Whether you're visiting Waco with kids or a local parent looking for the next weekend adventure, Waco News has compiled the most family-friendly activities, attractions, and tips. Organized by age range and indoor/outdoor — and we mark the free options.
1,700+ animals in natural habitats. African Savanna, Asian Forest, gibbon exhibit. Stroller-friendly paved paths. Affordable family pricing.
National Park Service site preserving 24 Columbian mammoth fossils. Guided tour over actual excavation. Kids LOVE this.
Birthplace of Dr Pepper (invented in Waco). Interactive soda jerk demos, tastings, history exhibits. Quirky and fun.
416-acre urban park along Brazos River. Cliffs (Lover's Leap), picnic spots, river access. Multiple playgrounds.
Open lawn with games, food trucks, bakery. Kids can run free while adults shop or eat.
Walking and biking paths along the Brazos River. Fishing access points. Bring your own kayak/SUP for the lake.
Hands-on natural science + historic village. Excellent for preschoolers and elementary. Air-conditioned.
Look for splash pads, playgrounds, and short-attention-span venues. The local library often has free story-time programs for toddlers — check the schedule.
Children's museums, zoos, and farms work best at this age. Keep visits to 2-3 hours and have a backup activity ready.
Science museums, nature trails, and creative venues hit the sweet spot. This is when kids start absorbing local history and culture.
Outdoor adventure (kayaking, biking, climbing), arts venues, and food tours work well. Let them help plan the day.
Many Waco restaurants welcome kids — look for those with kids menus, outdoor patios (for active toddlers), and play areas. Brunch spots are often more family-friendly than dinner-only places.
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A jury sentenced Anthony Odiong to life in prison Tuesday after being found guilty of sexually assaulting several women. Prosecutors say the full number of victims may never be known. A Waco priest, Anthony Odiong, was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday after a jury convicted...
A McLennan County jury sentenced Anthony Odiong to life in prison after finding him guilty on multiple counts of sexual assault.
Anthony Odiong has been sentenced to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of multiple sexual assault charges.
Baylor great Robert Griffin III is among 80 former FBS players on the 2027 College Football Hall of Fame ballot after a record-setting career in Waco.
The sounds of sneaker squeaks fill the La Vega gym in the third annual "Train Like a Champ" camp.Watch the full story here: The Pirates of tomorrow: La Vega's Marcus Willis Sr hosts basketball campFor head coach Marcus Willis Sr. the mind behind the camp, he tells me that this...
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Qualifying McLennan County residents can apply to have certain criminal records expunged on July 17.
The question,is Anthony Odiong still a priest, has been raised following his sentencing and sexual assault trial.The Diocese of Austin provided the below statement to25Newson Tuesday after Odiong's sentencing:As of today, Anthony Odiong is still a priest, however he is prevented...
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) -- For the third year in a row, young hoopers got the chance to 'Train like a champ' with some of La Vega's best, both past and present, helping to train the younger generation. "Just the opportunity to continue to impact lives, you can see these youth...
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - On this National Adopt a Cat Month, we'll share how the bond between people and their feline companions can bring comfort, a sense of purpose, and unconditional love. Although many people set out to give a cat a second chance, they often find that the...
IRVING / WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - A local organization has received a nice gift through the latest initiative of our parent company Nexstar Media Group, Inc.! The company announced on Tuesday that the Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation is making a $5,000 contribution to the...
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) — UPDATE: A jury has assessed former Catholic Priest Anthony Odiong two 20 year sentences and two $10,000 fines, plus life imprisonment for a first class charge. This comes after Odiong spent a week in court for his sex crimes. On Friday, the jury found...
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Argentina and Honduras will face off Saturday at Kyle Field in a World Cup friendly that is part of the Road to the 2026 World Cup, hosted by North American countries. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CITY PREP WORLD CUPThe match features living legend Lionel Messi, who led Argentina...
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Neighbors near Gibbons Creek are calling for more information on a proposed reinvestment zone tied to the SpaceX Terafab project ahead of a Wednesday, June 3 vote by the Grimes County Commissioners Court.Watch the full story here: More information needed: More information...
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A developer is working to purchase 175 acres along County Road 179 to build a data center, and neighbors say they stand to lose a lot.Watch the full story here: Unwanted neighbor: local residents speak out against a proposed data center in Grimes CountyRobert Raley, a local...
Waco residents are being asked to avoid the area of McKenzie Avenue and N. 21st Street as crews respond to a gas line break.
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Waco Police said a missing man has been found and is safe.
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Bryan city leaders brought in an outside consultant to review the fire department's operations, examining what's working, what isn't, and how to strengthen the organization moving forward.Watch the full story here: Bryan fire department review aims to improve communication,...
The Waco Independent Film Festival returns this July.The 2026 festival will feature more than 160 projects. The festival announced official selections on June 1.You can view the selections here.Categories include: Spotlight films Feature film Crowd Pleasers Deep Dives Family...
Mart's police chief has been fired, Mayor James Miller said.Miller said the city is working to move forward following the dismissal."We're trying to make the best of a bad situation, " Miller said, saying that the department is focused on recovery. "We're just picking up the...
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Governor Greg Abbott sent a letter to Texas colleges and universities directing them to keep undergraduate tuition and fees frozen through the 2026-2027 school year. At McLennan Community College in Waco, that directive aligns with a commitment the school has already been living...
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) — After a jury found Waco Priest Anthony Odiong guilty on all charges, it is now time for that jury to decide on his punishment. Odiong is facing one count of first degree felony sexual assault and two counts of second degree felony sexual assault. The...
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