up and listen to history while getting friendly with American Quarter Horses.
Allow your family to relish in a free-range horseback riding experience at the magnificent Los Cedros Ranch. Afterward, catch the sunset overlooking the canyons and enjoy snacks after the long ride.
Recommended Ages
This attraction is recommended for preschool and elementary-aged children. Infants and toddlers younger than 3 are not allowed to ride.
Buddy saddling is available for smaller kids aged 3-6. Children should at least be 7 years old to ride alone.
2. Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum
14501 Interstate Hwy 27
Amarillo City, TX 79110
(806) 690-3377
Jack Sisemore began collecting and restoring vintage RVs which led to the creation of the Traveland RV Museum.
In 2012, he welcomed visitors to enjoy this free museum. Not only does it offer a nostalgic aura but also gives people education about the motors of yesteryear.
It houses the 1st Itasca motorhome ever made. Moreover, the same model came out as the Flxible Bus from the movie, RV.
Why Your Family Should Go
Is there a car lover in your family? If you answered “yes”, then this place would be a hit with them.
Visiting the RV Museum is one of the best free kid-friendly things to do in Amarillo. It would be a great opportunity for the kids to get a glimpse of how caravans used to look and compare them to the RVs of today.
What to Do with Kids
You and your loved ones can learn about the evolution of trailers starting from the early ’30s. Take as many pictures as you want with every unique model there is.
Recommended Ages
If you’re traveling with a baby, this might be a great option for you. Families with small kids and teenagers should also put this museum in their itineraries.
3. American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
1600 Quarter Horse Drive
Amarillo City, TX 79104
(806) 376-4811
The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum contains the world’s largest horse breed registry and membership organization.
It also offers exhibits depicting horses and a theater which reels in a documentary about the history of American Quarter Horses.
Why Your Family Should Go
Are you still wondering about what to do in Amarillo with kids? For a slow-paced and educational day trip, consider bringing your family here to discover how America’s tale started with a horse.
The children can learn about how to take care of equine species while adults get to explore the Hall of Fame and the Grand Hall.
What to Do with Kids
Kids could get firsthand experience on how to own a horse at the Dr. Joni J. Hegel Education Gallery. They’ll enjoy learning about what makes a healthy horse and what tools are needed to maintain it.
After viewing the galleries and exploring the halls, you could request special access to the Reading Room. Enjoy a quiet and elegant library room lined up with literature to enrich your knowledge about equines.
Recommended Ages
A trip to the museum is recommended for all ages; from infants to adults.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Santa Fe Inn
Related: Best Things to Do in Amarillo
4. Cadillac Ranch
13651 I-40 Frontage Rd
Amarillo City, TX 79124
(806) 848-0764
What happens when billionaire Stanley Marsh 3 and art hippies come together?
The result: 10 graffiti-covered Cadillacs with their noses dove midway through the ground along the Route 66 highway.
The public display was meant to bemuse passersby and to recognize the evolution of the Cadillac tail fin.
Why Your Family Should Go
The Cadillac Ranch is free and easy to access. So, if you’re looking for some cheap family-fun, this is the place to be.
What to Do with Kids
This popular attraction has been around for more than 50 years. Bring out your spray paint and let your family add onto its layers and contribute to history.
Don’t forget to take a picture of your work though, as it will disappear shortly. Countless numbers of people come and make their mark on the Cadis every day.
Recommended Ages
This attraction is easily fun for teens. Families with infants and small children might want to skip this as the smell of spray paint might be too strong for the little ones.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Tru by Hilton Amarillo West
Also See:
Austin Attractions for Kids
Kid Friendly Things to Do in Fort Worth
5. Amarillo Botanical Gardens
1400 Streit Drive
Amarillo City, TX 79106
(806) 352-6513
Buried deep inside the beautiful Medi-Park lies the Amarillo Botanical Gardens. Known as the “Oasis on the Plains”, the garden shows off 4.4 acres of astounding flowers, plants, and trees.
Why Your Family Should Go
If you’re planning an educational trip for the kids, this garden will give you what you need. It offers scientific lessons regarding plants and some insects or animals that live in plants.
Another reason why you shouldn’t pass on this venue is that the flowers and plants are just too pretty to ignore.
What to Do with Kids
Your group can join a tour and learn about the history of the garden and the different plants in it.
Watch out for exciting events the garden might be holding during your visit. The children would love taking pictures in the pumpkin patch displays during the fall.
Recommended Ages
The botanical garden is recommended for families with children of all ages. Entrance to the garden is free for children 5 years old and below.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: TownePlace Suites Amarillo West/Medical Center Opens in new window
6. Texas Air & Space Museum
10001 American Dr
Amarillo TX 79111
(806) 335-9159
The Texas Air & Space Museum covers 20 acres of land with more than 5 acres of indoor exhibits. It holds a collection of civilian and military aircraft and artifacts.
