If you were to divide Texas into regions on a map, the largest chunk would undoubtedly be West Texas. Spanning nearly 40,000 square miles and home to 231 towns, this expansive region is a world of its own. As someone who calls West Texas home, I’ve made it my mission to explore these small towns scattered across the desert landscape. Along the way, I’ve discovered some incredible hidden gems—places that rarely get the recognition they deserve.
One of my absolute favorites is Plainview, Texas. Tucked between two of West Texas’s more well-known cities—just north of Lubbock and south of Amarillo—Plainview often gets overlooked. But this unassuming town is a true West Texas treasure. It serves as a quiet bridge between the heart of West Texas and the Panhandle, and most travelers simply pass through without ever realizing what they’re missing.
Plainview offers a delightful mix of free family-friendly activities, mouthwatering local eats, and sweeping views that capture the rugged beauty of the region. It’s a place full of character, history, and charm—exactly the kind of spot that makes exploring West Texas so rewarding.
Family Friendly Fun Things To Do In Plainview, Texas:
Hike By Bison At Caprock Canyon State Park
Let’s start big—with one of the most iconic state parks in all of West Texas.
Out here, the land is famously flat. We’ve even got a saying: “You can watch your dog run away for three days.” That’s how open and barren the countryside can be. So imagine the surprise when, just a short drive north of Plainview, the flat horizon suddenly gives way to a stunning red rock canyon. It feels like stumbling upon a secret world—and that world is Caprock Canyons State Park.
Caprock Canyons is a rugged, untamed landscape full of dramatic beauty. You can drive through towering red rock formations, hike dusty trails lined with cacti and yucca, and spot the park’s famous residents: a free-roaming herd of American bison. That’s right, these majestic animals are not behind fences. You could be hiking a trail or cruising down a road with these wild bison just a few feet away.
My kids called it “epic”—and they weren’t wrong. The terrain is a playground of red dirt hills, narrow canyons, and massive rock formations that practically beg to be climbed. Every turn on the trail brings something new and exciting, and for adventurous little ones (and adults, too), it’s heaven.
Caprock Canyons is one of the most fun and awe-inspiring state parks in Texas. If you’re making a West Texas bucket list, this place absolutely needs to be on it.
Location: 850 Caprock Canyon Park Road, Quitaque, TX 79255
Admission: $5 ages 13+, 12 and under FREE
Find the Painted Cows Throughout Town
As a mom of five little ones, I’ve learned that traditional art museums can be more stressful than they’re worth. The thought of tiny hands darting around priceless works of art is enough to make your heart stop. And let’s be honest—taking toddlers into a space where nothing is meant to be touched is just asking for chaos. (Ask me how I know—haha!)
But just because we’ve stepped away from formal art museums doesn’t mean we’ve stopped appreciating art. I love art, and I want my kids to grow up loving it too. So we’ve found more hands-on, family-friendly ways to enjoy it together.
One of our favorite discoveries has been outdoor art installations—specifically, towns that feature painted statues with fun, local themes. Plainview, Texas has done just that, with a delightful herd of painted cows placed throughout town! These colorful bovines are decorated with scenes that showcase Plainview’s rich history and culture. Hunting them down has become one of our favorite activities.
It turns into a mini adventure every time. We drive around spotting the cows, take goofy pictures, and my kids compete to see who can strike the silliest pose. It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s a creative way to explore the best of what Plainview has to offer—all without the stress of “look but don’t touch.”
For a list of where to find the painted cows around town, click here.
Lunch at the Fieldhouse
One big misconception I had about Plainview, Texas was that it was just a small town with nothing but basic drive-thrus to eat at. When you’re passing through on the highway, all you see are places like McDonald’s and Chicken Express, which makes it easy to assume there aren’t any real dine-in options. But let me tell you—I was so wrong.
Plainview is full of unique, locally owned spots that are bursting with flavor and personality. I’ve already got a list of places I can’t wait to try, from classic Texas BBQ and local pizza joints to Asian buffets and crispy chicken stops—Plainview truly has it all.
One of my favorite finds so far is The Fieldhouse, a cozy deli that’s well-known for its fresh, flavorful sandwiches. But the real standout? Their baked potato menu. Yep, you can build your own giant potato with a variety of meats, cheeses, and toppings—it’s comfort food at its finest, and without the extra grease that usually comes with it. Fresh, fun, and totally satisfying!
Location: 3401 Olton Rd, Plainview, TX 79072
Race Down Waterslides at the Plainview Aquatics Center
If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you’ve probably heard me say this a thousand times: when it comes to surviving the blazing West Texas summers, water activities are an absolute must! There’s no way to enjoy traveling through this heat without finding a way to cool off and have some splash-filled fun.
While Plainview doesn’t have any splash pads, it more than makes up for it with an impressive aquatic center. This little waterpark features a beach-style entry into a massive swimming pool that gradually deepens—from ankle-deep for the tiniest swimmers, to shoulder-deep, and finally to a deep section where even diving can make your ears pop! The center also offers a climbing wall, two giant water slides, and a dedicated splash area for kids.
Life jackets are available for the little ones, and lifeguards keep a watchful eye—not so strict that they kill the fun, but enough to keep everyone safe. It’s the perfect place to beat the intense Texas heat and help your kids burn off that endless summer energy!
Location: 3300 W 16th St, Plainview, TX 79072
Admission: $8 ages 14+, $5 ages 13 and under
Visit the Jimmy Dean Museum
Another great way to escape the West Texas heat is by visiting an indoor museum. Plainview, Texas, is proud to be the hometown of the legendary Jimmy Dean—the singer turned sausage creator. The town honors him with a museum dedicated to his life and the rich history of Plainview itself. Best of all, admission to the museum is completely free!
While it’s not an interactive museum in the traditional sense, the staff offer a fun twist for kids. When you check in, just ask at the front desk for a scavenger hunt board. My kids loved searching for items like a polar bear, saddles, and other artifacts featured on their boards, which brought the museum experience to life in a whole new way. The museum may be small, but its exhibits are fascinating and definitely worth a visit.
Location: 1900 W 7th, Plainview, TX 79072
Admission: FREE
Picnic at the Kidsville Playground At Running Water Draw Regional Park
Plainview has a castle—need I say more? No matter how many incredible places I take my kids on our adventures, playgrounds always end up being their absolute favorite. And the park at Running Water Draw delivers big time.
It features not one, but two awesome playgrounds. One has a zip line that my kids would ride on all day if I let them. The other is a giant, wooden castle-themed playground that’s straight out of a fairy tale. They climb tall towers, race through maze-like passageways, and whoosh down a slide shaped like a dragon’s tongue. It’s got that nostalgic, old-school playground feel with just the right touch of modern flair—and it’s a total hit with the kids!
Location: 3400 W 4th St, Plainview, TX 79072
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Final Thoughts On Plainview, Texas:
While I can’t say I’ve visited every town in West Texas just yet, out of all the places we’ve explored so far, Plainview easily ranks in our top five favorites. From the highway, it might seem like just another small town—but once you take the time to explore, you’ll uncover a place full of charm, character, and family-friendly fun.
If you’re a West Texas local looking for a memorable day trip, Plainview is the hidden gem you’ve been searching for. With delicious local eats, exciting places to play, and history waiting to be discovered, it offers a magical and unique experience for the whole family. Don’t just pass it by—stop, explore, and fall in love with all that Plainview has to offer.
More Fun Small Towns To Visit In West Texas:
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