Amarillo, TX

The Don Harrington Discovery Center is more than just a museum. It's an interactive playground where kids (and adults) can engage in various exhibits. Watch as dinosaurs watch you, or maybe check out an awesome movie about sea monsters in the Space Theater. This attraction features several specialized areas for the younger visitors, including a new preschoolers gallery that is designed exclusively for children 6 years old and younger. Summer camps, specialized classes and other special events make the Don Harrington Discover Center a must-see when you're in Amarillo.

Address: 1200 Streit Drive, Amarillo, TX 79106 - MAP
Phone: (806) 355-9547
Web: www.dhdc.org

Immortalized in Bruce Springsteen's song of the same name, Amarillo's Cadillac Ranch is a visually arresting attraction that has real Cadillacs seemingly growing out of the Texas soil. Located just outside of town, 12 miles to the west on I-40, the site is the creation of Stanley Marsh 3, a land and broadcasting mogul and easily one of Amarillo's more powerful figures. Marsh's eccentricity and taste of the unusual, as well as his love for Cadillacs, fueled his ambition to create this memorable attraction and photo opportunity on the North Texas skyline.

Address: Canadian River Breaks, TX 79124 - MAP
Web: www.roadsideamerica.com

In Texas everything is bigger, right? That holds true for museums, too, as the Amarillo Museum of Art stands as one of the largest facilities in the United States. With various collections both permanent and traveling, the museum celebrates the creation of art as well as invites it, as it offers classes in various mediums for both children and adults. The staff and supporters work hard to ensure that the venue's mission of providing quality visual arts programming to the residents of the Texas Panhandle is a continuous and successful one. If you appreciate art, this is an attraction you can't miss.

Address: 2200 South Van Buren Street, Amarillo, TX 79109 - MAP
Phone: (806) 371-5392
Web: www.amarilloart.org

Traveling back in time is easy when you're in Amarillo if you visit the majestic Harrington House. The home was the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Don D. Harrington who were philanthropists of the highest order, as they contributed to the arts and various other causes and projects in the area dating back to 1945. Mr. Harrington rose to prominence in the oil business, and his philosophy of always giving back is what makes viewing this meticulously restored home all the more dramatic. This Neoclassical mansion has over 15,000 feet of floor space, 20 rooms, 8 bathrooms and 7 fireplaces spread out over 4 levels. The materials and workmanship of the structure echo a bygone era, and the crystal, art, furniture and paintings only underscore the fine taste and class of the original owners.

Address: 1600 South Polk Street, Amarillo, TX 79102 - MAP
Phone: (806) 374-5490
Web: www.harringtonhousehistorichome.org

Instead of heading out to the usual movie or club, get dressed up and make plans to take in one of the many fine performances staged by the Amarillo Opera. The schedule is always busy throughout the year with such popular performances as Verdi's Rigoletto as well as specialized engagements that spotlight mariachi music and other cultural influences in the area. The Amarillo Opera constantly strives to deliver unforgettable performances, and at the end of your night at the opera, you won't leave disappointed.

Address: 2223 South Van Buren Street, Amarillo, TX 79109 - MAP
Phone: (806) 342-5600
Web: www.amarilloopera.org

Touted as the place in town where more than imaginations run wild, the Amarillo Zoo captures the drama and beauty of the animal kingdom for kids of all ages. The sprawling 15-acre site is located in Thompson Park and features over 60 species of animals from all over the world. When you and your family walk through the attractions at the zoo, you'll notice that the design of each exhibit invites both fun and discovery. And since the zoo is located in Thompson Park, plan to spend the rest of the day in the park enjoying a picnic, a game of tennis, a refreshing swim or brisk walk on one of the many walking trails.

Address: 700 Comanchero Trail, Amarillo, 79107 - MAP
Phone: (806) 381-7911
Web: www.amarillozoo.org

Amarillo's Wonderland Park has been providing 60 years of "wows" to several generations of young ones who love to ride the rides and be a part of this iconic amusement park's excitement. The fun never ends at Wonderland, as you can choose from everything from miniature golf to one of four roller-coasters, five water rides as well as merry-go-rounds, bumper cars and even a pirate ship! Every day there are special ticket promotions, so make sure you check their website before heading out for a great day at this amusement attraction.

Address: 2601 Dumas Drive, Amarillo, TX 79107 - MAP
Phone: (806) 383-3344
Web: www.wonderlandpark.com

Amarillo's natural beauty is all around you when you're in this part of the world, but in order to get the big picture of this area's rustic beauty, make plans to visit the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This majestic natural attraction occupies more than 20,000 acres in Armstrong and Randall Counties just south of Amarillo. While you're here enjoying the numerous scenic lookout points, you can take advantage of the various activities that are available that include camping, horseback riding, hiking, nature study, bird watching and mountain biking. And whether you're on your way in or out, the scenic drive to the area is nothing short of breathtaking.

Address: 11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, TX 79015 - MAP
Phone: (806) 488-2227
Web: www.palodurocanyon.com