Brownwood Feels Like Home for Families
Fun things for families to do in Brownwood
Whether you’re looking for a quick activity to brighten your child’s day, or you’d like to plan an outing with several fun locations to explore, Brownwood has plenty of great things for families to do together! Snap some great pics in front of Brownwood’s many murals, visit a local museum to learn more about our rich history, stroll through our outstanding parks and more. While it’s certainly not everything you can do here in Brownwood, check out the list below for ideas:
Lehnis Railroad Museum & Visitor Center – The Lehnis Railroad Museum relives the railroad history of Brownwood, Central Texas, and the American Southwest. Exhibits include a variety of railroad memorabilia and equipment, photos and stories of early railroads while vividly interpreting the importance of the railroad to this area and American life.
- Ages 13+ – $4
- Ages 60+ – $3
- Ages 5-12 – $2
- Ages 4 & Under – Free
- Active Military w/ ID – Free
The Lehnis Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 700 E. Adams Street in Brownwood.
Brown County Museum of History – The Brown County Museum of History, Inc., has the primary role of preserving the tangible evidence of our heritage and to educate the public through exhibition and interpretation of artifacts. The main library building is the Educational Center of Brown County Museum of History and located across the street from the Brown County Jail at 209 North Broadway. The rest of the museum is located in the old four story Brown County Jail, built in 1902, and located at 212 North Broadway across the street from the Courthouse in downtown Brownwood.
Admission: $5 – Adults; $4 – Seniors & Non-Active Duty Military; $3 – Students (5+) & Educators (w/ ID); $15 – Families (parents/grandparents w/ 2 or more students); FREE – Active Military & Family; FREE – Children 4 and Under.
The Brown County Museum of History is open to the public Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Art Center – Located at 215 Fisk Avenue in Downtown Brownwood, you’ll discover one of Texas’ most long-standing art associations. The Art Center offers regular exhibits from local artists, with no entry fee to view their work! Classes and other programs are available on occasion.
The Lyric Theatre – The Brownwood Lyric Theatre is a fully restored, historic performing arts theatre located in Downtown Brownwood at 318 Center Ave. The Lyric Performing Arts Company hosts several theatrical productions each year at the theatre.
The Brownwood Public Library – You and your family can have a quiet moment at the library, located at 600 Carnegie Street. The library has an extensive collection of materials with approximately 59,000 books for all reading levels. The library also offers books and audiobooks that can be downloaded to Kindles, iPads, Nooks and other digital devices. The library also offers more than 25 public-access computers that can be used for Internet browsing, word processing, spreadsheets and other computer needs. The Brownwood Public Library is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Mural Trail – There are currently 24 murals listed on the Mural Trail with plenty more to be added soon!
Parks – The City of Brownwood is home to 19 different parks totaling 317 acres. This includes 105 picnic sites, 15 restroom facilities, 11 playgrounds, 8 basketball courts, and much more. Our most popular parks include Allcorn Park, Coggin Park, Riverside Park, and Cecil Holman Park. Each location offers different playscapes to explore and various amenities. We have disc golf, hike trails, boat ramps, fishing, pavilions, nature trail, paddling trail, RV areas, tennis courts, volleyball courts and so much more!
The Central Texas Veterans Memorial – The Memorial Park honors the sacrifices made for the citizens of Brown County Texas to guarantee our freedoms. The park features various military equipment and vehicles as well as several large stone monuments with the names of local heroes. The park also has a newly-installed playground area.
Camp Bowie Family Aquatic Center – The Aquatic Center is one of Brownwood’s most popular summer attractions. Key features include: 7,000 sq. ft. Recreation Pool, Slide tower with flume slide, Water geysers, Tot slide, Lily-pad walk, Four lap lanes, Springboard diving, Zero beach entry, and Lazy river.
Splash Pads – Brownwood has three outstanding splash pads to provide a fun activity for children and families with no fee or charge for our residents to enjoy. Splash pads are located at Allcorn, Mayes, and Trigg Parks.
Gators Fun Factory – This family entertainment center, located at 3300 Milam Drive, brings the fun in big ways! Enjoy skating, video games, rock climbing, bowling and more!
Xtreme Jump – Grab the kiddos and work out all their energy with a fun time at Xtreme Jump trampoline park located inside Heartland Mall.
Intermission Book Shop – Immerse yourselves in a beautifully restored historic building packed with books and plenty of character at 203 Center Avenue. From the mural full of historical clues and secrets on the front of the building, to the magical archway made of books, Intermission Book Shop has wonders tucked away in every corner.
Shuga Pops at Shaw’s Marketplace – Pick up something sweet in a classic candy shop located inside Shaw’s Marketplace at 508 N. Center Avenue!
Twisted Axes or The Axe House – There are two places offering fantastic fun, both located in Downtown Brownwood! Twisted Axes is a family-friendly environment located at 203 Fisk Street, open six days a week. The Axe House is located at 306 N. Fisk and specializes in private events and fun parties with friendly staff.
Regal Heartland Movie Theater – Enjoy a family friendly movie at Regal Heartland Movie Theater, located at 300 Early Boulevard.
Flat Rock Park at Lake Brownwood and the Lake Brownwood State Park – The park sits on the shore of the 7,300-surface-acre Lake Brownwood. Reel in a fish, explore the lake by boat, or go for a swim. You can also water ski, Jet Ski and paddle. Hike nearly six miles of trails. Rest on CCC-built benches along the way and take in the view from the scenic and historic pavilion. Kids are invited to become a “Junior Ranger” through the park’s interactive program.
Rex’s Texas Lanes – Enjoy bowling with chilled Dublin sodas and some Bluebell ice cream at Rex’s Texas Lanes, located at 1101 Austin Avenue. This family-owned business has been open since 1973 and has recently undergone a complete renovation!
The Hideout – The Hideout Golf Club & Resort is nestled on 1400-acres of beautiful Texas Hill Country in the heart of Brownwood, Texas. Drawing in Texans from East and West, The Hideout is the ideal destination to live, work and play! Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, watersport lover, or looking to escape the city life, there’s plenty of activities to keep you entertained at this award-winning resort.
Gordon Wood Hall of Champions – Do you have a kiddo who is interested in football? Take them to the second floor of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce to tour the Gordon Wood Hall of Champions, at 600 E. Depot Street. The exhibit features information and memorabilia from Gordon Wood’s heyday. Coach Wood was a Texas sports legend and the winningest high school football coach in the Lone Star State who led the Brownwood Lions to 17 district or co-district championships and seven state titles.
