Ellen Noël Art Museum
For a dose of culture and creativity, the Ellen Noël Art Museum offers a day of fun for your littles. This museum is temporarily housed inside the UT Permian Basin Shepperd Leadership Institute, while the new museum is getting renovated and is expected to finished by the end of this year! This summer, be sure to catch the captivating exhibition, “My Ancestors’ Memories Become My Creative Instincts: Doylene H. Land,” which opens on June 6th and runs until August 24, 2025. Beyond the art, the museum also offers a little free library and art classes, and you can even request a tour to learn about the nearby George W. Bush Boyhood Home.
Indoor Parks
Let the kid’s run around at these indoor parks like Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park, with an indoor slide park, go-kart tracks, mini go-karts, climbing walls, warrior course, dodge ball, and a cafe! 4Kidz Fun Park offers a wonderland of slides, obstacle courses, a ball blaster area. Altitude Trampoline Park is packed with trampolines for all ages, dodgeball showdown area, battle beam, and basketball trampoline area.
Jackrabbit Jamboree
HOP around town this summer while making lasting family memories in Odessa by embarking on an exciting adventure with the Odessa Jackrabbit Jamboree! This beloved city tradition invites you to discover over 30 unique, artist-decorated Jack Rabbit statues scattered throughout town, each a vibrant tribute to our iconic 8-foot-tall mascot, Jack Ben Rabbit. It’s the perfect way for families to explore Odessa, get some fresh air, and engage in a fun scavenger hunt. To make it even more memorable, download the official Jackrabbit Jamboree Passport, check in at 16 designated locations as you find these delightful art pieces, and once your quest is complete, visit the Discover Odessa offices during opening hours to claim your very own adorable Jack Rabbit plushie as a special souvenir!
Meteor Crater
For a truly out-of-this-world experience, venture just southwest of Odessa to explore the remarkable Odessa Meteor Crater! Formed in prehistoric times by thousands of iron meteorites, this impressive site holds a significant place in geological history. According to the National Park Service, it’s one of only two known meteor sites in the entire country and is remarkably the second-largest impact crater in the United States. You can walk along the rim of the main crater, which spans up to 650 feet wide and rises several feet above the surrounding plains, offering a unique glimpse into a colossal cosmic event. While this incredible landmark was initially discovered in 1892, its true nature as an impact crater wasn’t determined until the 1920s. It’s a fascinating natural wonder that showcases the powerful forces that shaped our planet, making it a perfect spot for families to learn about geology and astronomy while marveling at a piece of cosmic history right here in West Texas.
Painting Class
Ready to unleash your family’s inner artists? Check out a fun painting class at Cheers To Paint Studio! This spot is fantastic for all skill levels – seriously, no experience needed. Whether you want to join a themed class to paint something specific or simply drop in during an Open Paint Studio day to create at your own pace, there’s an option for everyone. It’s such a fun way to spend quality time together, get those creative juices flowing, and everyone gets to take home a unique souvenir of your awesome Odessa adventure. Be sure to check out their event calendar for more details and to pick your perfect day to paint!
Parks & Playgrounds
At Sherwood Park, you’ll find everything from a cool skate park and sand volleyball to picnic spots and a super fun playground with an octopus climber that the kids will absolutely love. McKinney Park is another hit, with a fantastic kids’ play area perfect for burning off all that energy. And for the adventurers in your crew, you HAVE to check out Jim Parker Park—it’s got an epic zip line and some seriously long slides built right into the hill! If you’re after a more chill vibe, Memorial Garden Park is your spot for a peaceful picnic, feeding the ducks, or just a nice stroll around the pond. Want to get those bikes and scooters rolling? Comanche Trail Park has a long, paved trail that’s perfect for a family ride. And for the tiniest explorers, Progressive Park is a lifesaver with equipment perfectly sized for toddlers, plus handicap friendly so every little one can join the fun.
Pools & Spraygrounds
When the Texas summer sun is shining bright, there’s no better way to cool off than at Odessa’s fantastic pools and spraygrounds! Dive into fun at the Sherwood Family Aquatic Center or Woodson Family Aquatic Center, both offering large swimming pools, slides, and splash pads for all ages, with options like a lazy river at Sherwood. For a classic swim, Floyd Gwin Pool boasts a diving board and even West Texas’s only water climbing wall. If you’re looking for free water fun, head to the exciting McKinney Park Sprayground or the prehistoric-themed Jurassic Jungle Sprayground at UTPB, where kids can splash and play amongst fun water features. These aquatic havens are essential for beating the heat and enjoying refreshing family time! Spraygrounds are free.
Rimrock Raceway
Head over to Rimrock Raceway, West Texas’s premier go-kart circuit, where the whole family can unleash their inner speed demon! Race against each other on thrilling tracks, creating unforgettable memories and perhaps settling who truly has the fastest reflexes. With traditional go-karts for racers aged eight and up, and dual-seater karts that allow younger children (ages two and older with a 16+ driver) to experience the excitement, Rimrock Raceway ensures everyone gets a piece of the action. It’s the perfect destination for a day of competitive fun and adrenaline-pumping excitement!
UTPB Stonehenge
For a truly unique sight in West Texas, make your way to the University of Texas Permian Basin campus to marvel at UTPB Stonehenge! This impressive, nearly full-size replica of the ancient English monument was constructed right here in Odessa in just six weeks. Built from massive limestone slabs, some towering up to 19 feet tall, this remarkable installation is astronomically aligned, mirroring its ancient counterpart and offering a fascinating blend of historical inspiration and local ingenuity. It’s a fantastic spot for families to wander, take memorable photos, and contemplate the mysteries of the past, all while enjoying a piece of iconic art in the heart of the Permian Basin.
White-Pool House
Step back in time and discover Odessa’s rich history at the Historic White-Pool House, the oldest surviving structure in Ector County! Built in 1887 by pioneer Charles White and his family, this beautifully restored, two-story Victorian farmhouse offers a captivating glimpse into early West Texas life. As you explore the home, adorned with period furnishings and family heirlooms, you’ll uncover stories from both the pioneer era and the booming oil days. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the White-Pool House provides engaging guided tours and features a museum complex with a barn replica and farm out-buildings, making it a perfect educational and immersive experience for the whole family. Book your free tour by emailing whitepoolhouse@outlook.com or calling 432-333-4072.
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