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From luxurious dining and nightlife, to gritty sporting events and an impressive variety of culturally rich events and attractions, Midland is full of authentic West Texas fun! Take a look at the top fun things to do in Midland and build your getaway itinerary.
Whether you are looking for a quiet evening with the symphony, a rousing mariachi, a moving ballet, or a good belly laugh with a hilarious comedian, this is a great place to visit and experience the incredible acoustics of this state-of-the-art performing arts center.
Get into the weeds of energy at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum. This fun and educational museum for all ages will take you on a journey through more than 230 million years of history, outlining Midland’s role in the impact of energy. See the world’s largest antique oil drilling equipment collection, tour the Mineral Gallery, and explore the Petroleum Hall of Fame.
The Museum of the Southwest campus is home to the Historic Turner Mansion, Lissa Noël Wagner Art Wing, a sculpture garden, the Fredda Turner Durham Children’s Museum, and the Marian West and William Blanton Blakemore Planetarium. Explore the campus and inspire discovery, interaction, and exploration of art, science, culture, and history all in one location. The museum has rotating collections, exhibits, programs, and events for all ages.
Explore the universe in Midland! The Marian Blakemore Planetarium on the Museum of the Southwest campus is has one of the world’s few Spitz SciDome HD Star Projectors. Attend a star talk and dome show on a 360-degree state-of-the-art Digistar 5 system with 3D capabilities in the Helen Greathouse Educational Discovery Dome. Soar among the stars in the Helen Greathouse Discovery Dome (redundant) and learn more about the solar system with your feet firmly on the ground.
Choose your adventure on 49 acres of nature trails, a museum, and a library at Sibley Nature Center in Hogan park. Sibley Nature Center captures flora and fauna of the Llano Estacado area of West Texas and eastern New Mexico. Sit back and enjoy the view of the Wildlife Viewing Area. With beehives, native birds, and blooming flowers, you can sit back and observe the natural beauty of the Permian Basin.
Check out Summer Mummers at the Yucca Theatre for an unforgettable melodrama experience. Summer Mummers is the oldest continuous melodrama in the U.S. and concludes with the All-American Olio, a series of short sketches, dances, and audience participation skits. Watch out for flying popcorn! Audience participation is a key part of melodramas, so be sure to root for the protagonist and boo the villain. Summer Mummers’ performances run from the beginning of June through the beginning of September.
Feel the history of the George W. Bush Family Home. Learn more about one of America’s most well-known families and celebrate the lives of two presidents, two governors, and two first ladies who called Midland TX, home. The site has been restored to its early 1950 state and reflects the lives of the prominent family through exhibits and furnishings.
As you plan your weekend in Midland, leave a spot in the schedule for a sweet treat or three at Susie’s South Forty Confections Candy Factory. This Midland staple is a Guinness World Record-Holder for the largest piece of toffee – make sure you ask the staff about it when you stop in and see toffee made in real time. Susie’s South Forty is a Midland icon and satisfies the sweet-tooth cravings of visitors and residents alike.
Stretch your legs after your travels at the I-20 Wildlife Preserve. This 86-acre urban playa is home to wildlife like pocket gophers, birds, rabbits, turtles, lizards, and native plants. Enjoy hiking, birding, and exploration while you immerse yourself in the scenery of the Permian Basin.
Rocky the Rockhound Baseball
Remember to catch a Midland RockHounds game when you’re in Midland. While cheering on the home team, grab bites and brews from the concession stand, snap a selfie with Rocky the Rockhound, and take your 7th-inning stretch on the splash pad at Momentum Bank Ballpark. See baseball’s rising stars under the bright lights. The Midland RockHounds are a proud Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.
If you’re a seasoned or budding Texas History buff, the Haley Library & History Center is a must-see. Home to thousands of books, original records, art, and artifacts from Texas and the American Southwest, the Haley Library has been educating and inspiring minds since 1976. Be sure to check out the first bell that hung in the Alamo.
Sit back in the comfort of your car and watch two movies for the price of one at Big Sky Drive-In Theater. With a classic drive-in atmosphere and nostalgic movie concessions, the whole family will enjoy this retro movie environment. Make a stop by the concessions building for a step back in time and great options for snacks, dinner, candy, and sodas. See you at a double feature!
Cinergy Cinemas has much more than movies. Stop in for the latest on the big screen and stick around for family fun on the arcade game floor, escape room, drinks, and chef-prepared dining! Cinergy Entertainment Group creates a fun atmosphere sure to entertain all ages.
Your new favorite range: Ally Outdoors welcomes firearms enthusiasts of all experience levels, from beginner to shooter. Beyond the range itself, Ally Outdoors has 8,500 square feet of retail space with firearms, optics, knives, archery equipment, coolers, apparel, and more. Make a day of it: grab lunch at the Ally Cafe, and take advantage of the onsite training classes and gunsmith.
Looking to fulfill your need for speed? Head to Jim Hall’s Chaparral Race Car Gallery at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum! For 20 years, Jim Hall and his team at Chaparral Cars designed, built, and raced legendary race cars that thrilled fans, amazed the competition, and were considered the most innovative cars of their time. Tour the exhibits and learn how this crew from Midland, TX took race cars to new performance levels.
