Fun Family Things To Do In Wichita Falls Tx

View The Falls In Wichita Falls

THINGS TO DO IN WICHITA FALLS, TX | My Trip | Small town USA

After learning about the new Falls at Wichita Falls, of course we had to visit them. We took a walk along the Wichita River to find them in Lucy Park. As noted previously in this post, the residents of Wichita Falls were constantly being asked Where are the falls? Finally, in 1987, new falls were constructed.

According to the official website for The Falls, the height of the three-tiered falls is 54 feet. I was intrigued by a plaque affixed to a stone near the falls. It was given to the citizens of Wichita Falls by the citizens of Niagara Falls, New York, to commemorate the return of the falls to the city. What a kind gesture!

Visit The Worlds Littlest Skyscraper

A tour of Wichita Falls would not be complete without a stop at the Worlds Littlest Skyscraper. Its currently part of a chic decor consignment boutique called Hello Again! The owner was quite friendly and happy to share the story of the tower. In 1919, so the story goes, a man named J.D. McMahon collected $800,000 from investors to construct a building 480 feet tall. When the investors approved the plans for the structure, they failed to notice that the specifications were labeled in inches, not feet. The resulting building was only 480 inches tall, not 480 feet!

The investors tried to sue McMahon, but lost the lawsuit. The judge ruled in McMahons favor because the investors had approved the plans. When Ripleys Believe It Or Not dubbed the building the Worlds Littlest Skyscraper, the name stuck. We were able to venture up into the four-story tower, which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Another fun, free feature of Wichita Falls!

Watch A Free Air Show

For our final freebie stop of the day, we journeyed out to the Wichita Falls Regional Airport. The airport shares a runway with Sheppard Air Force Base, so spectators may often witness T-38 Jet Trainers landing or taking off. In addition to the military flyovers, an exploration of the terminal building reveals another free attraction.

Carefully restored vintage aircraft and automobiles occupy the Jenny to Jet Exhibit. One half of the exhibit commemorates the first military training facility in the area, Call Field. The Curtiss Jenny biplane on display is one of only five in existence which can still take to the air. Vintage Model-T military vehicles are displayed as well, along with helpful narration and a variety of artifacts from the World War 1 era.

On the other side of the exhibit is the portion devoted to the modern era. A restored T-38 Jet Trainer is displayed, along with a jet engine and other modern military items. Information about the history of Sheppard Air Force Base is provided in a narrated video presentation.

Although our visit to the airport was free, we did have to pay for parking. Since we were only there for a brief time, we used a parking meter. Technically, our visit cost us 50 cents. In the interest of full disclosure, I needed to let you know about that small detail.

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The Best Things To Do In Wichita Falls Texas

Wichita Falls is the perfect first stop in your Texas visit.

Its a welcoming town with its small city charms and fantastic attractions.

Its got everything you need for a great trip nature, history, and unique attractions.

Dive into our guide to the best things to do in this little town!

The city is right between Dallas and Oklahoma City, so its a perfect getaway if youre ever in these cities.

Its about two and a half hours and 140 miles away from both towns.

Its near most places in the Texas Plains. Its a perfect spot to include in any of your Texas road trips.

Wichita Falls started out as an agricultural city with the community as cattle ranchers.

You can still see this history in their life and culture.

Be sure to try out their food made with the freshest ingredients or shop in their local farmers market to see what its all about.

And yes, Wichita Falls is named after an actual waterfall.

Sadly, the falls were destroyed. But you can still visit the man-made fall theyve built to honor their namesake.

Dont worry, we guarantee its as good as the real one.

Explore the top 15 sights and attractions here in Wichita Falls!

Visit A Historic Cemetery

We didnt have time to visit the Wichita Falls historic Riverside Cemetery, which you can see by looking through the fence up above the falls at Lucy Park. A local resident alerted me to the site, and according to her, the cemetery can be accessed from 6th Street. It features our founding fathers Joseph Kemp and Frank Kell and their family plots as well as several historical markers that help tell the story of Wichita Falls. There are headstones from the early 1800s too. I am a huge fan of old cemeteries, so next time I visit Wichita Falls, this cemetery will be on my list!

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  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnsons Janssen vaccine

If you dont meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.

If you have a condition or are taking medication that weakens your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.

  • Before you travel
  • Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, mask wearing, testing, or quarantine, which may differ from U.S. requirements. If you do not follow your destinations requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States.
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  • During traveling:
  • Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Travelers are not required to wear a mask in outdoor areas of a conveyance .
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  • Wichita Falls Brewing Company

    Website:

    For a more relaxed experience, a trip to Wichita Falls Brewing should be at the top of your list. Theres no better place in town to get a pint of great beer and Wichita Falls Brewing Company has been serving up some great brews since 2017.

    Youll find a diverse tap list year-round, with everything from IPAs and coffee stouts to wheat ales and sours. Once you need a little food to soak up all that beer, you can order a Detroit-style pizza from the kitchens or check out one of the local food trucks that are often parked just outside.

