24 Things to do in Midland, Texas

It’s hot out in West Texas, so I am kicking this list off with the community pools. 

Doug Russell Pool

Midland has a fantastic community pool that kids will love. I think this is the best community pool in the area. It has bigger slides than the other community pools, a dedicated area for younger children, a rock-climbing wall, and more.

Washington Aquatic Center

This is a water playground, two huge slides, and of course a pool. The entry fee is cheap, only $3 per person! Children under the age of 2 are free. Located at 1601 E. Indiana, Midland, TX 79701. (We haven’t visited this pool, so, I cannot give you first-hand info on this one.) 

Midland Rockhounds

The Midland Rockhounds are the Permian Basin’s minor league baseball team. The games are quite fun and kid-friendly. They have a very nice playground for the kids. They do an elaborate fireworks show for the 4th of July.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

An indoor trampoline park with a rock climbing wall, bumper cars, a ropes course, a warriors course, massive playground, and more. There’s even a special area for kids 7 and under. Located at 4706 N Midkiff Rd #1, Midland, TX 79705.

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

Here you can catch a touring Broadway show, a concert including bands or a symphony. Located at 1310 Farm to Market 1788, Midland, TX 79707.

Cinergy

Midland and Odessa both have Cinergy Movie complexes now. Both have an arcade. The one in Midland has a ropes course. The Midland location also has Escape rooms. Cinergy Midland: 1917 Liberty Dr, Midland, TX 79706

Big Sky Drive-In

West Texas has always had great weather, so it just makes sense that they would have a drive-in theater and after all these years, they finally have one again. It is a pet-friendly drive-in cinema offering 3 double features nightly, plus a large concession menu.

Located at: 6200 W Hwy 80, Midland, TX 79706

Eat Candy at Susie’s South Forty Confections

For some of the best candy creations, you’ve ever had in your entire life head to Susie’s South Forty located at 2101 W Wadley, Midland, Texas. They let you sample lots of their candy for free and they are always running a really good sale in the store. Do not leave without trying Texas Trash. 

You can also visit their candy factory at 401 S Marienfeld St, Midland, TX 79701. Here you can watch them make the candy. 

The Petroleum Museum

The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum has exhibits relating to the oil and gas industry of the Permian Basin of West Texas and southeast New Mexico. They have the world’s largest collection of antique oil drilling equipment. You can get some cool Instagram photos out front. Located at 1500, I-20, Midland, TX 79701. 

Bowlero

Bowlero in Midland is probably the best place to bowl in town. They have 32 lanes including black lights on certain nights, plush seats, hi-def video walls, and the convenience of lane-side food & beverage service.

Museum of the Southwest

The Museum of the Southwest over in Midland has a fun kid’s area. The kid’s area is known as the Durham Children’s Museum. Here kids will find a variety of interactive spaces that create an exciting learning experience for children of all ages. Ponder marine life by visiting our living coral reef. They can experience hands-on learning and life while playing in the child-sized grocery store, kitchen, and vet clinic. The museum also offers community events.

Blakemore Planetarium

Also found at the Museum of the Southwest is the Blakemore Planetarium has a state of the art Spitz SciDome projector, a permanent exhibition area, and a classroom. Dome shows are presented Tuesday through Saturday, on a 360-degree state-of-the-art Digistar 5 system with 3D capabilities in the Helen Greathouse Educational Discovery Dome. After the shows, they have star talks. Located at 1705 W Missouri Ave, Midland, TX 79701.

Sibley Nature Center

The Sibley Nature Center encompasses 49 acres in Hogan Park in Midland and highlights the southern Llano Estacado, Edwards Plateau, and Transpecos Regions. Inside they have taxidermy exhibits of animals found in our region, which can be highly entertaining for kids.

For kids, they offer guided tours, toddler times with gardening, and storytime, and they have a nature club for grade schoolers. The Sibley Nature Center is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Sibley Nature Trails are open daily sunrise to sunset.

George W. Bush Childhood Home

The home is located at 1412 West Ohio Avenue, Midland, Texas 79701.

Midland Downtown Farmer’s Market

You will find all kinds of things at this farmer’s market, including artisan breads, local honey, strawberry/cranberry jam, jalapeño salsa, chili mix, dill mix, hatch chili cheese bread, lemon/blueberry scones, pecan sandies, chocolate banana nut bread, organic face soap & lotion, memoirs, goat cheese, free-range eggs, watermelon, cantaloupe, pumpkin, collards, tomatoes, and squash. 

In addition to goods for sale, they have live music, a children’s activity area, food trucks, and information from the local Master Gardener.

The market takes place every Saturday from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Midland Community Theater

Considered one of the top ten amateur theaters in the United States, the Midland Community Theater offers classic & contemporary plays, musicals, and children’s programming. Located at 2000 W Wadley Ave, Midland, TX 79705.

The Commemorative Air Force Museum

The commemorative Air Force Museum includes planes from several foreign countries and other military conflicts since World War II. They host an air show every year.

Fiddlesticks Farms

Now it blows my mind that Midland has a pumpkin patch because when I was growing up out here, there was nothing like this. In the fall Fiddlesticks Farms offer a pumpkin patch with a variety of activities. Activities include hayrides, pig races, pumpkin picking, pony rides, and more. Located at 5610 E. County Rd 120, Midland, TX 79706-5474.

