Spring in West Texas is here and other than the occasional dusting, we truly have the very best weather in the country! Crisp mornings, warm afternoons and amazing sunsets grace the Lubbock area: The perfect setting to grab the family and soak in the sunshine at some of the local spring events. Here are our Top 10 Spring Events… plus a few more… just to start! There are way-more than 10, so please see our bustin-at-the-seams calendar for more! Did we miss a favorite for your family? Share it with us here!
Butterflies Alive! at The Science Spectrum: through June 12th.
There’s no better way to welcome springtime than introducing our kids to hundreds of beautiful butterflies! The Science Spectrum’s exhibit Butterflies Alive! gives us all a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these exquisite creatures. Exhibit only: $5/child & $6/adult. To make the experience complete, catch the accompanying movie in the OMNI Theatre: “Flight of the Butterflies.” Movie only: $6.50/child & $8/adult. Group & Member discounts available.
The Lubbock Arts Festival at the Civic Center: Fri through Sun. April 15th – 17th.
It wouldn’t be springtime in Lubbock without the Lubbock Arts Festival… enriching our community and inspiring our kids for 37 years! In addition to artists from all areas of the country, the festival features the “Run For the Arts” fun run Saturday morning, children’s area with writing and art competitions specifically to light the creative fires for our youngest Lubbockites! Also find a presentation by Hank the Cowdog author John R. Erickson this year on Sunday… free with Arts Festival admission! Event Admission: $2 for Children under 12, $4 for adults.
Kidsfish @ Maxey Park: Sat. April 15th.
Bring a fishing pole, a chair, and the kids… ready to have fun! All free!
Quailapalooza! Junior Rough Riders Spring Corral @ the National Ranching Heritage Center. Sat. April 23rd from 1-3pm. Limited Space Available. Children ages 5-12 are invited to spend an afternoon seeing and studying Northern Bobwhite Quail with scientists from TTU’s Department of Natural Resources, Quail Tech Alliance and Quail Forever. Only $5 or free for Ranching Heritage Association members.
Quailapalooza at the National Ranching Heritage Center. Photo by John Weast.
South Plains Water Conservation Expo. Sat. April 23rd.
Frenship High School from 11am-3pm. FREE. The 3rd Annual Water Expo will be a fun-filled day for everyone in the family. Kevin Barnes, the nationally reknowned “Green Magician” is this year’s featured guest in addition to a fun kids “Water Conservation Cruise” passport activity that will take them on a journey to various fun crafts, stories and activities for extra prizes. Adults will enjoy the exhibits & helpful sessions with information on how we can all make a difference to impact our water resources. Food Trucks, selfies with Walter Drop, Water Wisdom High Jinks with Literacy Lubbock, an appearance by Biscuit the Dog from Barnes & Noble and more…
Duck Derby & Family Fun Fest: Sat. April 30th.
Destined to be an annual not-to-miss fundraising event (proceeds benefit Lubbock Legal Aid)! Kids love to see the ducks launch and “race” with lots of activities for the family to enjoy! Buddy Holly Park from 11am-4pm.
Safety City Birthday Party & Spring Festival: Sat. April 30th.
Safety City is turning 23 this year with a spring festival to celebrate their birthday. For all ages. FREE.
Lemonade Day: Sat. May 14th.
Lubbock Lemonade Day gives our kids the chance to be a part of a community program that they see supported and promoted all over town. Invaluable experience for them and a fun event… even if they just decide to buy some lemonade from another child’s stand on May 14th!
Sun ‘n Fun Grand Opening Celebration: Sat. May 28th.
Plan to celebrate the opening of the new YWCA Sun n’ Fun complex over Memorial Day weekend. You know your kids will love the new splashpad… and tons more! Click here for more info on all the great programs available at the J.T. & Margaret Talkington YWCA at Sun ‘N Fun… most are registering now.
Night Hikes at the Lubbock Lake Landmark: monthly starting in March.
Enjoy the beauty of our famous West Texas sunsets at twilight! Take advantage of the free monthly Night Hikes at the LLL. Take a picnic, your walking shoes (trails are paved so it’s perfect for strollers!), and your water bottle. 2016 dates include:
Sat. 3/19. 7:30pm.
Sat. 4/16: 7:45pm.
Sat. 5/21: 8:15pm.
Sat. 6/18: 8:30pm.
Sat. 7/16: 8:30pm.
Sat. 8/20: 8:00pm.
Sat. 9/17: 7:15pm.
Updated 4/14/2016
