Family Guide to Lubbock, Texas
Lubbock is a fun, bustling West Texas hub with incredible food, great indoor family attractions, and easy city navigation. Whether you’re visiting family or exploring West Texas on a road trip, here is everything you need to know before you go!
Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas
Know Before You Go:
Budget for Private Attractions: Texas as a state is more focused on private business and fewer city-run public amenities. Be aware that almost all activities will be paid entry, so budget accordingly for family outings.
Weather & Climate Prep: Because of the West Texas climate (which can lean toward extreme summer heat or colder winter shifts), it can be very important to have indoor backup options planned so you aren't stuck outside.
City Layout & Driving: Lubbock is built with a full highway loop surrounding the city, making it very quick and simple to navigate. However, the road infrastructure is not set up for walking in most areas. Renting a car or bringing your own vehicle is highly recommended.
Getting There:
Flying into Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB)
This is a very small airport on the north side of Lubbock closer to downtown, flying through only three carriers: American Airlines, United, and Southwest.
Security & Gates: The distance to the terminals from security is very short, and security lines are quick.
Amenities: There are only a few restaurants on-site and their hours vary depending on staffing needs, so pack plenty of snacks for the kids!
Transit: While there is some public transportation, renting a car or booking a car service is recommended upon arrival.
Driving In
Driving to West Texas can be long, but it is fairly inexpensive as gas prices drop significantly the closer you get to Texas. Because Lubbock is fundamentally built for car travel, bringing our own family vehicle made getting our kids around town seamless.
Where to Play:
Science Spectrum + OMNI Theater
This family-friendly museum is a great place to spend the day. Prices are quite reasonable for the size of the facility, and even our young kids played here a lot!
Highlights: A dedicated children’s play center with a water exhibit, hands-on science experiments, a historical section, live fish, an indoor children's climbing wall, and an on-site OMNI movie theater.
Play Street Museum
This children’s play center was a cute and fun addition to our time in Lubbock. While Jeremy spent some time working, I took the girls to explore and play at a new place. The kids asked to go back again and again!
Best for: Ages 1 to 6.
Admission includes: All day entry (come and go as needed), crafts, snacks, and a take-home activity. Additional crafts and activities were available for purchase.
Milestones Development + Play Park
This large indoor play space is an incredible option for the whole family to beat the West Texas heat while still letting the kids burn off energy. Prices were very reasonable and they were very kind and flexible.
What Kids Love: Multiple climbable play structures, a separate rock wall, outdoor toys to play with on a large turf lawn, and a designated baby and toddler area so the littlest ones can play safely.
Best For: Ages 4+ (though the dedicated baby/toddler section makes it great for all ages).
Admission includes: All day entry per paid child (come and go as needed), and 1 adult per paid child is free.
Lubbock Premiere Lux IMAX Theater
We were in town for the release of Avatar II, so we took advantage of free babysitting from Grandma & Grandpa and headed to the movies!
The Experience: Clean, excellent maintenance, recline seating, and a smooth self-service food section. A great date-night theater experience.
Where to Eat
Lubbock has an incredible food scene ranging from iconic Tex-Mex to casual family dining and upscale date-night spots.
H-E-B (Grocery Store)
This deserves its own entry on the list! Yes, H-E-B is a grocery store, but it is so much more than that—a true staple of Texas communities. If you want to explore a grocery store like you never have before, grab a coffee, and pick up some genuine Texas BBQ, this is a must. We visited the Southwest location on Quaker & 114th.
Torchy’s Tacos
IYKYK. But seriously—if you love Tex-Mex, this is a must for your list. We got hooked when we lived in Dallas and go every chance we get. Don’t forget to grab chips and queso, and ask about their secret menu!
Slim Chickens
Chicken fingers and fries, but elevated. Their house sauce is a traditional Texas BBQ style, the toast is buttery and delicious, and they serve delicious southern desserts. Budget Hack: We bought a full adult meal and split it between our kids to save on costs.
Raising Cane’s
It can’t be the South without fried chicken! Popular for chicken fingers and fresh lemonade, with crinkle-cut fries and a peppery house dipping sauce. This is one of Jeremy’s favorites when we are in the area.
Braum’s
Great simple American-style food at an affordable price point. Serves burgers, sandwiches, fries, salads, and house-made ice cream. Very family-friendly with a small convenience grocery store built right into the restaurant. Buy dinner for tonight and stock up on basics for the hotel!
McAlister’s Deli
Family-friendly with options that easily accommodate different dietary preferences. The chicken salad here is divine, the soups are delicious, and it's a great spot for a veggie-heavy fast-casual meal. I always stop when there is a McAlister’s nearby!
Jason’s Deli
My personal favorite salad bar spot! Their baked potatoes are massive and delicious. Great kid-friendly options that still pack in plenty of fresh vegetables.
Chicken Salad Chick
A cute & straightforward deli with one of my favorite foods as the main event! With lots of chicken salad options to choose from, anyone can find something they like (including the kids!).
BJ’s Restaurant + Brewhouse
A bit pricier, but great for dining as a larger group so you can share dishes. The wings and nachos were great, and they offer a broad menu featuring Asian Chopped Salad, Atlantic Salmon, Tri-Tip, pizza, house-made ginger beer, and tons of gluten-free options.
Date Night Options (Adults Only)
Ike’s Woodfire Grill
A lovely upscale bar and grill with a large menu, quiet private seating, a large bar, and an outdoor patio. On the pricier side, but perfect for a night out just the two of us while the girls stayed with Grandma and Grandpa!
(Note: Local pie favorite Whip’d Pies and formal dining Table 82 have permanently closed.)
Final Thoughts on Visiting Lubbock, Texas with Family
Overall, Lubbock is a fun, welcoming destination for families with an exceptional food scene. While you'll want to watch your activity budget since most attractions are privately owned paid spaces, having a car and mixing up indoor play centers with great local dining makes for a smooth, enjoyable trip!