For the past 29 years, the museum has been inspiring children to look into the science and technology field as well as aviation.
Why Your Family Should Go
When looking for kids’ activities in Amarillo, TX, this museum offers a variety of fun events related to aeronautics.
If your kids enjoy storytime, then they would love listening to tales about flying legends, pilots, and different planes.
This is also an opportunity for your aspiring pilots to get a feel of an actual aircraft.
What to Do with Kids
Got plans for this weekend? Tour the museum and get hands-on experience with the aircraft. What’s great about this place is that they let guests touch, enter, turn some knobs, and flip some switches.
Recommended Ages
This attraction is recommended for toddlers, school-age children, and teenagers.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Amarillo Airport
Also See:
Things to Do in Houston, TX with Kids
Things to Do in Corpus Christi with Kids
Things to Do with Kids in Waco
7. Amarillo Zoo
700 Comanchero Trail
Amarillo City, TX 79107
(806) 381-7911
The Amarillo Zoo was established in 1955 and since then has been sharing the marvels of the animal kingdom with countless visitors.
The zoo is located in Thompson Park and is home to an array of more than 120 animals representing 70 species.
Why Your Family Should Go
A trip to the zoo is one of the best things to do in Amarillo with toddlers. Amarillo Zoo specializes in preserving indigenous animals of the High Plains, called “Texotic.”
Bring your little ones to see the zoo’s 20-acre range inhabited by the mustang, grazing bison, Texas longhorns, mountain lions, snakes, and spider monkeys.
What to Do with Kids
Do you want your kids to get a glimpse of the wildlife? Take your kids to see Solomon, Sarai, and Sheba, the resident African lions of Amarillo Zoo.
A visit to this zoo will not only be enjoyable for the kids, but informative as well. The zoo’s Safari Show takes place in an outdoor amphitheater where different animals will be introduced. Keepers will also talk about the animal’s diet, living conditions, and a lot more.
Recommended Ages
Amarillo Zoo is open for all ages. Admission for babies below 2 years old is free.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites Amarillo Downtown
8. Palo Duro Zip Line
11100 State Hwy 217 E
Canyon City, TX 79015
(806) 488-2260
The Palo Duro Canyon Adventure Park is located along the 1110 State Highway and
features outdoor fun activities such as ziplining, bouldering, and camping.
Its famous attraction is the Tower Zip where you can soar over 800 feet above the canyon.
Why Your Family Should Go
Feeling adventurous? Face your fears together as a family and try the zipline for a conquering experience. Another major reason to try it is the breathtaking view from above the canyon.
What to Do with Kids
Go ahead and take the plunge! Choose a zip line appropriate for your child’s age. However, if you feel like it’s not for you, your family can also try bouldering.
To complete the experience, you can also go camping in the park and rent an RV.
Recommended Ages
Ziplining is recommended for older children, teenagers, and adults. Small tots and infants can also enjoy camping.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express – Canyon, an IHG Hotel
Also See:
Things for Kids to Do in San Antonio
Things to Do in Dallas for Kids
Kids Activities: Galveston
9. Don Harrington Discovery Center
1200 Streit Drive
Amarillo City, Texas 79106
(806) 355-9547
The Don Harrington Discovery Center is a non-profit science center and planetarium in Amarillo, Texas.
It has been catering to students and families for more than 40 years. Visitors are welcome to explore 8,000 square feet of its interactive exhibits and space center.
Why Your Family Should Go
A family-friendly interactive space and science center only spells one thing: fun!
Allow your family to experience the full-dome planetarium where kids can learn a lot about the galaxy and beyond. The Space Theater will give you the feel of being in actual outer space.
What to Do with Kids
The Discovery Center offers some of the best family activities in Amarillo. Go through the different exhibits with your kids and discover how things move through land, sea, and air.
After which, check out the outdoor science park that allows hands-on learning and a space gallery to learn about weather conditions on Earth and its neighboring planets.
The Kinderstudio also offers a lot of activities for toddlers and younger children. It features an imaginative tumbling and climbing space, toys, and a small show for them to enjoy.
Recommended Ages
The Don Harrington Discovery Center is one of the most highly recommended places to take kids in Amarillo. Fun activities are available for everyone.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Atrea Inn Amarillo
Related: Best Restaurants in Amarillo
10. Wonderland Park
2601 Dumas Dr
Amarillo City, TX 79107
(806) 383-3344
It was in 1951 when couple, Paul and Althea Roads, made their dream come alive with the opening of Kiddie Land, now known as Wonderland Park.
The amusement park attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year and continues to cater to families from all over the globe.
Why Your Family Should Go
Wonderland Park offers a lot of fun attractions for kids such as the Himalaya, Sky Ride, and The Rainbow.
Your teens would not want to miss a chance on trying the Texas Tornado. This ride is known as one of the top steel roller coasters in the U.S.
