Things to Do in Waxahachie, TX with Kids
Waxahachie is the only DFW suburb where the weekend calendar might include Renaissance jousting, a creek-side trail run, three free splash pads, and dinner in a building from the 1880s. Ellis County's character is genuinely its own.
Part of the DFW Family Activities Hub covering all 67 DFW suburbs.
What Waxahachie Families Actually Do Here
Waxahachie has a distinct identity among DFW suburbs: a beautifully preserved historic downtown, the Scarborough Renaissance Festival drawing visitors from across the state each spring, 22 parks including three with free splash pads, and a 90-acre Sports Complex built for tournament-level youth athletics. For families relocating to the southern DFW corridor, Waxahachie offers authentic small-city character that the master-planned communities to the north cannot replicate. See the full Waxahachie relocation guide →
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Held annually each spring at 2511 FM 66, Scarborough draws families for 10 themed weekends of jousting, birds of prey, artisan shopping with 200+ vendors, and immersive 16th-century village entertainment. Nothing else in DFW comes close to this experience for school-age kids.
22 Parks with 3 Free Splash Pads
Three city parks feature dedicated splash pads at no cost. The 90-acre Sports Complex hosts youth tournaments, and 6 miles of hike-and-bike trail run alongside Waxahachie Creek and Little Creek for stroller walks, family runs, and bike rides.
Historic Downtown Square
Waxahachie's 20-block downtown square contains 120+ local businesses in original 1880s buildings: boutiques, antique shops, local restaurants, and one of the best-preserved Victorian commercial districts in Texas. A Saturday morning here feels genuinely different.
Parks, Trails & Green Space
Waxahachie maintains 22 parks across the city. Three parks feature free splash pads. Six miles of trail run along Waxahachie Creek and through the Little Creek corridor, connecting neighborhoods to parks throughout the city.
Getzendaner Park
Waxahachie's flagship park at 400 S Grand Ave, 33 acres along Waxahachie Creek. Three playgrounds, three pavilions, and the historic Chautauqua Auditorium make this a must-see. Serves as the western entrance to the Hike and Bike Trail. Shade trees throughout, restrooms on site. Best starting point for families new to Waxahachie.
Water Splash Railyard Park
Waxahachie's newest major park at 455 S College St, a 4-acre amphitheater park south of downtown with a free seasonal splash pad, picnic tables, a music garden, and performance space for concerts and events. One of three city parks with splash pads. Check waxahachie.com/parks for the current season's opening dates and hours.
Water Splash George Brown Plaza
A downtown splash pad at 209 N Jackson St, just north of the historic square with beautiful brick paving, shaded picnic tables, and a footbridge over Rogers Spring Branch Creek. Free seasonal splash pad; check waxahachie.com/parks for current opening dates and hours. Central location makes it easy to combine with a downtown lunch.
Water Splash Matthew's Park
A newer neighborhood park at 501 Harvest Grove Rd in the Garden Valley subdivision, featuring a free seasonal splash pad, playground, and open space. Designed for growing Waxahachie neighborhoods. Quieter than downtown parks on summer weekday mornings. Check waxahachie.com/parks for current splash pad opening dates and hours.
Lions Park
A 28-acre park at 351 Lions Park Rd built and donated entirely by the Waxahachie Lions Club. Softball, baseball, and soccer fields available on a first-come basis. Serves as the eastern trailhead for the Hike and Bike Trail with parking, two playgrounds, and a large pavilion. A go-to spot for pick-up sports and trail access.
Brown-Singleton Park
A spacious 30-acre park at 847 Farley St featuring a disc golf course, linear walking trail connecting a large pavilion, playground, and picnic stations. Entry to Little Creek Trail begins here. Parking from both Farley and Elmwood streets. A good full-morning destination for active families who want to combine disc golf and trail time.
Lake Waxahachie Parks (Jetti, Spring, Boat Dock)
Three parks sit along Lake Waxahachie off Lakeshore Drive: Jetti Park (boat ramp, fishing, picnic shelters), Spring Park (2.5 acres, swimming area, fishing, boat ramps, restrooms), and Boat Dock Park (2 acres, swimming, fishing, playground, picnic tables). A complete lake recreation cluster for boating and swimming families.
Wags-a-hachie Dog Park
A 2-acre off-leash dog park at 292 Matthews St carved out of the Rodeo Complex grounds. Separate large and small dog sides with water, exercise units, waste stations, and covered seating. Accessible from the Waxahachie Creek Hike and Bike Trail or from dedicated parking off Matthews Street.
