31 Best & Fun Things To Do in Lubbock, Texas
If you’re planning a trip to Lubbock, Texas, and searching for the best and most enjoyable activities, look no further. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the 31 best and fun things to do in Lubbock, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this vibrant West Texas city.
Whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, a sports enthusiast, or simply seeking family-friendly entertainment, Lubbock has a wealth of options to cater to your interests. Get ready to discover the top attractions and experiences that make Lubbock a fantastic destination for unforgettable adventures.
31 Best & Fun Things To Do in Lubbock, Texas 2024
1. National Ranching Heritage Center
One of the best and most fun things to do in Lubbock, Texas is to visit the National Ranching Heritage Center. This museum offers a glimpse into Texas’ ranching heritage. Take a guided tour through historic structures which span 19 acres of space and learn about the pioneers who shaped the region’s ranching industry.
2. Museum of Texas Tech University
Although the Museum of Texas Tech University is designed as a research and educational space, it is open to the public as one of the many fun things to do in Lubbock. The museum has numerous attraction which is divided into parts, the main museum building, research facilities, and a planetarium.
As a tourist or local, you can see exhibits on topics like ecology, planetology, and art and design. You can then go to the planetarium to learn about the galaxies and outer space.
3. Lubbock Water Rampage
Your visit to Lubbock would not be complete without visiting the Lubbock Water Rampage. The Water Rampage offers a good attraction to tourists and locals from Pirate’s Cove, a lazy river for relaxation, or the wave pool and slides for adventure. You can also make a reservation for the picnic grounds for parties and events.
4. Buddy Holly Center
One of the best and fun things to do in Lubbock is to visit the Buddy Holy Center. This interesting museum and art center has exhibits and artifacts relating to Buddy Holly as well as rotating art exhibits. Take your time to explore all the interesting attractions like the cases of guitars, costumes, and iconic glasses. You can also take a picture with the towering Buddy Holly statue.
5. American Wind Power Center
Also known as the American Windmill Museum, the American Wind Power Center is one of the best places to visit in Lubbock, Texas. The American Wind Power Center features over 160 American windmills and exhibits their stories and highlights their importance. Additionally, you can see some train exhibits.
6. Antique Mall of Lubbock
Looking for fun things to do in Lubbock, then visit the Antique Mall of Lubbock. Founded in 1985, the Antique Mall of Lubbock specializes in American Antiques and Collectibles.
Spanning 24,000 square feet, the Antique Mall is home to some of the finest collections in the Southwest. The Antique Mall is unique in its large selection of general stores, drug stores, and pharmacy items. It also has a large selection of toys, posters, oil company sites, vintage clothing, and crockery among others.
7. Mackenzie Park
Your visit to Lubbock would not be complete without visiting the Mackenzie Park. The park offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities. You can engage in a round of golf, go fishing in the lake, enjoy a picnic, or take a ride on the Joyland Amusement Park rides located within the park.
8. McPherson Cellars Winery
One of the best fun things to do in Lubbock is to have a taste of the few local wineries like McPherson. The McPherson Cellars Winery has a tasting room where you can try a variety of reds, whites, and roses. You can also have a taste of this spectacular wine on the outdoor patio.
9. Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark
Tourists interested in history and archeology would not miss visiting Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark. The Lubbock Lake Landmark sits on 336 acres of land protected by state and federal landmarks due to evidence of an ancient civilization that dates back as long as 12,000 years.
Radiocarbon dating has shown evidence relating to ancient animals, including extinct species. As part of the fun things to do in Lubbock, you can learn about these archaeological finds and explore the grounds.
10. Adventure Park
A trip to Adventure Park is one of the best and fun things to do in Lubbock, Texas. Located in the city’s west end, the amusement park has mini-golf, a ropes course, ziplining, and much more which is perfect for a family vacation.
11. Charles Adams Gallery
Located within the Lubbock Cultural District, visiting the Charles Adams Gallery is one of the fun things to do in the city. The gallery is a hotspot for tourists who love culture and art. The Charles Adams Gallery features permanent and rotating exhibits.
12. Cactus Theater
Your visit to Lubbock would not be fulfilling without attending an entertaining show at the historic Cactus Theater. The performing art venue is a great place to go for a date night. From live music concerts to theatrical performances, this iconic venue hosts a diverse range of talent throughout the year.
13. Llano Estacado Winery
One of the best and fun things to do in Lubbock is to explore wine tasting at Llano Estacado Winery. During your adventure, you can do a guided tasting in Texas’ best tasting room, which includes six samples. Also, you can get a flight of four samples at your pace on the outdoor patio.
14. Silent Wings Museum
Visiting the Silent Wings Museum is one of the fun things to do in Lubbock, Texas. The museum exhibits World War II airplanes. The museum also collects, preserves, records, interpret, and exhibit all sort of artifacts and information related to the glider program used by the US military during World War II.