Old Miners Maze

Old Miners Maze has a large maze you can go through, inflatables, pool tables, a fuse ball table, bungee trampolines, a concession stand, a rock climbing wall, small carnival rides, and more. Located at 4305 N County Rd 1140, Midland, TX 79705. 

Green Acres Mini Golf

Green Acres Mini Golf has mini golf of course, but it also has food, corn hole, an arcade, and giant chess. Located at 2905 E Hwy 80 Midland, TX 79706.

Mountain Biking

Head to Midland Park Trail to mountain bike. Riders must be a current member of the Permian Basin Bike Association or pay for a daily pass. Helmets are required when riding. The entrance is located at 31.9984182, -102.0244248, 3215 FM 307, Midland, TX 79706.

Denice the Menace Playground

The Dennis the Menace Park in Midland has several different playgrounds that will keep kids playing for a long time. Located at 2201 W Indiana Ave, Midland, TX 79701.

The best places to shop in Midland

There’s so much good shopping in Midland, especially if you enjoy boutique shopping. Since boutique-ing is one of my favorite things to do, I know lots of good ones. 

Ally’s Village – Food options, boutiques, and there’s a playground here. 

Willow – I’ve gotten some great jewelry here. It’s a gorgeous store with a bit of a hill country feel to it.

Miss Cayce’s Christmas Store – If you’ve ever thought I wish I could shop for Christmas stuff all year, well in Midland you can!

The Pink Pug – A gift shop with all kinds of things including clothes.

Le Bebe Boutique – Family-owned and unbelievably adorable. They have all kinds of things for a baby. 

Altar’d State – Okay, this is a chain, but it’s so great. If you are looking for women’s clothes this place is a must. They have a 10% military discount. 

The best places to eat in Midland, Texas

Cafe at the Gardens – There is a restaurant now at Aldridge Gardens. Located at: 3300 N Fairgrounds Rd, Midland, TX 79705

Abuelo’s – Yes, it is a chain, but it’s too good not to mention. It’s my favorite Tex-Mex chain restaurant!

Venezia Restaurant – This is a lovely Italian restaurant perfect for a date night. 

Taco Di Vino – For the best tacos head here. Located at 111 W Oak Ave, Midland, TX 79705.

Best Bars in Midland, Texas

Bean and Grape – A cozy little wine bar. Located at 3211 W Wadley Ave #21, Midland, TX 79705.

Little Woodrow’s – A sports bar with a great patio with fire pits. Located at 3415 North Loop 250, Midland, TX 79703.

The Beer Garden – Out on highway 80 is The Beer Garden. They have a variety of draft beers available as well as wine in an open-air venue with picnic tables & live music.  Located at: 7112 W Hwy 80, Midland, TX 79706

The Blue Door – I’ve only been here once. It’s small, but it’s great. They have a large beer selection. Located at 4610 N Garfield St D, #1C, Midland, TX 79705.

Wall Street Bar & Grill – An old bar, but still great. They have good steak. Located at 115 E Wall St, Midland, TX 79701. 

Best Hotels in Midland, Texas

Residence Inn Midland, if you are a Marriott rewards member check rates here instead. 

Grand Texan Hotel

Holiday Inn Express

Keep in mind, I am only in West Texas a few times a year, so there may be many places I’ve missed. If you know a great place that others should know about, please leave it in the comments below!!!!

If you are headed to the nearby city of Odessa, check out some of these suggestions.

Things to do in Odessa, Texas

Great restaurants and bars in Odessa, Texas

Best Things to Do in Fort Davis, Texas

Marfa, Texas

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Every now and then the kids and I stumble across an awesome local spot that visitors wouldn’t necessarily know about and that is exactly what happened the other day in Midland, Texas. I was chatting with a friend about taking the kids to a pool in Odessa and she casually mentioned that many of her friends take their kids over to Midland to the Doug Russell pool. Now she didn’t elaborate at all so imagine my surprise when I googled this pool and saw how awesome it was and that it only costs $3. I can’t believe in all our trips to West Texas that no one had mentioned this swimming pool to us before!

While we were there I took some quick video so you can see exactly what to expect. You will notice that there is hardly any shade.

Unfortunately, they do not let you take in your own food. They do have a snack bar with $1.50 water & $4 nachos. They had lots of other options as well, but since this was all I bought they are the only items I can recall. I know there was ice cream.

My kids love the rock climbing wall that they could jump off of into the water and the three water slides. I loved the chairs that you could sit on in the water. Probably because it was 106 degrees the day we went.

Don’t forget that they are closed on Tuesdays!

Family Night is from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays.

Lap Swim is Noon-1 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Doug Russell Aquatic Center is located at

900 N. Midland Drive
Midland, TX 79703

The entry fee is $3 per person; children under 2 are free. Punch cards are available at the Martin Luther King Community Center.

Mon 12:00 PM — 7:00 PM

TueClosed

Wed 12:00 PM — 7:00 PM

Thu 12:00 PM — 9:00 PM

Fri12:00 PM — 7:00 PM

Sat12:00 PM — 7:00 PM

Sun1:00 PM — 7:00 PM

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