Get ready for some outdoor fun in Odessa, Texas! This vibrant city offers a variety of outdoor activities for all ages and interests. So, lace up your shoes, grab your sunscreen, and let's explore!
PLAYGROUNDS & DUCK PONDS
Looking for a fun time at the park with your littles? Check out the parks below:
- McKinney Park: This family-friendly favorite offers a dedicated children's sprayground, ideal for cooling off on a warm summer day. You can find sports fields to play on, picnic area, playground, and a sand volleyball court!
- Progressive Park: Progressive Park is located behind Odessa Regional Medical Center and is handicap friendly! From swing sets to playground sets perfectly suited for anyone who has special needs - this park if for you. In the play area, you can find a cute little house playground, fun outer space set and more interactive slides and play areas.
- Jim Parker Park: From the all-time favorite Roller Slide to the climbing areas this park is a must visit. You will find several types of slides with plenty of restaurants and things to do nearby with your littles.
- Sherwood Park: The uniquely designed playground features a giant octopus to climb, a ship-themed playset that will spark their pirate spirit, and even a sandy area for building sandcastles and letting their creativity flow. But wait, there's more! Older kids can shred at the skate park, families can challenge each other to a game at the volleyball courts, and on those scorching summer days, there's even a refreshing pool to cool off.
- UTPB Duck Pond: The University of Texas Permian Basin duck pond is a great place to sit under a tree and relax or feed the ducks! This spot is also a great one to take family photos.
RUNNING TRAILS
- Memorial Gardens Park Trail: This 1-mile loop around a scenic pond offers a peaceful walk and beautiful views. If you're feeling more adventurous, there's also a 1.3-mile option that takes you around the entire park.
- UTPB Outer Loop: This easy 3.6-mile paved trail encircles the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, offering scenic views throughout your walk, run, or bike ride. Open year-round, the trail is a popular spot for enjoying some exercise or quiet time in nature. Leashed dogs are also welcome on the trail in designated areas. This trail takes an average of 1 h 3 min to complete.
- Comanche Trail South: Much like UTPB Trail, Comanche Trail is another local favorite running trail for those looking for distance! This trail takes you 0.8 miles one way or 1.6 miles loop (through McKinney Park). View the map here.
- Comanche Trail West: This trail is 1.1 miles one way or 2.2 miles loop. View the map here.
BIKING TRAILS
- Odessa Mountain Bike Park (restricted to only Permian Basin Bicycle Association members): The PBBA built and maintains a mountain biking park in East Odessa containing over 11 miles of trail inside 95 acres of leased property. There are trails for all riders from beginner to intermediate to expert. Trails are marked with traditional color schemes of green for beginner, blue for intermediate, and red for expert-level. Always obey trail etiquette (rules posted on the gate) and be prepared with plenty of water and food. Carry flat tire repair supplies and make sure your bike is tuned to hold up under trail conditions. View Trail Map Here
GOLF & DISC GOLF
- Ratliff Ranch Golf Links: It's tee time! This public course that has a putting green, driving range, along with a club house that include a bar & grill!
- Comanche Trail Park: This disc golf course offers tightly wooded fairways with a high risk-reward ratio, along with some big arm hyzer holes! The walking path and beyond is out of limits.
PAINTBALL & GO-KARTS
- Odessa Area Outdoor Gun Range & Paintball - Challenge your friends to a thrilling game of paintball at this outdoor facility. You can play day or night with your family and friends!
- Rimrock Raceway - Put the pedal to the metal and experience the excitement of go-kart racing at Rimrock Raceway. Hit the race track and after, for those 21+, you can unwind at Victory Lane Bar!
MUST SEE + SELFIE WORTHY
- Stonehenge - Marvel at the impressive replica of Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument, located at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin! It's a popular spot to take graduation or family photos! Permian Basin Stonehenge is slightly shorter than the original, but it's exact in horizontal size and astronomically accurate.
- Odessa Spire - The Spire is the tallest light outdoor sculpture in Texas Standing at 109ft tall! We'd recommend to snap a photo in front of this sculpture at night.
- Chris Kyle Memorial - Learn about the heroism of US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle at his memorial statue. This statue depicts Kyle in his military gear and is a popular spot for reflection and honoring his service.
- Murals - You will find tons of murals scattered throughout Downtown Odessa! Are you a Dolly Parton fan? Be sure to snap your photo in front of the "Coats of Many Colors" mural.
HOP AROUND TOWN
For your tiny adventurers, hop into a city-wide scavenger hunt with the Jackrabbit Jamboree Trail! Download the map and watch your kids’ eyes light up as they discover adorable jackrabbit statues around town. Check in at 16 locations and claim the ultimate prize – a cuddly jackrabbit plushie! It’s a fun way to explore Odessa’s unique charm together.
STAY CONNECTED WITH US & TAG DISCOVER ODESSA ON YOUR NEXT OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IN ODESSA
