Spring Family Fun
Maggi Gallaspy
Walk through a pasture of steel giants, see Lubbock’s most iconic glasses, sit back and relax while children explore a whole new imaginative world, allow butterflies to rest gently on your shoulders, step into the wild West and experience the life of a World War II fighter pilot. These one-of-a-kind experiences are available with a trip to one of Lubbock’s premier museums.
Whether you’re searching for a place to spend a rainy day, just want to get out of the house or have a few history buffs around, taking advantage of the cultural exhibits in these six museums is a great way to spend a spring or summer day.
An extensive look at Lubbock’s museum scene, this list features family-friendly museums with activities for every age.
American Windmill Museum
The largest windmill museum in the world, this plot of Lubbock land is filled with refurbished structures as far as the eyes can see. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., choose between a leisurely stroll through the property and a guided tour if you have a group of 6 or more.
According to the American Windmill Museum website, admission is $7.50 for adults, $5.00 for children 5 to 12 years old, under 5 free, $6.00 for seniors 60+ and veterans, $20.00 for a family of 4 (2 adults & 2 children). Active Duty Military and their household family are admitted free with a Military I.D.
For a unique summer experience, the American Windmill Museum will host a summer art camp from June 5th to July 28th. Kids aged 5 and up are welcome and registration is $130 per week, per student if you are a member of the museum, $150 for non-members.
Buddy Holly Center
Known as the place where art and music collide, the Buddy Holly Center displays and interprets artifacts that pay tribute to musicians of West Texas, most notably Lubbock’s most famous native son, Buddy Holly. Before you step inside, check out the iconic statue of the music legend outside the museum.
Entry into the museum is $10 for general admission, $8 for senior citizens (60+), $5 for children 7-17, $5 for college students with an ID and free to children six and under, museum members and active duty military. If you’re just stopping by for the Fine Arts Gallery, admission is free to all.
This summer, the Buddy Holly Center is hosting a showcase concert series! Every Thursday from May 18 to August 17, local and regional bands will perform across many genres. The concerts will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and are free for all to enjoy. Access to food trucks, a cash bar and free children’s activities will be available! A full concert lineup can be found on the Buddy Holly Center website.
Play Street Museum
This educational play space is a great way to keep your kids entertained during the summer! With a town square and interactive exhibits, kids are free to use their imaginations and creatively play, discover and problem-solve.
Located on Slide road, this museum is in a great location to catch lunch at Blue Sky Texas and fill up on homemade burgers, house-cut fries and perfectly breaded mozzarella sticks. When you leave, swing by another local favorite, J’s Creamery for a sweet treat for you and the kiddos!
Before heading over for a day of adventure, make a reservation ahead of time. Slots are available Monday to Friday 8:30 – 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 pm, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Book on the PSM Lubbock website.
Science Spectrum
The Science Spectrum and Omni Theater have amazing activities for families with younger kids, and the museum features many interactive exhibits, including the Butterflies Alive! event returning March 11 and running through the end of June.
Learn about the magic of bubbles, explore the Children’s Museum, visit the Gallery of Flight, watch a live animal show and more with entry to the museum.
For combo tickets to the museum and theater, prices are $14.50 for adults, $12 for children and seniors and $6.50 for members.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
Be on the lookout for special summer camp details coming soon to their website.
National Ranching Heritage Center
For all things wild west, travel back in time with a stop by the National Ranching Heritage Center. This 27-acre museum and the historical park can be toured by a trolley every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
With educational programs and exhibits about ranching history and contemporary ranching issues, the museum is home to over 50 historical structures that were once in use.
The NRHC is always cooking up something new, and a comprehensive list of events can be found on its website. This summer, they are hosting a Summer Stampede. An art and gear show showcasing western artists and gear makers, tickets are now available to purchase. The event includes live music by Jake Hooker and the opportunity to view and purchase art. Proceeds benefit the museum!
Even though we covered five of Lubbock’s top-tier museums, this list is only the beginning. We hope this serves as an inspiration to help you research and decide which Lubbock treasure you want to explore!