Want to know what you can do in Lubbock, Texas, without spending a dime? This friendly city has a rich past as the birthplace of musician Buddy Holly, and a vibrant presence in the form of agriculture, ranching, and higher education (go, Texas Tech!).
27 Best And Fun Things To Do In Lubbock TX (Texas)
Free Things To Do In Lubbock TX, there are times when all you want to do is have a good time in West Texas without spending any money, and Lubbock has a lot to offer in the way of free attractions, parks, and events for those occasions.
If you prefer to visualize your trip, we’ve provided a map of free attractions in Lubbock below.
27 Best And Fun Things To Do In Lubbock TX (Texas)
20 Best Indoor Things To Do In Lubbock TX (Texas)
14 Best and Top Rated Things To Do In Lubbock With Kids
13 List of Free Things To Do In Lubbock TX Today
1. National Ranching Heritage Center
National Ranching Heritage Center, the history of ranching in Lubbock and the surrounding area is honored at this free museum on the Texas Tech campus.
Also, this isn’t some dusty, antiquated museum that your grampa would find boring. There are almost fifty original ranch structures on display, from windmills to barns, and they all add up to a fascinating exhibition. There are 19 acres to discover, and you’ll need at least 45 minutes, and possibly up to 1 and a half hours, depending on your pace.
This is the largest historical museum west of Williamsburg, so donations are accepted to help defray the costs of upkeep and operation. Since there is so much space, this is one of the best family activities in Lubbock.
2. Prairie Dog Town
Could you describe a prairie dog if you’ve seen one? Now you are, and at no cost to you. A free attraction that many visitors to Lubbock miss is Prairie Dog Town, which can be found in Mackenzie Park, one of the city’s finest green spaces. The city of Lubbock, Texas, has been home to a herd of prairie dogs since the 1930s.
As they fight over the lettuce and carrots that humans feed them, you can observe them darting in and out of their underground homes. There’s no denying the adorableness of these animals, and this is a great activity for kids in Lubbock.
3. Mae Simmons Park
Mae Simmons Park is a great place to go in Lubbock if you’re a hiker, disc golfer, or just someone who wants to get outside. This park is a chance to see how nature in Lubbock used to be before it was tamed.
From this point, you can set out on the Mae Simmons Outer Loop hiking trail (which features some hills and great views of Lubbock) or try your hand at disc golf on a course that features both kinds of wood and river beds. Just taking a stroll around the lake and taking in the scenery is a great way to spend an afternoon.
4. Museum of Texas Tech University
The Plains Museum, located on the Texas Tech campus, is a free resource for learning about the region’s history and what life was like in the early 20th century.
Visit the Gallery of Southwest Indian Art to see pottery made by Native American tribes, or take in the collection of Western art in the Diamond Gallery.
Fans of prehistoric animals, such as mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and short-faced bears, will enjoy the ice age exhibit as much as the dinosaur display.
5. Lubbock Cultural District
The Lubbock Cultural District is an official, over 1 mile square area of Lubbock that serves as the city’s cultural nerve center, fostering and promoting the arts, entertainment, and creativity.
Attractions like the Buddy Holly Center and the Texas Tech Museum draw visitors, and the city hosts many cultural celebrations throughout the year.
If you’re on the lookout for creative types, you’ll find them here, whether you’re interested in art, dance, or some other form of expression. If you’re looking for a fun, cost-free place to stroll while in Lubbock, look no further.
6. First Friday Art Trail
The First Friday Art Trail is an annual, free event hosted by the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts that allows participants to explore the Lubbock Cultural District at their own pace. It is recommended that you visit the many venues in Lubbock that are hosting events in honor of the city’s artistic and cultural communities.
If you’re looking for a fun and inexpensive way to see some of Lubbock’s best art galleries after dark, look no further than the Friday Art Trail, which is currently only available online but will resume in 2020.
7. Texas Tech Public Art Collection
Those interested in the public art and architectural features found across Texas Tech’s campus can do so via a self-guided walking tour.
There is a constant rotation of new artwork, all of which has some connection to the university and its surroundings while also showcasing a range of artistic styles for the benefit of visitors and students.
In addition to the usual art shows, there are also seasonal displays, such as pumpkins around Halloween. Lubbock’s vibrant art community has a lot to gain from Texas Tech’s public art.
8. Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts
If you’re interested in art and live in or near Lubbock, you should definitely check out the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts.
Here you can view a wide variety of artworks, from sculptures to drawings to paintings, as well as attend performances of dance and theater in the theater space. If you don’t make it to Lubbock, you’re missing out on the city’s thriving artistic community and the revitalization of its downtown.
9. Eastlawn Memorial Gardens
Eastlawn Memorial Gardens, in case you’re a fan of his music, you should know that Buddy Holly, along with other well-known Lubbock residents like Virgil Johnson, is laid to rest in this Lubbock cemetery. It’s a serene spot perfect for contemplation and some fresh air.
10. Buddy Holly Statue
A larger-than-life statue of Buddy Holly was erected outside the Buddy Holly Center to honor the city of Lubbock as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll.
There is also a Walk of Fame honoring Lubbock’s musical and entertainment greats. Spend some time perusing the names on the Walk of Fame and taking pictures with this famous statue.
11. Lubbock Veterans Memorial
Surrounded by a pond and green spaces, the Lubbock Veterans Memorial is in Huenke Park and commemorates the South Plains heroes killed in action.
One of the largest memorials in the United States outside of the nation’s capital, this marble wall bears the names of the service members who gave their lives in defense of their country.
This site, which was dedicated in 2003, is a tranquil and reflective place to honor the sacrifices made by American veterans.
12. McAllister Park
The most important free thing to do in Lubbock for kids is found in McAllister Park – and that’s the playground called Legacy Park Village.
As opposed to the plastic playgrounds of today, this playground has preserved the classic wooden structure and provides an enchanting environment for children to play in. As the adults enjoy a picnic and the nice weather, the children can spend hours playing with their pals.
Don’t miss McAllister Park on your trip to Lubbock; the park has plans to expand in the coming years to include splash pads, a dog park, and food options.
13. McCullough Park
McCullough Park is a popular destination for disc golfers, and it’s also a great free activity in Lubbock. The course is well-marked and attractively painted, and visitors can enjoy the surrounding parkland by walking its paths or casting a line into the small pond.
FAQs Free Things To Do In Lubbock TX
What is Lubbock best known for?
Lubbock, Texas is well-known as the home of Texas Tech University, numerous well-known musicians, and High Plains wineries. All of that, plus the cultural, culinary, and family-friendly attractions of the Hub City, is why we decided to pay it a visit.
Is Lubbock boring?
TX (KCBD) – LUBBOCK Movoto, a blog dedicated to real estate research, has just named Lubbock the most uninteresting city in the United States. With information from the 100 most populous cities in the United States, Movoto compiled a list of the ten most dull places to live.
Is Lubbock the friendliest city in America?
Engineers from Vertaline, a software company based in Western Ukraine, reportedly monitored tweets from cities across the United States to see who tweets “good morning” the most, and Lubbock came out on top, giving the city a reputation as one of the friendliest.