Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau
About
Your first stop for family fun in Abilene! This friendly tourism office serves as your command center for discovering the best kid-friendly attractions, festivals, and events happening across the city. The knowledgeable staff provides free maps, brochures, and insider advice to help you plan the perfect family itinerary, whether you're visiting for a weekend or just passing through.
Highlights
- ✓Free maps, guides, and discount coupons for family attractions
- ✓Personalized recommendations from local tourism experts who know the best kid-friendly spots
- ✓Current calendar of festivals, parades, and seasonal family events
- ✓Information about guided tours and unique regional experiences
- ✓Clean restrooms and a comfortable space to plan your day
Pro Tips
- 1.Stop here first thing on your trip to grab discount coupons and vouchers for local attractions that can save your family serious money.
- 2.Ask about the current seasonal events calendar. Staff often know about free festivals, outdoor movies, and special kids' programs not widely advertised online.
- 3.Request the family-friendly dining guide with restaurants that offer kids-eat-free nights.
- 4.Visit on weekday mornings when staff have more time to provide detailed, customized itinerary suggestions for your family.
- 5.Pick up the self-guided tour maps for historic downtown and public art installations, perfect for an educational scavenger hunt with older kids.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Monday through Thursday mornings when the office is less busy and staff can spend quality time helping you plan your Abilene adventure. Go first thing at 8:30 AM if arriving on the weekend when Friday hours are limited and Saturday/Sunday are closed.
What to Know
Completely free to visit with ample street parking nearby. Note the limited Friday hours (8:30 AM to noon only) and weekend closures, so plan to stop by during weekday business hours for the full range of services.
Seasonal Notes
Check in about seasonal highlights like the Western Heritage Classic in May, summer splash pad schedules, fall harvest festivals, and holiday light displays. The bureau can point you to the best time-specific family activities happening during your visit.
Nearby Eats
Downtown Abilene is just blocks away with family favorites like Cypress Street Station for burgers and The Beehive Restaurant for comfort food and generous portions that satisfy hungry kids.
More Activities Near Abilene
Dyess Air Force Base
Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene hosts an exciting annual air show that brings military aviation to life for families. Kids get up close to impressive aircraft, watch thrilling aerial performances, and explore interactive exhibits that make learning about military history and flight exciting and memorable.
Cook Children's Pediatric Specialties (Abilene)
Cook Children's Pediatric Specialties in Abilene offers families a unique opportunity to explore health and wellness through interactive displays that make learning about nutrition and healthy habits fun. This educational facility transforms important health concepts into engaging, kid-friendly experiences that spark curiosity and conversation about taking care of their bodies.
Elmwood Drive
Elmwood Drive is a spacious community park that checks all the boxes for an action-packed family day out in Abilene. With its combination of a refreshing splash pad, multiple playgrounds, winding hiking trails, and open sports facilities, there's something to keep every family member entertained for hours. The generous picnic areas make it easy to pack a lunch and settle in for the whole afternoon.
Grover Nelson Park
Grover Nelson Park is a spacious community park in Abilene that offers something for every member of the family. With well-maintained playground equipment for various age groups, shaded picnic areas perfect for family gatherings, and walking trails that are great for strollers or bikes, this park makes it easy to spend quality time outdoors without spending a dime.