If you are looking for things to do in Texas, add Midland to your bucket list. Midland is a family-friendly spot to see and experience new and interesting activities.
How to get to Midland
Where is Midland, Tx?
Midland, Texas is in West Texas, in the heart of the Permian Basin. Midland is called ‘The Tall City’ because it has several tall skyscrapers you can see downtown from miles away due to the flat landscape.The halfway point between between El Paso and DFW, Midland offers food, entertainment and family fun. Midland is the perfect place to stop for fun during your Texas Travels.
There are multiple flights a day coming in and out of Midland/Odessa Airport. The airport is called Midland International Air and Space Port -Code MAF. You can find flights to Midland TX on American Airlines, SouthWest, and United from 7 major airports -DAL, DEN, HFW, HOU, IAH, LAS and PHX.
If driving, from Houston to Midland is 8 hours. From DFW to Midland is 5 hours and San Antonio to Midland is also 5 hours. Driving from El Paso to Midland takes 4 1/2 hours.
Where to Stay in Midland
Midland Texas hotels are plentiful and offer affordable rates.
Comfort Suites
Our family stayed in Comfort Suites in Midland. We loved the 2 beds plus a sofa bed so our family of 6 easily fit. The bathroom had a double sink and a huge shower. The room was comfortable for our whole family.
We also loved the free breakfast and fitness room. When the weather turned bad, having an indoor pool and hot tub was the perfect escape. You will love staying in Comfort Suites!
Book a room at Comfort Suites.
Other Hotels in Midland
Midland offers multiple chain hotels such as Marriot, Hilton, Best Western and Holiday Inn. You will find exactly what you are looking for. There are plenty of cheap hotels in Midland, which means your family can have a more fund for fun and food on your vacation.
Booking.comBest Time to Go to Midland
Midland is in the desert of West Texas. It can get hot in the summer. Late fall or early spring is the most comfortable time weather-wise to visit Midland. Winter is also a good time to visit, although it can get cold so be prepared.
Visitors Information in Midland
If you are wondering what to do in Midland, stop by the visitor’s office for maps, information and an itinerary perfect for you. The Visitors information center is located at 1406 W. Interstate 20. You can also learn more information and ideas for the surrounding area like in Big Bend National Park.
What to do in Midland with Kids
Midland attractions include museums, parks, movies, and more. Read here for the Top Ten Things to do in Midland
1. Visit the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
The Petroleum Museum is one of the top things to do in Midland. With oil and gas being the major export for the area, its the perfect place to learn more about how it is found, mined and used. The kids will love the videos and the interactive spaces.
Don’t forget to walk out the back patio and head to the yard outside to see the oil rigs and machinery.
Along with the petroleum information, you’ll find two other sections of the museum. One space is dedicated to drag racers. They have multiple old (running!) drag racers on display and one you can climb in -well, you can try! I certainly didn’t fit in it with my long legs!
Another section of the museum shows many unique rocks and gems. You’ll be delighted by all the colors, shapes and fascinating designs created right on our earth. My daughter’s school project on crystals became alive in her mind as she bounced from stone to stone excited to tell me all she learned about them. You will definitely.
2. Play at Centennial Park
The newest thing to do in Midland is the new space at Centennial Park. You will love all the bright red tables for a lunch. The kids will love the log structure to climb and explore. Or maybe the steep hill will call to them to roll or run down.
Don’t miss the activity cart under the tall, shaded pavillion. The cart offers toys, games, books and crafts all free for use while you are at the park! Just return it when you are done using it.
Our family loved playing corn hole, ladder golf, giant jenga and a small game of soccer. My kids loved showing me all the tricks they know from PE at school with the jump ropes and hula hoops.
Bring your swimsuit so you can run through the splash pad whenever you need to cool off from all the fun activities.
3. Find Insta-Worthy Murals at Downtown Library Murals
The Midland library doesn’t even look like a building when you pull up, it just looks like giant books! My kids jumped out of the car to get a photo next to their favorite book along the front of the library.
4. Swing and Slide at Dennis the Menace Park
The best things to do in Midland with kids include outdoor play spaces. And the Dennis the Menace park offers multiple playgrounds. Two for the younger kids and 2 for the older kids, plus plenty of swings and open spaces. If you are here in the summer, bring suits to enjoy the pirate splash pad . My kids played for hours at the Dennis the Menace Park and it will go down as one of the top ever!
5. Walk through the Wildlife Preserve on I-20
Walk along the many paths through this wild growth intended to provide a home inside the urban area for animals and plants. You will love the convenience of finding nature right next to the city.