What to Do with Kids
Let your kids pick which ride they want to go on, and join them! Classic rides such as Bumper Cars, Fiesta Swings, and the Scrambler are a must when bringing your family to the amusement park.
If you prefer a more slow-paced activity, your family could also go Mini Golfing.
Aside from the different attractions, arcades are also available in the park. Show your competitive side and see who gets the highest score.
Recommended Ages
Wonderland Park is recommended for all ages. Even adults are sure to have a blast during their visit here.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Amarillo Downtown
Also See:
Family Things to Do in Fredericksburg
What to Do in El Paso with Kids
Fun Things to Do in Frisco with Kids
11. Globe-News Center
401 S. Buchanan
Amarillo City, TX 79101
(806) 378-3096
The Amarillo Civic Center Complex holds both the Amarillo Civic Center and the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.
The Globe-News Center houses the splendid Carol Bush Emeny Performance Hall. It seats 1,300 guests and has a unique design, making it one of the famous landmarks in Amarillo.
Why Your Family Should Go
If you or your kids are into theatrical shows, a visit to this place would be perfect.
This would be a great opportunity to bond with the family while appreciating music and the arts.
What to Do with Kids
Interest your teens in watching a show or pageant with you.
The Globe-News Center houses various events such as The Texas Knife and Gun Show and Teen Universe Texas.
Younger kids might also be interested in performances like the HERPS Exotic Reptile and Pet Show.
Recommended Ages
The Globe-News Center is recommended for older kids and teenagers. Small children might have a hard time being glued to their seats throughout the show.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Amarillo, an IHG Hotel
12. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
2401 4th Ave
Canyon City, TX 79015
(806) 651-2244
Considered as Texas’ largest history museum, the PPHM covers an area of about 26,000 square miles.
An array of exhibits portray the history of the Panhandle-Plains region. However, the fun part is that the displays change bi-annually to annually.
Why Your Family Should Go
Are you still thinking of stuff to do with kids near you? Consider going for an educational tour at the museum and allow your kids to appreciate ancient and modern art significant to Panhandle history.
What to Do with Kids
Do your kids love dinosaurs? The PPHM holds special events including dino-themed ones such as The Raptor Run and Dino Fun.
Race through the museum and claim your medal at the finish line. The children will have a fun time participating and learning more about the extinct creatures.
Little kids will also get a chance to meet Buddy the Dinosaur, who will teach them about ancient fossils.
Recommended Ages
Visiting the museum is one of the most fun things to do in Amarillo with kids and is recommended for all ages.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Palo Duro Canyon Inn & Suites
13. The Big Texan
7701 Interstate 40 East Access Rd
Amarillo, TX 79118
(806) 372-6000
Established in 1960, The Big Texan became one of the most visited spots in Amarillo, TX. They have their own brewery which produces 11 kinds of beer that Texans love and enjoy today.
Why Your Family Should Go
If your family loves food challenges, then The Big Texan is where you need to grab a bite. Their 72oz steak challenge is what put them in the spotlight. It is one of the most well-known challenges in the country, and over 100,000 people have tried it!
This is a place that you shouldn’t miss if you’re in Amarillo, TX.
What to Do with Kids
After checking off all the fun things to do in Amarillo with kids, end your day by sharing a meal with them at the Big Texan. While attempting their steak challenge, order the Little Texan, a 5oz steak that comes with sides, and make your kids feel that they’re doing the challenge too!
Recommended Ages
The Big Texan caters to all ages and will keep you all coming back for more.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Amarillo East
14. Amarillo Little Theatre, Inc.
2019 Civic Circle
Amarillo, Texas 79109
(806) 355-9991
Established in 1927, this theater is one of the oldest operating theatres in the country. It is a nonprofit organization that also teaches theater and acting in their academy.
Why Your Family Should Go
Have a taste of Broadway and quench your love for theater in this spot in Amarillo. The theater plays are mesmerizing with colorful props and strong characters.
The plays and drama are family-friendly and perfect for everyone. It’s one of the places to take kids in Amarillo.
It will be like watching a movie with your loved ones, only better!
What to Do with Kids
Sit back, relax, and watch the magic unfold on stage with each adventure. Sing and watch with the talented cast members on that captivating stage.
Even better, your kids get to meet their heroes backstage after the show for pictures!
Recommended Ages
The storylines and themes of this theater are suitable for all ages.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: TownePlace Suites Amarillo West/Medical Center
List of image sources
Amarillo Kids Activities: 14 Family Things to Do for 2022
- Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West
- Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum
- American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
- Cadillac Ranch
- Amarillo Botanical Gardens
- Texas Air & Space Museum
- Amarillo Zoo
- Palo Duro Zip Line
- Don Harrington Discovery Center
- Wonderland Park
- Globe-News Center
- Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
- The Big Texan
- Amarillo Little Theatre, Inc.