    Although beer is the main name of the game, the Wichita Falls Brewing Company is a family-friendly establishment that offers board games and a fun, relaxed environment for patrons of all ages.

    The Falls In Lucy Park

    The citys original falls to which it was named after, was unfortunately destroyed by a flood in the 1800s.

    So what they did is they built a multi-level waterfall where it used to be.

    To get here, youll have to go through an equally scenic trail in Lucy Park.

    The Falls is still as stunning as the original and keeps the namesake of the city alive.

    Its definitely something that you should check out if youre in the city.

    Its perfect for photoshoots and viewing the sunset.

    Jogging And Trekking At Lake Arrowhead State Park

    With two miles of walking trails located inside, its the perfect place for some lightweight trekking or jogging in nature.

    The large grounds are filled with trees and grasses all around.

    With a little dusty atmosphere and largely enclosed spaces, camping is real fun here.

    The lake is great for a refreshing swim before you retire for the night.

    You can also do some bird-watching in the daytime or go stargazing under the night sky.

    This place surely gives the best of both worlds when it comes to natural beauty.

    Quick Tip For Military Families And Other Fun Attractions

    Many of the attractions around Wichita Falls that arent free offer military discounts. All you have to do is ask. We laughed our way through Lunar Mini-Golf in the Sikes Senter Mall.

    Feel like cooling off? Castaway Cove waterpark is a great place to go for fun in the Texas sun. Another interesting place is the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Before learning about Wichita Falls, I had no idea there was such a place. If you would like to get an education about the natural environment of Texas, the River Bend Nature Center offers many items of note, including a butterfly conservatory.

    If you have time, you could create an art project and explore the free exhibits at the Kemp Center for the Arts. While youre exploring, take a stroll by the historic Kell House Museum. Another unique attraction is the Wichita Falls Railroad Museum.

    If you are there on a Saturday, you can take in the nearby farmers market as well. In fact, Saturdays are a great day to visit Wichita Falls, because you can also take in the free Ps Crazy Car Museum. Filled with classic cars, trucks, tractors, and more, its only open on Saturdays.

    Kemp Center For The Arts

    Home to The Arts Council and the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, the Kemp Center was built in 1917 as a public library and now is the heart of arts and culture in Wichita Falls. The Kemp Center features five indoor galleries and one outdoor gallery with various pieces from amateur artists to seasoned professionals. The Kemp is also a great place to catch annual events like the Mystery Arts Fest, Arts Alive! Home and Garden Festival and Cowboy True, plus kids camps and adult classes.

    Website: Kemp Center

    Attractions In Wichita Falls

    Items to pack for your trip to Wichita Falls: sun hat, suit and tie, swimsuit, and skateboard. That may seem like a disparate batch of items, but if you plan to take advantage of the best attractions in Wichita Falls, youll need them all. Theyll see you through your trips to all the museums, art galleries, parks, and theaters that make Wichita Falls such a fun place to visit. Read on for a few suggestions of these and more venues to check out during your stay.

    Backdoor TheatreSince launching in 1971, Backdoor Theatre has built a reputation for putting on some of the best productions in the state. Shows run on weekends on either the Main Stage or the Dinner Stage and include everything from comedies and dramas to musicals and concerts. Improv Night, held about once a month, is a particular fan favorite.501 Indiana Avenue

    Jenny to Jet ExhibitIf youre a fan of historical aviation, check out the Jenny to Jet Exhibit at the Wichita Falls Regional Airport. Discover the history of Call Field, a World War I U.S. Army Air Corps training camp, through displays of uniforms, equipment, and multimedia displays. Youll also find the first U.S. military training plane and a modern jet that is a current training plane for the armed forces. 4000 Armstrong Drive

    Do You Have Any Free Travel Attractions To Share

    What about you? Do you have favorite fun, free activities you would like to recommend where you live? Have you encountered any memorable free attractions on your travels? If you like what youve read today, you might also like reading about scenic Newport on the Oregon coast or my visit to the historic and beautiful Wallowa Valley. For some simple travel wardrobe ideas, you can check out my post listing Wardrobe Essentials for the Savvy Traveler. Here are some other posts you might enjoy:

    Antique Lovers Shop At The Alley Cat Vintage Mercantile

    Most of us have a keen eye for antiques and classical pieces from the past.

    Who doesnt love a little reminder of the beautiful past in the form of an old book, or a period clock, or an antique tea set?

    This shop is spread over a large 50,000 square feet.

    It has many types of antique wares fashioned and on display waiting for you to buy them.

    If nothing, you should definitely visit this place to actually look at some really intricate and beautiful kitchenware, furniture, records, and more.

    And we are sure you wont be able to resist the whiff of these periodical artifacts!

    Wichita Falls Dog Park

    Pets are family too!

    So, you can tag along with your fur bestie and take them to this doggy haven!

    Its a free, open space for your fuzzy buddies to play and socialize with other canines!

    Owners also get a chance to meet other dog lovers too.

    Whether if its a picnic with just you and your dog or a playdate, this is the perfect place!

    Think of it as a doggy daycare or doggy day out to spoil your beloved fur baby.

    The park is a huge area to play fetch or Frisbee with your pets.

    Treat your dog to vacation too!

    Give them a day out that they deserve.

    Show your pets that you care by including them in your plans as well.

    Sheppard Afb Golf Course

    1. River Creek Park Golf Course

    1605 FM1177Wichita Falls, TX 76305Phone: 1 855-3361

    The pristine golf course at River Creek Park in Wichita Falls measures over 6,700 yards. This courses challenging layout will certainly provide a great day of golfing for golfers of all levels. River Creek Park Golf Course also offers a pro shop, lessons, a grill and snack bar, as well as a 50,000 square foot practice facility with a driving range, chipping green, and putting green.

    2. Wichita Falls Country Club

    1701 Hamilton BlvdWichita Falls, TX 76308Phone: 1 767-1481

    This 18-hole golf course is located in the Southeast part of Wichita Falls. The beautiful landscape boasts mature trees, bent grass greens, and Bermuda fairways. Wichita Falls Country Clubs course is 6,917 yards and promises to provide golfers with hours of fun outdoors, regardless of their skill level. Additionally, Wichita Falls Country Club is host to a full practice area with a state-of-the-art driving range, pitching, chipping, bunker play and putting green.

    3. The Champions Course at Weeks Park

    4400 Lake Park DriveWichita Falls, Texas 76302Phone: 1 767-6107

    The Champions Course at Weeks Park is an 18-hole golf course with over 7,300 yards of Tifway 419 fairways and Bentgrass greens. The Dallas Morning News ranked The Champions Course 9th out of the top 50 golf courses in Texas under $54 for 2019.

    Wee Chi Tah Mountain Bike Trail

    Wichita Falls / First Things First

    Website:

    Those looking for a more intense activity while in the Wichita Falls area should spend some time on the Wee Chi Tah Mountain Bike Trail. This 12-mile loop will lead you along the Wichita River and through a variety of terrain that is suited for all levels of mountain bikers.

    Youll encounter switch-backs, bridges, technical areas, and jumps all designed to give you the most fun experience possible. Sections of the trail are marked for their difficulty, so be sure to select a section that matches your skill set.

    The Wee Chi Tah Trail is one of the best mountain biking trails in all of northern Texas, so dont hesitate to mount some bikes when coming to Wichita Falls.

    Of course, you could always just hike sections of this beautiful pathway and youll find plenty of great photo opportunities along the way.

    The Warehouses On Lamar Street

    Website:

    The historic Lamar Street in downtown Wichita Falls is one of the most fun areas in the city. The street is home to a collection of old warehouses that house some great vintage and antique shops today.

    One of the largest is the Heritage Antiques and Collectibles, which is home to 3 whole floors of goodies from over 70 different vendors. Alley Cat Vintage is one of the most popular warehouse stores and features an eclectic collection of second-hand vinyl, jewelry, antique Pyrex, and other cool vintage finds.

    If youre not into antiques, this area is still worth a drive through, even if its just to look to take a peek at the old warehouses.

    Wichita Falls Ballet Theatre

    Website:

    Well known in the world of dance since the 1960s, the Wichita Falls Ballet Theatre is one of the best places to visit while in town.

    Instructors work tirelessly to turn amateur dancers into professionals and a few times a year you can see the fruits of their labors. These performances are free to the public, and showcase both amateur and professional dancers. The theater also offers training workshops throughout the year if youre interested in honing your skill.

    The biggest event, however, is the annual production of The Nutcracker. This is a local favorite, and if youre in town during the holiday season, you dont want to miss the chance to see this iconic show.

    Inexpensive Things For Kids To Do In Wichita

    These activities may charge a small fee or are included with admission. Members may receive discounts or even get to participate for free.

    Check out our list of Popular Wichita Kid-Friendly Attractions

    Paint Kindness Share the satisfaction of spreading kindness with your kids, and get in some crafting time as well. Find out how to join the Kindness Rocks movement in Wichita.

    Go Retro with Games Let kids experience fun and games as it was in the 80s at The Arcade, or go even further back in time with these Places to Play Pinball in Wichita. Or you can go low-tech at these Wichita Tabletop Board Game Places.

    Wichita Park and Recreation has very affordable classes, camps, and youth sports leagues year-round for Wichita kids. Be sure to check out the Wichita Park and Rec Activities Guide once each season to find out when you can register your kids for these fun programs.

    Kansas Humane Society offers a variety of educational programs, including Tot Tuesday story time for kids 5 and younger, Read to Rover and Furry Film Fridays for elementary school age kids, scouting activities, and resources for teachers.

    Exploration Place also has a Little Explorers Playgroup Tot Tuesday program, held on the third Tuesday of the month from 10:30-11 a.m. and included with admission or free with membership. EP also offers a Kansas Kids Preschool Class for $7 per child for kids ages 3-5 on Wednesdays from 10:30-11 a.m. Preregistration is required.

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