LUBBOCK ON A BUDGET: 10 FREE THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE

LUBBOCK ON A BUDGET: 10 FREE THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE

Some days you need to get out of the house, but your bank account has already told you to sit down.

The good news is that enjoying Lubbock does not always require buying tickets, paying an entrance fee or spending money at a restaurant. The city has museums, trails, public art, historic landmarks and family activities that can be enjoyed for free throughout the year.

Whether you are looking for something to do with the kids, planning a low cost date or simply tired of staring at the same four walls, here are 10 places to start.

1. VISIT PRAIRIE DOG TOWN

Prairie Dog Town is one of those places many longtime residents forget about until family visits from out of town.

Located inside Mackenzie Park, the attraction gives visitors an up close look at one of the animals most closely connected to the West Texas plains. Families can watch prairie dogs run between burrows, stand guard and communicate with one another.

Prairie Dog Town has been part of Lubbock since 1935 and is cared for by the City of Lubbock Parks and Recreation Department. There is no admission charge.

It may not take all day, but it is an easy stop when you need to get the kids out of the house without spending money.

2. EXPLORE THE LUBBOCK LAKE LANDMARK

The Lubbock Lake Landmark is more than another walking trail. It is a 336 acre archaeological and natural history preserve documenting thousands of years of life on the Southern High Plains.

Visitors can explore the interpretive center, learn about animals and people who once lived in the area and walk outdoor trails through the preserve.

Admission is free to the public.

This is one of the best options in Lubbock for families who want an activity that combines history, science and time outside. The indoor interpretive center is also helpful when the West Texas weather refuses to cooperate.

3. WALK THROUGH THE MUSEUM OF TEXAS TECH

The Museum of Texas Tech University offers free admission every day it is open.

The museum includes exhibits connected to art, history, clothing and textiles, paleontology, anthropology and natural science. Because exhibitions change throughout the year, residents can return without having the exact same experience every time.

The museum is located at 3301 Fourth Street. Parking and general museum admission are free, although certain special programs or planetarium shows may charge a separate fee.

It is also one of the easiest places to take children when you want them to learn something without making the day feel like another day at school.

4. STEP INTO WEST TEXAS HISTORY AT THE NATIONAL RANCHING HERITAGE CENTER

The National Ranching Heritage Center is another free attraction located near Texas Tech.

Its historical park features more than 50 authentic ranching structures that tell the story of life across Texas and the Southwest. Visitors can walk through different periods of ranching history and see homes, barns, a school, a church and other buildings moved to the property for preservation.

Admission is free, although donations are appreciated.

Even people who grew up around agriculture may discover something they did not know about the communities, families and workers who built West Texas.

5. SLOW DOWN AT THE LUBBOCK MEMORIAL ARBORETUM

The Lubbock Memorial Arboretum is located inside Clapp Park at 4111 University Avenue.

Admission is free, and the grounds are open seven days a week. Visitors can walk through gardens, enjoy the trees and plants, take pictures or simply find a quiet place to sit.

The Arboretum is a solid choice for a peaceful walk, family pictures or a low pressure date where nobody has to pretend they wanted to spend $100.

Visitors should remain on the walking paths and follow posted rules protecting the gardens and wildlife.

6. EXPERIENCE FIRST FRIDAY ART TRAIL

Lubbock’s First Friday Art Trail is a free, self guided art event held on the first Friday of each month in the Lubbock Cultural District.

Galleries, museums, studios and other participating locations open their doors for an evening of art, music and community. The exhibits change, meaning every month can offer something different.

Free trolleys help visitors travel between participating locations along the downtown route. Food trucks and vendors are normally present, but buying something is optional.

First Friday is one of the few regular Lubbock events where someone can see local art, hear live music, meet people and enjoy downtown without purchasing a ticket.

7. TAKE YOURSELF ON A TEXAS TECH PUBLIC ART TOUR

You do not have to be a student to enjoy the Texas Tech campus.

The Texas Tech University System has placed public artwork throughout its campuses, including sculptures, installations and interactive pieces. Visitors can use the free ArTTrek map to locate artwork and build their own walking route.

This can be turned into a family scavenger hunt, photography challenge or casual date. Try choosing five pieces, finding each one and deciding which piece everyone likes best.

Walking the campus also gives visitors a chance to see Memorial Circle, the Will Rogers and Soapsuds statue and other pieces of Texas Tech history.

Remember that parking restrictions may apply during certain hours, so check signs before leaving your vehicle.

8. VISIT THE BUDDY HOLLY STATUE AND WEST TEXAS WALK OF FAME

The Buddy Holly Center charges admission for its indoor museum, but the Buddy and Maria Elena Holly Plaza outside is free.

Located at 19th Street and Crickets Avenue, the plaza includes the Buddy Holly statue and the West Texas Walk of Fame. The plaques recognize musicians, performers and entertainers with ties to Lubbock and the surrounding region.

The plaza is open to the public from dawn to dusk throughout the year.

It is a quick stop, but it gives residents an opportunity to learn more about the people who helped place West Texas music on the national map.

9. CHECK THE LUBBOCK PUBLIC LIBRARY CALENDAR

A library card offers much more than books.

The Lubbock Public Library regularly hosts free activities for children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens. Depending on the schedule, programs can include story times, crafts, book clubs, language classes, educational workshops, games and family activities.

Programs are offered across Mahon Library and the Godeke, Groves and Patterson branches.

The schedule changes throughout the month, so checking the library calendar can solve the “What are we doing today?” problem without creating a new problem for your wallet.

10. REDISCOVER LUBBOCK’S PARKS AND CANYON LAKES

Lubbock has more than 80 public parks, and there is a good chance you have not visited most of them.

Mackenzie Park, Mae Simmons Park, Maxey Park, Higginbotham Park, Leftwich Park and the Canyon Lakes system offer places to walk, exercise, picnic, play or watch the sunset.

Several parks have walking tracks, playgrounds, open fields and access to the water. Lubbock also has public disc golf courses for anyone who already owns or can borrow a few discs.

Instead of returning to the same neighborhood park every time, choose a different part of the city and explore somewhere new. Specific facilities and activities may have rules or fees, but simply entering and enjoying most city park areas does not cost anything.

HAVING FUN IN LUBBOCK DOES NOT HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE

Lubbock may not have mountains, beaches or a giant amusement park, but that does not mean there is nothing to do.

Sometimes the best plans are simple. Walk through a museum. Find a new park. Watch the prairie dogs. Explore downtown art. Take pictures around Texas Tech. Visit a place you have driven past for years but never entered.

The next time somebody says there is nothing to do in Lubbock, send them this list.

What free place or activity should The806er add next?