Far West Texas is a favorite vacation destination, but it can be hard to find things to do that will entertain the whole family. From hiking to star parties, there is something for everyone of all ages. Here’s a list of family-friendly activities to add to your itinerary.
Watch the dog races in Terlingua
The annual Desert Chihuahuan Challenge brings some cuteness to the desert as chihuahuas and other small dogs race on a short track in Terlingua Ghost Town. Some runners are ready to run to their owners, and some need a little enticing with a pep talk or a treat. The event typically happens around Spring Break, and all small dogs are welcome to participate. There is also a silent auction and a costume contest, all benefiting The Family Crisis Center of the Big Bend.
Take a hike to the desk at Sul Ross State University
While this region offers plenty of places to hike at Big Bend National Park and Davis Mountains State Park, one great option is the 1.5-mile hike up Hancock Hill to The Desk. Legend has it that in 1981, three Sul Ross State University students carried the large metal desk up the hill for a quieter place to study. The desk stands on the eastern edge of the hill, surrounded by beautiful views of the vast West Texas landscape.
Meet the critters at Wassermann Wranch
Wassermann Wranch offers hour-long tours to meet kangaroos, donkeys and Carl the camel on a ranch outside of Alpine. Heidi and Scott Wassermann affectionately share stories of the animals in their care and provide opportunities to pet and take selfies. Tours need to be booked in advance either by calling 432-837-7345 or emailing [email protected].
Plays some games at Bitter Sugar
While you enjoy a coffee or a pastry at Bitter Sugar coffee shop in Marfa, there’s a corner with games–both digital and analog–ready to play. Embark in some friendly competition with two micro gaming consoles–Super Nintendo and PlayStation–each with over 20 retro games. The board games, ranging from the classics to the more complex, are organized on the shelf by age with those suited for younger ones on the bottom.
Go on a scavenger hunt at CDRI
Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI) in Fort Davis offers children’s programming year-round for all ages. The Junior Explorer program provides a free activity booklet that guides your family through a scavenger hunt in the garden area. Once the scavenger hunt is complete, return the activity booklet to the Information Desk at the Powell Visitor Center for a Certificate of Completion.
Attend a star party at McDonald Observatory
Far West Texas is part of the largest International Dark Sky Place in the world, allowing the stars to shine bright in the darkest of skies. McDonald Observatory offers weekly star parties to learn about the constellations and other celestial objects, followed with telescope viewings. Star parties can fill up fast, so it’s best to make a reservation in advance. The sun sets later in these parts, so if the start time is past your child’s bedtime, there is also daytime programming that includes solar viewings and guided tours of the telescopes.
Attend an Alpine Cowboys baseball game
During the summer months, the Alpine Cowboys baseball team plays in the independent Pecos League with their home games at Kokernot Field, which was replicated after Wrigley Field. The season typically starts in late May, when school is out for the summer, and wraps just in time for the new school year. In between innings, there are microgames for sports fans to participate in, such as the dizzy bat spin, beach ball bounce and base races.
Visit The Magical Warehouse
For those looking to kill some time, The Magical Warehouse in Alpine provides a space for kids to hang out or adults to embrace their inner child with toys, classic memorabilia and comic books as well as retro arcade games ready to play. They also host events from Hot Wheels racing to Magic the Gathering tournaments.