Don’t forget sunscreen in the West Texas Desert!
| Spray on for Ease | Face Stick | Best Face Protection |
|---|---|---|
  |   |   |
| Buy Sunscreen | Buy Sunscreen Stick | Buy Elta MD SkincareMD Skincare |
6. Catch a Double Feature at the Big Sky Drive-In Theater
There are several movie theaters in Midland, but our favorite way to watch a movie in Midland was at the Big Sky Drive In.
At the Drive-In you get two showings for the price of one. Bring cash to buy tickets at the gate or order online ahead of time. The movies start 30 minutes after the sunset and each of the 3 screens shows 2 movies back to back. It is the most affordable way to watch movies in the comfort of your own car.
You can bring your own popcorn, snacks, and drinks, but the Big Sky drive in also offers concessions. The kids will love the playgrounds to get all the wiggles out before the movie, so get there early enough to let them play.
7. Take a look at George W. Bush Childhood Home
This home was closed for renovations when we were visiting. But I would love to see this piece of modern US history preserved.
8. Grab some treats at Susie’s South Forty Confections
I’ve eaten a lot of chocolate in my life, but none so delightful as the pecan and caramel goodness I tried from Susie’s South Forty. The kids were partial to the “Texas Trash” mixture (which I admit, with powdered fingers, is delicious!). Just get enough for a box to go, because these chocolates won’t last long!
9. Look to the skies at Midland Army Airfield Museum
If your kids love airplanes, the Midland Army Airfield Museum is a great place to go. This large open exhibit is inside a hanger. You can enjoy displays of planes and artifacts from WWII with stories from history. This exhibit is free.
10. Eat at the Best Restaurants in Midland
See below for our favorite spaces to eat in Midland.
Where to Eat in Midland?
You’ll find plenty of places to eat in Midland. You will find all of your favorite fast-food chains, restaurants, and more. We sampled a few of the best restaurants in Midland and highly recommend you give them a try when you are in the area. You will be happy you supported the local restaurants in Midland when you treat your taste buds and satisfy your stomach.
Mulberry Cafe
One of the best cafes in Midland is Mulberry Cafe. With so many menu options the whole family is bound to find something they love. Order your food at the counter and then wait to be served at your table. I recommend the Mulberry Salad, Bacon Burger, and a side of tomato soup. The kid’s meals with a side of fries or fruit were perfect for our family with a few picky eaters. You can sit in the outdoor seating area or inside next to an inviting hearth. I can’t recommend the delicious food here enough!
Brew St. Bakery
While Brew St. Bakery serves full dinner and lunch options, they are most famous for breakfast items. From the moment you walk in, you will be drawn to the unique decor and atmosphere. This is a place you come for food, but stay for much longer to enjoy the ambiance of your surroundings. Don’t miss a trip to the restroom to find some unique optical illusions.
Brew Street Bakery offers vegan options for every menu item. Their food is made fresh and with raw ingredients to create healthy options for any diet.
After you order your food, head to the outdoor eating area to play connect 4, giant jenga and other games they provide.
KD’s BBQ
No trip to Texas is complete without some authentic Bar-B-Que. And Midland has the perfect place for smoked meats of all kinds. When you walk into KD’s BBQ, grab a tray and start pointing to the meat that looks best to you. You pay per pound and eat right off the tray. Beans, Bread, sauces and relish are all provided with your meal. I suggest the amazing coleslaw as a side and cobblers for desert.
KD’s BBQ is as delicious as they come. My kids loved the sausages (we called them hot dogs) and ribs. The brisket is amazing with coleslaw and some BBQ sauce. Beyond the incredible food, you will love the Texas pride surrounding you as you eat. The random and unique pieces all around will keep you entertained and bring you back for more
Day Trip Itinerary in Midland
- Breakfast at Brew St Bakery
- Morning activity at Petroleum Museum
- Lunch at Mulberry Cafe
- Afternoon Activity at Centennial Park & Downtown Library Murals
- Swing and slide at Dennis the Menace Park
- Swim and Hot Tub at Comfort Suites Hotel
- Dinner at KD’s BBQ
- Double Feature at Big Sky Drive-In
Make your trip to West Texas a success with all the best things to do in Midland. Your family will love the memories you create together on a trip to Midland, Texas.
Combine a trip to Midland with a day in Odessa for a full 2-4 day itinerary. Odessa is only 30 minutes away from Midland.
Big Bend National Park is 4 hours from Midland. Make Midland your jumping off point to a National Park adventure.
Discover More Texas Travel Destinations
***We worked with Visit Midland to bring you this post on things to do in Midland. All opinions are our own.
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4 Comments
Thx for article/ its so interested!!!
Thanks a lot for such a useful article
I live in Midland. We love our town! we need more people to come here! We got smoothies and nicest dogs in the area.
Very nice ideas to spend time with family) Thanks a lot for such a useful article!