Location: Abilene
Top Things to do in Abilene
Top 10 Things to do Good for Couples in Abilene, Texas (TX)
Abilene boasts a proud military history, having been home once to a U.S. Army base and later a U.S. Air Force base, which remains its primary employer. The city boasts numerous green spaces as well as an impressive zoo representing hundreds of species of animals. Look around and there is always something to do, with two annual rodeos, several outdoor festivals and conferences throughout the year.
Restaurants in Abilene
1. Paramount Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 176 reviews
Designed and built in 1930 by architect Davis Castle, the landmark Paramount Theatre in Abilene, Texas has a rich and significant history. A beautiful example of the nostalgic “atmospheric” movie theatre, it was built in an era when movie-going was meant to be a grand experience that transported you to another time and place. The theatre’s main auditorium space was designed to re-create a Spanish / Moorish courtyard at night, complete with projected clouds passing over a neon-lit night sky fitted with twinkling stars. The Paramount, restored in 1987 and renovated to accommodate live theatre, is now the home to a myriad of events, including film, ballet, opera, and concerts. For over 89 years it has stood the test of time as an entreatment showcase of West Texas.
Reviewed By 116milenec
I love the Paramount and have visited for numerous events/performances. Never been disappointed in this beautifully restored historic theater. They host live theater, live music, movies and a variety of special events. Very reasonably priced concessions located downstairs. A real gem for Abilene!
2. Escape Game Abilene
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Immerse yourself in a live action game! Escape Game Abilene features two escape rooms, each with their own theme. Enter Dr. Walker’s old ranch house and help save the world by finding the antidote to a worldwide plague. Or, attempt to steal the crown jewels back from the Red Army Major General Vladislav Volkov. Bring your team and work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and save the World!
Reviewed By Drichards80 - Keller, United States
The staff here is super friendly and not out to watch you plunder and fail! We did the Diamond Heist and had a great time completing all the challenges. If you get too far off track, a walkie talkie god guides you back to where you need to be. 4-5 people is the sweet spot for this room but it can hold up to 8. Younger kids would struggle but I think 10 and up could enjoy this as long as a couple of adults were present. We had four adults and that felt like the perfect amount. Definitely try this unique room out. There won't be another one exactly like it! Thanks for a fun evening!!
3. Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
The Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden is located on the grounds of the Abilene Convention Center, which is owned by the city. The garden was created by funds raised by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, a division of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. The garden is home to pieces of the council's Storybook Sculpture Project, which are characters brought to life from the pages of children's illustrated books. The garden is free to explore and lit at night.
Reviewed By jbwhitehouse - Dallas, United States
The storybook character statues are special; we all had smiles on our faces when seeing them. Great in the day, but extra special after dark when the sculptures are lit. There are two main areas of storybook sculptures concentrated: near the T&P Depot on 1st Street and at 6th where the convention center is located. Very worthwhile for young and old alike. No issue parking. Get a guide at Frontier Texas, the T&P Depot, or in front of some of the sculptures.
4. Swenson House Historical Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
WE LOVE HOSTING GROUP TOURS! This is a must see while you are visiting Abilene or if you are just passing through & want to stop to take a break from the road. An escorted tour of the historic Swenson House Museum can be scheduled either by phone or through the website. Allow 60 minutes to enjoy the tour. The home is on the Register of Historical Places. Museum “docents” will be dressed in late 19th or early 20th century costumes and will show visitors through the home. The house is furnished with authentic Swenson family furniture and relics. We have the house extensively decorated in October for Halloween & December for Christmas, it is a must thing to do in Abilene!
Reviewed By JeffreyPerren
A recent visit to Abilene uncovered a real gem: Swenson House. This turn-of-the-century home was the residence of a family that not only helped bring the city to prominence but much of north Texas. Beyond historical interest, the architecture itself provides anyone who loves old homes with a stellar example to peruse. The dramatic stairway is the centerpiece but leads to rooms chock full of antique furniture, clothing, and artifacts. And, unlike most homes of this vintage, you can touch many items - like the genuine fox collar on one dress -- without a baleful stare from the docent. (Speaking of whom, that passionate representative of the Historical Society provides oodles of historical and restoration info tidbits. That always adds a lot to any exploration of one of these upscale houses from the past.) For lovers of Texas or architectural history, a 1-hour tour of Swenson House is well worth the out-of-the-way journey.
5. Abilene Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 499 reviews
Reviewed By OnlyAunt
Stayed the night in Abilene. The family didn't get moving in enough time for us to make it our next planned stop. I gave a 9 and 8 yr old options to do in Abilene. They chose the zoo. Zoo's have started to become something we do on every vacation. Their selection of creates were interesting. There were signs that stated the endanger level. They had Pink Flamingo setting on eggs, a new baby monkey and a great and knowledgeable giraffe area. We all enjoyed the giraffes. For a small fee you get to feed them and we learned a lot. The staff and zoo are trying to bring in more animals and new exhibits.
6. Frontier Texas!
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 543 reviews
Located in historic downtown Abilene, Frontier Texas! is a western heritage center that allows visitors to relive the Old West through the magic of state-of-the-art technology. Frontier Texas! brings the frontier to life and lets visitors meet people who played out their lives on the Texas frontier. Frontier Texas! also serves as the official visitor center for Abilene and the Texas Forts Trail Region. Experience the legendary Texas frontier through innovative exhibits and unique encounters at Frontier Texas! Learn the story of the old west through our 90 minute hands on old west adventure "Blood & Treasure on the Frontier." Educational Programs at Frontier Texas! are designed to provide a rich educational experience for everyone. The 14,000 square-foot facility isn't a traditional museum with exhibits displayed in glass cases. At Frontier Texas!, you relive buffalo stampedes, a shootout in the Bee Hive Saloon, a wolf attack and more. And don't forget to visit The General Store that carries all your Texas souvenirs including books, t-shirts, jewelry, canned goods, and unique items made by local artisans. Frontier Texas! is the perfect place for families, History buffs, or anyone who just wants to learn a little bit more about the Lone Star state. Legends, History, Adventure.
Reviewed By nancyjmd - Fredericksburg, United States
Frontier Texas! is a very well-done, modern and tech-savvy interactive museum of the history of the Texas frontier, complete with holograms of native Americans, cowboys and settlers telling stories from each of their perspectives. We enjoyed the theater in the round and the stagecoach replica which has been used in various movie and TV shows such as Little House on the Prairie. The gift shop was tasteful and we purchased a book on the history of Abilene which opened our eyes to a lot more recent local history as well. Highly recommend!
7. Town and Country Drive-in
8. Winery at willow creek
9. The Mill Winery
10. Prime Time Family Entertainment Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 120 reviews
Great place to go and have fun with the family. Great pizza and burgers. Venues include: bowling, mini golf, go-karts, batting cages, NASCAR simulators, lazer tag, xd theater, large arcade, billiards, shuffle board, themed party rooms, banquet rooms, and restaurant style snack bar.Lots of fun!
