Budget-Friendly Family Activities You Can’t Miss In Amarillo, Texas

Keeping the kids entertained can be tough, no matter how cool you think you are. Several times, I've found myself light on cash and needing a way to keep my kids busy. Here are some free or low-cost things kids can enjoy all year in and around Amarillo, Texas.

Amarillo, Texas, Has A Lot Of Parks Kids Will Enjoy

Amarillo is a town blessed with several parks and playgrounds. You can find yourself somewhat close to one almost anywhere you go in town. I've lived here for several years, and I still feel like I'm constantly finding new ones.

READ MORE: A New Park Is Coming To Eastridge In Amarillo, Texas

Parks that my kids enjoy are:

• Thompson Park
• Medi Park (John Ward Memorial Park)
• Sam Houston Park
• Memorial Park

All of these parks have playgrounds and are great for killing a couple of hours and not killing your wallet. Some have splashpads. Others have ponds that ducks love to hang out at. All of them have enough to keep your little ones entertained for a while.

The Don Harrington Discovery Center Is A Solid Pick For Family Fun In Amarillo

The Don Harrington Discovery Center is a staple in my house. My kids have spent more time hanging out there than anywhere else in Amarillo. Where this becomes a budget-friendly option is if you get a membership.

Yes, the lump sum at first might make you wince. However, after a few trips to the Discovery Center for my family, the membership had paid for itself. It covers the entire family, and there are no limits on how often you can use it.

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There are a lot of things for the kids to do. Almost everything in the Discovery Center involves some form of interactive play. They also change up various exhibits during the year, so there will be new things to see.

The best part is that it is open year-round. No matter the weather, the kids will have something to do, and there are plenty of places for you to sit while the kids run around.

Other Options For A Day Out With The Kids In Amarillo, Texas

If you're looking for a way to get out of the house for a bit, you can always go to the flea market. My kids love walking around, looking in all of the various booths. Take a handful of quarters with you. If you have young ones, they'll probably want to ride the old school mechanical horses.

Palo Duro Canyon is an affordable option. If you have younger kids, they get in free, and adults only pay $8 to get in. This is another one my kids love. We've spent a lot of time down in the canyon exploring the trails. They never get tired of it.

READ MORE: Camping Where The Buffalo Still Roam In The Texas Panhandle

If you're down for a bit of a road trip, Caprock Canyon isn't too far away. There are plenty of camping spots, and there is a lot to do. One of the main attractions is the herd of buffalo that wanders through the park. It's another one of my kids' favorite spots to hang out.

If the weather is nice, you can always spend some time at Lake Meredith. There's plenty to explore and enjoy other than the water, though; that's the best part on warmer days. We've spent a lot of time camping at Lake Meredith because it's free for the most part. A majority of the camping spots are first-come, first-served.