Abilene Holiday Fun Round Up

By Shanna Smith-Snyder

Puzzled as to what to do with the kids or out of town guests over the holidays? Whether you are a visitor or local, you won’t have to venture far from your location to enjoy attractions that are educational, affordable and fun for the whole family. Plan ahead to show your family and friends a uniquely Abilene experience!

If you haven’t experienced Frontier Texas!, the holiday break is an excellent time to do so. Travel back in time from 1780 to 1880 and relive the Old West inside the multimedia exhibit “Century of Adventure.” Hear the stories from the men and women who lived and died on the frontier. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closes at 2 p.m. Christmas Eve, closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The Abilene Zoo is a great location for all ages. Enjoy learning more about the animals as well as indulging in affordable fun—admission is just $4 for ages 13 to 59, $3 for ages 60+ and $2 for ages 3 to 12. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Youngsters will enjoy The Grace Museum’s children museum. Interactive exhibits include: The Health Zone; LCD theater; interactive puppet and creative art zone; and a fully padded play area for children younger than six. However, visitors of all ages will be amazed at The Grace. It includes a History Museum, as well as the Art Museum, which rotates world-class exhibits. It’s currently exhibiting: “Art in Texas” featuring three unique exhibitions, all celebrating the contributions of Texas artists past and present. Generally open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Bring the family to The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature for free family art activities from 1 to 4 p.m. each Saturday. View the NCCIL’s exhibit, “Bravo! Chris Raschka”— perfect for the young or young at heart. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Stop in at the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum that serves as an educational museum for the study of World War II and its effect on the American people. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Take a short drive out to the Buffalo Gap Historic Village. Enjoy a walk through West Texas frontier history. The Village tells the incredible story of the last 50 years of the West Texas Frontier through 21 buildings. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Don’t forget about our Roundup Pass—this admits you into all attractions for one low price, $15 for adults and $7 for children 16 and younger. Passes can be purchased at Abilene attractions or the Abilene CVB. Also, the Santa’s Savings promotion is great for visitors or locals who have guests. When you check into your hotel, stop by Frontier Texas! or the Abilene CVB, you’ll receive a stocking stuffed with money saving coupons from local restaurants, shops and attractions through Jan. 15!