By Sean Robertson
As the fall season begins to creep up on us and the weather cools down, it is the perfect time to put together some activities for your family this fall. Lubbock, Texas houses quite a few wonderful places that not only rejoice in fall but also offer educational fun for children and adults. Ditch the regular routine for one of these unique, kid-friendly spots to make a memory-filled autumn experience.
The American Windmill Museum
At the top of this list of family fall activities, on the east side of Lubbock, a family can experience an outdoor interactive experience wandering through more than 170 windmills that represent the historic past of wind energy in the region. As your family walks through the displays, they will learn about the history of wind power, starting with primitive water-pumping windmills through to modern energy-generating machines. Fall is an ideal time to walk the grounds and tour the museum’s outdoor exhibits due to more comfortable temperatures. Children’s imaginations are captured by the size and mechanics of such massive structures with interactive displays and miniature train models. Whether you’re into history or just in search of a quiet day out, the American Windmill Museum is an enriching fall activity for people of all ages. It is special because it has interactive displays that are unique to Lubbock’s cultural and historical fabric.
Visit American Windmill Museum
The Corn Maze at At’l Do Farms
What better way to do fall than with a visit to the Corn Maze at At’l Do Farms? The venue is an iconic Lubbock attraction and more than just a maze; it’s an experience. Whether your family enjoys getting lost in the winding paths of the maze or taking a relaxing hayride, there’s something for everyone. The pumpkin patch and cow train cater best to the kids, and the fresh air and lovely autumn landscape make a perfect outdoor day. At’l Do Farms has an edge from other destinations because it is more of a seasonal event – one can do these activities only in the fall, so it is a must-try, limited-time kind of experience.
Prairie Dog Town
If you have a family that is fascinated by wildlife, Prairie Dog Town is a great spot for adults and kids alike.
The location at Mackenzie Park is an ideal spot to let your kids see the prairie dogs in their natural habitat. Your kids will be able to view these charming prairie dogs up close and personal, learning all about them: their behaviors and ecosystem. Fall’s mild temperatures are the perfect time to visit. Prairie Dog Town exhibits the prairie dogs where an individual can see them in a broad open space.
National Ranching Heritage Center
This is one of the very informative, yet intriguing, places one can visit in the autumn.
The museum boasts 50-plus historic ranch buildings, bringing to life for your family the life and culture of the Old West.
Walking through the outdoor exhibits in cooler weather makes for a much more comfortable experience, and kids get to learn about Texas history in a much more hands-on way. Unlike most museums, at the Heritage Center, you don’t just look at something behind glass; you walk through real ranch buildings for a much more interactive experience in learning about Texas history.
Discover the National Ranching Heritage Center
Buddy Holly Center
The Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock is dedicated to this hometown hero, and its programming is sure to educate and entertain guests of all ages.
The center has many exciting events and exhibitions ideal for family visits, as children learn first-hand the story of rock ‘n’ roll history. Buddy Holly Center is by no means the only museum for music; it is quite special in that it has a hometown connection to Lubbock and American music.
This makes it a cultural experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
Learn more about the Buddy Holly Center
Lubbock Arboretum
For a quiet but enlightening fall afternoon, share the joys of the season with your family at the Lubbock Arboretum. Ninety-three acres of gardens await one’s pleasurable exploration during this time of seasonal change. It’s a peaceful getaway from everyday hustle and bustle, and children can learn about native plants and ecosystems. The Arboretum offers a more organic experience with nature compared to other more structured, man-made attractions. It’s just perfect for a family endeavor into nature.
Why Choose These Spots Over Others?
Although family activities abound most anywhere, the experiences at these destinations are either unique to fall itself or unique to Lubbock’s cultural and historical background. Few visitors would ever be able to walk through a ranch museum or get lost in a corn maze anywhere else, let alone any other time of year. By choosing such type of destinations, you make it possible for your family to make memories that are pinned to seasons and beyond the usual weekend away.
Instead of doing the conventional indoor attractions, make the most of this fall weather and these unique spots to visit in Lubbock. Whether you want great outdoor fun, educational experiences, or merely some serious family time, this list of places will ensure your fall is full of adventure and discovery.
https://visitlubbock.org/listing/prairie-dog-town/
https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/buddy-holly-center/home
http://www.lubbockarboretum.org/
