Whether the kids are off from school or they have yet to even start school, it’s nice to save a couple of bucks when trying to entertain them during the day.
These are all great opportunities to get outside or learn a little bit more about nature and the city that are both kid-friendly and of course, FREE.
Here’s our list of free things to do with kids in Midland:
ClayDesta Atrium
While the nearest zoo is a little bit farther away from Midland, the next best thing has to be the ClayDesta Atrium. The late Clayton Williams’s own personal taxidermy collection on display in the atrium involves everything from a running zebra to a couple of bears riding in a carriage.
A great trip for those with a running imagination, we like to think it’s better than your average zoo. The atrium at ClayDesta Center will still give you the vitamin D and outside vibes but the addition of AC will make those hot Midland summer days tolerable. Need a quick lunch after your atrium zoo adventure? Head over to Juji’s for coffee and homestyle eats.
This hidden gem is near the top of our list because it’s nothing you would expect to find in Midland. And did we mention it’s free? Learn about the history of the Midland Fire Department with some of the original fire trucks on display with other memorabilia to learn about.
With free tours during the day, even the smallest of firetruck fans will love this experience to come face to face with a real fire truck with a real firefighter.
Downtown Library Exhibits
Something new is bound to be here every time you go. Midland’s public libraries offer seasonal exhibits to showcase something that is both interesting and educational for all to enjoy regardless of age. While you’re there you can catch up on all the other library events and of course, all the books. You’ll probably notice the giant art right outside the library too that you’ll want to check out (along with tons of books) while you’re here.
Another chance to get outside around Midland that is also free is over at the Museum of the Southwest. While admission is free into the Durham’s Children’s Museum for those under 2 years old, there’s plenty to do outside.
With a brand new mural and of course, the classic sculptures around the campus, it will be a nice day spent in the art scene of midland with the kids. The large space offers fun for the wild at heart and the tiny humans that are buzzing with energy.
For even more sculptures in the 432, it’s only right if you visit Midland Arts Council as it’s in the name. These sculpture installations feature local artists with larger-than-life pieces.
With tons of room to walk and run around, this is one of the best solutions to getting outside with the kids. No appointment is needed and you and the kiddos can walk right in to start exploring the art.
Before the renovations and restoration of this classic Midland park, Midland’s children were walking around with scars from the burns of sliding down all the metal fixtures at Dennis the Menace.
Thankfully, the renovations provided a much safer version of fun at the park with some of the old fixtures to play on but in a much cooler way. Make a day of it and utilize the new splash pad, seating options, and grills for tons of free fun in the great outdoors.
Opportunity Park is back and better than ever to provide opportunities for all to join in on the fun. With accessibility for all, everyone can enjoy the renovations for this generational experience in Midland.
A part of the Bush Tennis Center, the park provides an interactive experience for all parts of the child from their growing mind to their growing body while also making it a fun and free offering in Midland.
In the dry land of Midland, TX, Alldredge is a refreshing stop for greenery from acre to acre whether or not you have a green thumb. This local greenhouse offers a large indoor and outdoor selection of plants, but the environment itself is a fun way to get the kids outside somewhere other than the park and even offers a plant lesson or two as well.
Midland’s very own candy factory offers tours and factory experiences for a behind-the-scenes look at some of your favorite local sweets. Take the kids for a fun and interactive time that might even include some candy at the end of it.
With a massive hill to roll down and tons of fixtures to climb, you could easily spend all day here with trips to the splash pad to cool down. If you’re a pet parent, the park’s dog parks will be the perfect place to take them as well with an easy separation between the big dogs and the small dogs.
A short drive out of Midland to the airport and you’ll find a memorial that offers a Vietnam memorial, sculptures, and a playground. This serves as a way to teach the kids about moments in history while also making the experience one of a kind with the playground fixtures and picnic tables.
Nearby the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is another free opportunity to get some learning in on both Midland and the army. These exhibits feature history about West Texans in World War 1 as well as former President George H.W. Bush’s presence in the army.
Both an educational, and of course, fun, option for free around here is the Petroleum Museum. If you have kiddos under 5, their admission is free into the museum, but the real free fun is housed outside with the Petroleum Museum’s outdoor exhibits.
Outside you’ll find old oil rigs, pumpjacks, and oilfield equipment from up close. This will definitely give you and the kids a new perspective on Midland’s economy and oilfield.
While you can enjoy this free splash pad during the RockHounds games and during the baseball season, the splash is open during the week too in the summer season. With picnic tables for lounging while the kids play, this is a fun way to be outside and endure the West Texas heat.
Tucked behind the hustle and bustle of Big Spring St. is a little slice of local heaven with everything from brunch to shopping to even popsicles. Featuring all locally owned businesses, the opportunities are endless along with the abundance of seating options outside to enjoy any of your new Ally Village goodies and to let the kiddos run around.
If you have visited all of Midland’s parks, this should be your next spot to hit up as the area is large enough for all the children and for all the fun memories.
Library Murals / Hot Air Balloon
With the new updates to the Downtown Library, a giant mural and hot air balloon entered the scene too making for all the photo ops and tons of fun.
This installation was brought to Downtown Midland by artists Rae Ripple and Calina Mishae. Their talents will provide you with an amazing art experience but also for the kids.
George W. Bush Childhood Home
Location: 1412 W Ohio Ave, Midland, TX 79701
During the week you and the kids can enjoy free events and opportunities over at George W. Bush’s Childhood Home in Midland. The highlight of this free opportunity is the Third Thursday Reading Program where everyone walks away with the book that was read. A little bit of history and a whole lot of fun.
Hogan Park
Location: 1201 E Wadley Ave, Midland, TX 79705
Featuring a number of free features, Hogan Park is the place to be regardless of the season. With a playground, a walking trail, and a dog park to name a few things, the opportunities are endless in fun at the park.
If you’re ready for something new, take the kids and the dogs over to Sibley Nature Center for a little bit more outdoor time with a lot of Midland’s nature.