Trail System Highlight
Waxahachie Creek Hike and Bike Trail runs 4 miles from Getzendaner Park to Lions Park, tracing Waxahachie Creek with scenic views, wildlife habitat connections, and a side mountain bike trail. The Little Creek Trail adds 1.8 miles connecting Chapman, Bell-Vue, and Brown-Singleton parks, with an outdoor workout station, pavilion, and new picnic shelters along the route. Both trails are paved and suitable for strollers, bikes, and runners. Early morning on weekdays offers shaded, low-traffic conditions.
Relocation Tip
Start at Getzendaner Park: it is the trail entrance, the largest park, and stands next to the historic Chautauqua Auditorium. Walk the creek trail east toward Lions Park if you want to see the full trail system, or head downtown after to see how Water Splash George Brown Plaza connects the park system to the historic square. The three splash pads are seasonal; check waxahachie.com/parks for current operating schedules before visiting with young kids.
Youth Sports Leagues & Facilities
Waxahachie's youth sports infrastructure centers on the 90-acre Waxahachie Sports Complex, which hosts local leagues and draws regional and state-level tournaments. Five independent youth organizations cover soccer, baseball, softball, football, basketball, and multi-sport programs.
Soccer
League: Waxahachie Soccer Association
Ages: Youth recreational and competitive
Season: Fall and Spring
Fields: Waxahachie Sports Complex (151 Broadhead Rd)
Recreational soccer serving Waxahachie ISD families. Contact the Waxahachie Parks and Recreation Department at (469) 309-4273 for current registration information.
Baseball
League: Waxahachie Youth Baseball Association (WYBA)
Ages: T-ball through teen divisions
Season: Spring and Fall
Fields: Waxahachie Sports Complex
Visit waxahachieyouthbaseball.org for registration, schedules, and division information.
Softball
League: Waxahachie Youth Softball Association (WYSA)
Ages: Youth girls
Season: Spring and Fall
Fields: Waxahachie Sports Complex
Recreational and competitive softball for Waxahachie area girls. Contact the Sports Complex at (469) 309-4273 for current season and registration information.
Football, Basketball, Track & Cheer
League: Waxahachie Youth Athletic Association (WYAA)
Ages: 4 through 12
Covers flag and tackle football, cheerleading, basketball, and track. Visit wyaatomahawks.org for registration, schedules, and league divisions by age.
Multi-Sport (Soccer, Flag Football, Baseball, Basketball)
League: i9 Sports at Lions Park
Ages: 3 through 14
Season: Year-round
i9 Sports emphasizes fun, fundamentals, and sportsmanship with no tryouts required. Multiple sports offered at Lions Park (351 Lions Park Rd). Good starting point for younger kids not yet ready for more competitive organizations.
Featured Sports Facility
Waxahachie Sports Complex (151 Broadhead Rd) covers 90 acres of Bermuda grass with dedicated venues for soccer, softball, baseball, and football. The complex hosts numerous local, area, and state tournaments across multiple sports, which means families in Waxahachie leagues play at the same fields where regional competition happens. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas also operates youth sports programs through the Waxahachie Family YMCA for families who prefer YMCA-based programming.
Thinking About Waxahachie for Waxahachie ISD & Youth Sports?
Start with the full Waxahachie relocation guide: schools, neighborhoods, market data, and what life here actually looks like for families.
Family Entertainment & Attractions
Waxahachie's entertainment calendar is anchored by the Scarborough Renaissance Festival each spring, and the city's historic character and outdoor venues fill the rest of the year with genuinely local options.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Held annually every spring weekend at 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie. A re-created 16th-century English village with full-combat jousting, birds of prey exhibitions, 200+ artisan shoppes, live music, interactive games, and human-powered rides. Ten themed weekends April through late May. Children 12 and under admitted free on Opening Weekend. Buy tickets at srfestival.com.
Railyard Park Amphitheater
A 4-acre outdoor performance space south of downtown with a dedicated concert stage, music garden, picnic areas, and a seasonal splash pad. The city uses Railyard Park for concerts, outdoor performances, and community events throughout the year. Check waxahachietx.gov/events for the current performance calendar.
Historic Downtown Waxahachie
The 20-block downtown square and surrounding blocks hold 120+ local businesses in original 1880s architecture. Self-guided walking tours of Victorian-era buildings, the iconic red granite courthouse, and the Chautauqua Auditorium give families a genuinely educational afternoon without a museum admission. Kids love spotting the detailed carved faces on the courthouse facade.
Urban Air Adventure Park
Waxahachie has its own Urban Air Adventure Park location with indoor trampolines, climbing walls, go-karts, and birthday party packages. A significant family entertainment option that most suburbs of Waxahachie's size do not have within city limits. