Things to do in Wichita Falls this Summer

Thalia Doe, Feature Editor|May 20, 2022

For some of us, summer is just around the corner, and for others, summer has officially arrived. Whether you’re in it already or not, the Texas heat sure has us feeling all the summer vibes. Along with this change of seasons to resting and enjoying ourselves, we usually ask ourselves what plans we have for the summer. What we should do, who we should hang out with, where to go etc. If you haven’t booked tickets to Cancun or attend MSU and are not a Wichita Falls native but are spending the summer here, these are a few things to do and places to visit this summer right here in Wichita Falls.

Castaway Cove is a water park that offers fun attractions for Wichita Falls residents, 2022. Photo courtesy of Castaway Cove.

o Castaway Cove

It’s officially bathing suit season – while you can enjoy a nice swim at your own local community pool, why not take the opportunity to switch it up and go on rides, while still being able to get that splashing experience? Castaway Cove, located at 1000 Central Freeway East, features numerous rides, slides, a lazy river and more, acceptable for all ages.

Lake Wichita provides scenic views with its nature, Jan. 20, 2020. (Colin Stevenson)

o Lake Wichita

Let’s say you’re not one to indulge yourself underwater but you sure do love being around it and taking in the beauty of nature; Lake Wichita is the place to be. Whether it be for going on a boat with your friends, fishing with a loved one or simply just sitting back and listening to the water move, Lake Wichita on 5205 Fairway Blvd. is a 234 acre park that not only has the beauty of the lake, but also a 2.6 mile concrete hike and bike trail that runs from the park to the dam of the lake. It makes for a great start to your mornings before the sun comes out or a calming way to end your evening after a long day at work.

Lucy Park is home to a man-made waterfall acting as the "Wichita Falls," Oct. 21, 2021. — Lucy Park is home to a man-made waterfall acting as the “Wichita Falls,” Oct. 21, 2021. (Colin Stevenson)

o Lucy Park

In another instance where you might be a nature lover but not a huge fan of being near water, if you’re wanting to have a nice cookout, walk with a friend or loved one, have an intimate picnic or get your miles in to run for the day (there is a 1.7-mile concrete trail that circles the park), Lucy Park is the place to be. This park stretches over 178 acres, offering two large picnic shelters that can be reserved for just $15 for four hours, and the main shelter with 20 picnic tables that can sit up to 120 people and more. Furthermore, the park features two public restrooms in case you want to spend the whole day there, a swimming pool, basketball courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, three playgrounds, three volleyball courts (two sand, one concrete) …the list goes on and on. You definitely will not be going to Lucy Park for the same thing twice, as it serves multiple purposes for many occasions.

The Museum of North Texas History is holding an exhibit titled "Rural Texas Women at Work" starting May 19, 2022. Photo courtesy of Museum of North Texas History. — The Museum of North Texas History is holding an exhibit titled “Rural Texas Women at Work” starting May 19, 2022. Photo courtesy of Museum of North Texas History.

o Museum of North Texas History

The Museum of North Texas History will be holding an exhibit of ‘Rural Texas Women at Work: 1930-1960’ from Humanities Texas which will be on display from May 19 to June 11. Tickets are required ($5.00 for adults and $2.00 for kids). Whether or not this special exhibit is in place, the Museum of North Texas History is always a nice museum to go and check out, as there is never anything unimportant or insignificant to the world we live in on display.

Jurassic Quest lets you get up close to dinosaurs, 2022. Photo courtesy of Jurassic Quest.

o Jurassic Quest

Calling all dinosaur lovers! The Ray Clymer Exhibit Hall is back to hosting its classic indoor adventure June 18-19. In this exhibit, the dinosaurs are supersized but family friendly, and don’t worry – with these dinosaurs, you can get up close and personal with them.

Stone Oven Pizza is hosting a block party July 2, 2022. Photo courtesy of Stone Oven Pizza.

o Stone Oven Pizza

Stone Oven Pizza, in collaboration with Psychedelic Events, is hosting a block party later this summer, July 2, between Scott and Lamar Street. Food, live performers and activities will be available at the event – this is not an event you will want to miss.

Freedom fest celebrates the Fourth of July in Wichita Falls, 2022. Photo courtesy of Pexels.

o July 4^thin Wichita Falls Freedom Fest

Freedom Fest for this year’s celebration of the Fourth of July will be hosted at the MPEC in downtown Wichita Falls. The event will be hosted from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with food trucks, vendors, car shows, live music, a beer tent, activities for children and of course fireworks. Hosted by the Wichita Falls community, this is a fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends.

"A Night in NOLA" will give attendees a New Orleans experience, 2022. — “A Night in NOLA” will give attendees a New Orleans experience, 2022. Photo courtesy of Wichita Falls Area Food Bank.

o WFAFB “Night in Nola”

Why go to New Orleans? Join the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank on June 18 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for a magical night filled with live music, dancing and dinner. This special night will take place at Park Place Event Center; more details will be released as the event gets closer and closer.

Texas Ranch Roundup imitates the cattle roundups of the 1800s to 1900s, 2022. Photo courtesy of Texas Ranch Roundup.

o Texas Ranch Roundup

If you consider yourself a cowboy or cowgirl, on Friday, July 15 the Texas Ranch Roundup is an “original” event designed to replicate the big cattle roundups that occurred in the 1800s through the 1900s. In 1981, the first rodeo ever was hosted – the first of the hundreds that now occur throughout our country. It will be at the Kay Yeager Coliseum from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.