15. Lake Alan Henry
Visiting Lake Alan Henry is one of the best and fun things to do in Lubbock, Texas. Located in the upper Brazos River Basin, the lake is a top recreational spot for tourists and locals. While at the lake, you can engage in activities such as fishing, water skiing, hunting, and other outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
16. Science Spectrum Museum and Omni Theater
The Science Spectrum Museum and Omni Theater is an amazing and fun location for visitors visiting Lubbock. The interactive science museum offers hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater. It’s a fantastic destination for families and science enthusiasts of all ages.
17. Prairie Dog Town
For animal lovers and naturalists, one of the free things to do in Lubbock, TX is to visit Prairie Dog Town. Located in Mackenzie Park, Prairie Dog Town is a habitat for prairie dogs as well as other wildlife. The park was established in the 1930s as a way to protect the animals and help them thrive.
18. Ballet Lubbock
Looking for fun things to do in Lubbock, TX, then you need to see a performance by Ballet Lubbock. Various performances are held throughout the year, and if you’re in the city around the holidays, check the schedule to see if there’s anything showing tonight!
19. Caviel Museum of African-American History
Visiting the Caviel Museum of African-American History is another fun and free thing to do in Lubbock. The museum is the first of its kind in West Texas. The museum covers African-American history and culture, with many exhibits focused on the African-American community in Lubbock and the surrounding area.
20. Buffalo Springs Lake
Located just 20 minutes outside central Lubbock, visiting Buffalo Springs Lake is one of the free fun things to do in Lubbock. Buffalo Springs Lake offers a good ambiance and several outdoor recreations like hiking, fishing, and water skiing.
21. Have a Taste of Authentic Texas Barbeque
Apart from visiting some historic sites and parks, one of the fun things to do in Lubbock is indulge in authentic Texas barbeque. Texas has a unique way of preparing barbeque and Lubbock boasts of excellent joints where you can delight in tender brisket, ribs, and flavorful sides.
22. South Plains Mall
One of the best things to do in Lubbock is to go shopping. Lubbock offers excellent shopping opportunities, and the South Plains Mall is a shopper’s paradise. Browse a wide range of stores, from popular brands to local boutiques, and indulge in some retail therapy.
23. Lubbock Moonlight Musicals
There is never a dull moment whenever you’re in Lubbock. If you’re a lover of musical theater, you don’t want to miss the opportunity of attending a performance by the Lubbock Moonlight Musicals. From Broadway classics to contemporary productions, their shows are a treat for theater enthusiasts.
24. West Texas Walk of Fame
One of the fun things to do in Lubbock is to visit the West Texas Walk of Fame. Here you can pay tribute to the influential individuals hailing from West Texas who have made significant contributions to various fields, including music, sports, and the arts. Take a walk along the West Texas Walk of Fame and learn about these remarkable personalities.
25. Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market
While on vacation in Lubbock, TX, you can explore local flavors at the Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market. At the market, you’ll discover fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local delicacies. It is also a way of supporting local vendors, tasting regional flavors, and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of this community gathering.
26. American Museum of Agriculture
One of the fun and best things to do in Lubbock is to visit the American Museum of Agriculture. At the gallery, you will learn about the history of agriculture and farming equipment at the American Museum of Agriculture. You can also explore exhibits showcasing vintage tractors, machinery, and artifacts that highlight the evolution of farming practices.
27. Lubbock Symphony Orchestra
For lovers of music, you can have fun in Lubbock by experiencing the magic of live orchestral music by attending a performance by the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. From classical symphonies to contemporary compositions, their concerts are sure to captivate music lovers.
28. The Depot Entertainment District
Looking for fun things to do in Lubbock, Texas, then visit the Depot Entertainment District. The Depot Entertainment District offers a diverse entertainment scene. Here you see live music, eat, and drink some of the finest local selections, or watch a show at an iconic theatre.
29. Louise Hopkins Underwood Art Center
One of the best things to do in Lubbock is to visit the Louise Hopkins Underwood Art Center. The center is an arts complex that hosts workshops, art exhibitions, performances, and much more. You can attend a dance or art class or just admire pieces by local artists at the onsite gallery.
30. Pheasant Ridge Winery
One of the best and fun things to do in Lubbock is to explore wine tasting at Pheasant Ridge Winery. As one of Texas’s oldest wineries, you will have a taste of some of their best wine collections.
31. Legacy Play Village
Looking for where to have fun with your family while in Lubbock, then visit the Legacy Play Village. Opened in 2001, the Legacy Play Village is full of recreational and educational activities. It has a three-story wooden playground for children and boasts multiple picnic areas and pavilions.
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning a family or romantic getaway, Lubbock, Texas sure offers a plethora of engaging and enjoyable activities for visitors of all ages and interests. From immersing yourself in music history to exploring museums, enjoying outdoor recreation, and savoring local flavors, Lubbock ensures a memorable experience.
