Lubbock’s Best Places For Kids (Or Kids at Heart)

One of my absolute favorite places to go have fun is Main Event. It combines all of my favorite activities: bowling, laser tag, mini-golf, arcade games, and billiards all in one place, with some delicious food to boot. This is the place for birthday parties in Lubbock, but the best specials happen on the weekdays, where you can get several events for one low price. Main Event is located at 6010 Brownfield Highway.

Once Joyland opens up for the season, it is the place to be. With over 20 different rides and attractions, there's a ride for everyone. Families can enjoy themselves on the Skyride or Carousel, or have some fun on the bumper cars. The thrill seekers (like me) are sure to love the Galaxi roller coaster, the Musik Express and the new Daredevil Drop. And on those sweltering West Texas summer days, hitting the Wild River Log Flume or the Vortex water slides is the perfect way to cool off. Joyland Amusement Park is located inside Mackenzie Park.

For some more high-octane fun, try kart racing out at Dave's Need 4 Speed. Dave's boasts the fastest go-karts in Lubbock, and has several courses to race on for various age groups, even bumper cars for the little racers. For the more competitive racers, Dave's offers go-kart league racing for you and 9 of your buddies. Dave's also has pirate-themed laser tag, mini-golf, and some pretty tasty pizza. Dave's Need 4 Speed is located at 2769 North Frankford Avenue, about 2 miles north of 4th street.

Nothing says "kid-friendly fun" like a good old-fashioned playground. And Lubbock has a fantastic playground in Legacy Play Village. Built back in 2002, Legacy is a gigantic playground where kids can play and learn about the history of West Texas at the same time. And almost 10 years later, the park continues to be a popular spot for kids. Legacy Play Village is located in Bill McAlister Park, on the corner of Spur 329 and the Marsha Sharp Freeway.

Call me a nerd, but when I was a kid, one of my favorite places to go was the Science Spectrum and Omni Theater. You can explore the three levels of interactive exhibits covering topics from space, to money, to the human body. Or, you can catch a movie on the huge Omni screen. (always a cool experience) The younger kiddos are sure to enjoy the Lubbock Children's Museum for kids 5 and under. And with new movies and new exhibits showing up all the time, there's something new to see every time you visit. The Science Spectrum is located at 2759 South Loop 289.