Whether your kids are splashing through fountains at Lazy Ranch Splash Pad, pretending they’ve stepped back into the 1930s at the East Texas Oil Museum, or celebrating the day with a scoop of Blue Bell ice cream at Kilgore Mercantile & Music, Kilgore packs plenty of family fun into one easy East Texas getaway.

Known as the City of Stars, this charming community brings together fascinating history, outdoor adventures, and small-town experiences that families will remember long after they leave.

Museums, History, and Culture

Imagine a quiet farming community suddenly transformed overnight. When oil was discovered in 1930, Kilgore became the center of one of the biggest oil booms in history. At the East Texas Oil Museum, kids can wander through a recreated 1930s general store, peek into an old-fashioned barber shop, and picture themselves driving vintage automobiles as the story of the East Texas oil boom unfolds around them.

That story continues at the World’s Richest Acre, where kids can gaze up at towering derricks and rock back and forth with the site’s working pumpjack. During the 30-year oil boom, this 1.2-acre spot produced more than 2.5 million barrels of oil. Today, it’s a monument to the bold men and women who pioneered the oil industry and the perfect place to snap a family photo.

As Kilgore grew, some of those same pioneering citizens donated funds for a library. Today, parents can catch a few minutes of quiet time while the kids gather around for storytime in the Kilgore Public Library Children’s Room.

End your history walk with ice cream at Kilgore Mercantile & Music, right on the World’s Richest Acre. Part music school, part country store, part ice cream parlor, it blends the best of small-town Texas into one stop. Browse the shelves for musical instruments and homemade jelly, then treat the family to floats, shakes, or cones made with Blue Bell ice cream, a Texas favorite. If you visit on a Second Saturday, stick around for the afternoon jam session.

Explore more Kilgore museums and family-friendly attractions.

Parks, Playgrounds, and Outdoor Play

Whether they’re showing off a fancy spin or wobbling around the rink with a smile, kids can move to the music at Kilgore Skateland. When the beat drops and the disco lights start flashing, even first-time skaters will find their groove.

After a morning of skating, trade the rink for fresh air and open space at Harris Street Park. Whether it’s a game of lava monster, a race down the tube slides, or a toe-to-toe match on the tennis court, kids of all ages will find something to love at this inclusive playground. Pack a picnic and find a shady spot while the kids race down the slide one last time.

A peaceful stroll makes for a great after-lunch activity and a perfect way to recharge. Creekside Trail winds through the woods alongside Bighead Creek, offering 2.58 miles of shady trees and splashing water. 

As the afternoon slows, make your way to Synergy Park for a quieter kind of adventure. Spread a blanket on the grass by the lake and see who can spot the first bluebird. Or bring some fishing gear and see who can reel in the biggest catch. Stretching out in the sun while the birds sing overhead is a great way to end your outdoor adventures.

If your teenagers need an adrenaline rush, hit up some of Kilgore’s mountain bike trails. The BigHead Mountain Bike Trail delivers plenty of thrills for even the most daring riders, with twists, turns, and drops around every corner.

Explore Kilgore’s parks and playgrounds. 

Summer-Exclusive Fun

From cooling off on sunny afternoons to watching stories come alive on stage, summer in Kilgore turns ordinary days into unforgettable family adventures.

When you need to beat the heat, take the kids to Lazy “S” Ranch Splash Pad, a free splash pad in Kilgore City Park. One minute, they’ll be shooting down the rocket slide, the next, they’ll be running through the fountain, splashing their playmates and laughing as they cool off. 

In July, you can grab a seat in an air-conditioned theatre and join in the thunderous applause as the curtain rises. Whether it’s a tragic tale of star-crossed lovers or a side-splitting comedy, a great performance at the Texas Shakespeare Festival is something older kids will remember fondly for years to come.

Before a Saturday matinee performance, you can stroll through the Kilgore Farmers Market in search of fresh produce, baked goods, and other local finds. The market’s hours from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. make it the perfect stop for a cooler summer morning. Let the kids pick out a treat, and don’t forget to grab something for yourself!

Sample One-Day Family Itinerary

• Breakfast at Circle Café or Denny’s: Start your day with a hearty breakfast. Sample delicious strawberry-topped French toast at the Circle Café, or head to Denny’s for a stack of chocolate chip pancakes that will make the kids’ eyes pop.

• Storytime or nature walk: If it’s a Tuesday or Thursday, head to the Kilgore Public Library Children’s Room for 9:30 a.m. storytime. Grab a seat while the kids gather around the storyteller for laughs, surprises, and adventures. Or wander down Creekside Trail and walk off that big breakfast.

• Lunch at a local restaurant: When lunchtime rolls around, grab a warm, cheesy slice at Zen Kitchen or treat the family to authentic Mexican cuisine at the Burrito Shop. 

• Cool off or visit a museum: Start the day by cooling off at Lazy Ranch Splash Pad, then step back in time at the East Texas Oil Museum. Just down the road, the World’s Richest Acre tells the story of the oil discovery that put Kilgore on the map and helped fuel one of the largest oil booms in American history.

• Take an ice cream break: After a full day of fun, you’ve earned something sweet. Treat the kids (and yourself) to ice cream at Kilgore Mercantile & Music. Then browse the gift shop for a memento of your day.

Planning Tips

If the kids are happy, the adults are happy, and with a little planning, you can make both those things happen. Here are some tips for your trip to Kilgore.

• When to visit: Kilgore has plenty to offer year-round. Spring brings great performances from the Kilgore College Rangerettes. In July, the Texas Shakespeare Festival is in full swing. In October and November, the City of Stars hosts a variety of events. If you visit in the summer, embrace the sunshine with plenty of opportunities to cool off at Kilgore’s splash pads, parks, and other outdoor attractions.

• What to pack for the splash pad: Most kids who visit Lazy “S” Ranch Splash Pad end up with huge grins and soggy clothes. Bring towels, a change of clothes, and shoes that can get wet, like sandals or Crocs. 

FAQ: Things to Do with Kids

Is Kilgore, TX good for kids?

Kilgore has a family-friendly atmosphere that makes it a great place to bring kids. Younger children will enjoy the Lazy ‘S’ Ranch Splash Pad and storytime at the Kilgore Public Library, while older kids can explore mountain biking, catch a show at the Texas Shakespeare Festival, and step into history at the East Texas Oil Museum. With a range of restaurants that cater to all ages, it’s an easy place for families to visit.

What is there to do in Kilgore in summer?

Summer in Kilgore brings the Texas Shakespeare Festival, which performs classics and new works from late June through the end of July. It’s also a great time to explore farmers markets, cool off at the Lazy “S” Ranch Splash Pad, and visit the city’s museums.

Are there free things to do with kids in Kilgore?

Yes, there are many free things to do with kids in Kilgore. You can cool off at the free Lazy “S” Ranch Splash Pad, visit the World’s Richest Acre, and enjoy storytime and other free events at the Kilgore Public Library. Exploring the city’s playgrounds, nature trails, and mountain bike paths is also free.

What are the best things to do indoors with kids in Kilgore, TX?

In Kilgore, kids can roll around the rink at Kilgore Skateland, travel on an elevator to the center of the earth at the East Texas Oil Museum, and get ice cream at Kilgore Mercantile & Music.

What are the best outdoor activities to do with kids in Kilgore?

Younger kids will love the inclusive playground at Harris Street Park, while older kids might enjoy mountain biking on one of the city’s many trails. Creekside Trail is a peaceful nature walk alongside Bighead Creek, and during the summer, kids can cool off for free at Lazy “S” Ranch Splash Pad.