10 Activities for Outdoor Lovers in Abilene, TX
Everyone can have fun in the sun in Abilene, TX, thanks to its numerous outdoor activities. Go hiking or biking along dozens of trails, paved and natural. Enjoy a day on the golf course or fishing at a local lake. Cool off at a splash pad or work up a sweat playing sand volleyball. Or simply take your dog for a walk.
“Abilene is a great place for outdoor recreation,” says Lesli Andrews, Abilene Parks & Recreation director. “We have a variety of things to offer, including 26 developed parks. You can enjoy almost any sport or activity nearly any day of the year. There’s really something for everyone.”
While there are plenty of options to choose from, here are 10 outdoor activities in Abilene, TX, that you need to check off your list.
In This Article
1. Visit the Abilene Zoo
A great zoo is getting even better, thanks to nearly $25 million in planned expansion and improvements. The zoo’s footprint will increase by 22 acres, providing space for new habitats, species, conservation efforts, educational classrooms and dining opportunities. Special events are held year-round, such as the Wild Days program during spring break (providing hands-on experiences with some of the zoo’s critters) and the Boo at the Zoo trick-or-treat festivity at Halloween.
2. Explore Lake Fort Phantom Hill
It is easy to spend an entire day – and night – at Lake Fort Phantom Hill, a former U.S. Army post that was established in 1851. In addition to enjoying the 4,200-acre lake, the historic site includes trails for biking and hiking. The area is popular with birdwatchers who can spot ducks, falcons, hawks, herons, osprey, woodpeckers and wrens. And if a single day isn’t enough, spend the night at one of the on-site RV parks or areas designated for tent camping.
3. Stroll Along Allen Ridge Walking Trail
Go for a leisurely walk along Allen Ridge’s half-mile paved trail before or after enjoying the development’s 30,000 square feet of dining, retail and entertainment space. The trail provides beautiful views of the centerpiece lake, and leashed dogs are welcome. Allen Ridge also has a boardwalk, playground and fire pit. Trust us, Allen Ridge will become one of your go-to spots for outdoor activities in Abilene, TX.
4. Bike at Abilene State Park
Located less than 20 miles southwest of downtown, this 530-acre state park next to Lake Abilene provides opportunities for hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, horseback riding and camping. The park, particularly the 3.5-mile Abilene Dam Road scenic loop trail, is popular with cyclists. Along the way, keep an eye out for deer, waterfowl, beavers and even roadrunners.
5. Play Disc Golf at Will Hair Park
Looking to add disc golf to your list of outdoor activities? Abilene, TX has three 18-hole disc golf courses and an additional 9-hole course. The course at Will Hair Park is challenging enough – with hills, trees and a winding creek – that the Professional Disc Golf Association has been holding an annual tournament there for 21 years. Disc golf can also be played at Cal Young Park, Johnson Park at Lake Fort Phantom, and on the campus of Abilene Christian University (9 holes).
6. Head to Adventure Cove
People of all ages can beat the summer heat at Adventure Cove. Explore the park’s Lazy River and Stingray Bay as well as its Big Blue, Red Racer and Green Monster slides. While you are here, make sure to check out Castaway Cafe, which has everything from hot dogs and cheeseburgers to fries, nachos and frozen treats.
7. Spend Time With Your Pup
Abilene’s popular ArtWalk: DogWalk allows pups to join in on a little community fun. Held from 5-8 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month, the event features live music, food trucks and more. Plus, the August event is often themed the “Dog Days of Summer” and hosts a dog costume contest.
8. Fish at Kirby Lake
This 740-acre lake on the south side of Abilene is filled with bass, catfish, sunfish and carp. There are also several nature trails around the lake, providing another spot that is popular with birdwatchers.
9. Play Sand Volleyball at Cobb Recreation Center
While the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico might be 400 miles away, sand can be found at Cobb Recreation Center’s volleyball court. The facility’s outdoor park also has a basketball goal, playground equipment and covered pavilions.
10. Golf at Maxwell Golf Course
Like many aspects of outdoor recreation in Abilene, golfing at Maxwell is getting even better. The club recently improved the driving range, added target greens and introduced a new fleet of 50 golf carts.
“Having all these outdoor recreation options gives people great places to go and have fun,” Andrews says. “When you see families outside enjoying themselves in Abilene, you know it’s a wonderful day. It just makes you smile.”
This article was sponsored by the Abilene Regional Growth Alliance, a division of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. The Abilene Chamber is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian organization that advocates for pro-business policies that create jobs and grow our economy.
