21 Things to do in Midland, Texas

Midland, Texas is a city in the middle of West Texas. Despite what you may think upon initially investigating Midland, there are quite a few things to do. I’ve put together a list of things to do in Midland with kids and without in no particular order. Plus, the best places to eat, drink, shop, and stay! I hope this list helps you have lots of fun.
21 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
Big Sky Drive-in Theater Midland, Texas
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
Dshnayder [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)] For $5 you can tour the George W. Bush Childhood Home. Home to two Presidents, two Governors, and a First Lady, this remarkable 1950s restoration gives visitors a unique perspective of the Bush family and their legacy, insight into the restoration of this modest home, and provides an interesting view of life in 1950s Midland.
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.
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. 
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 Sta te – 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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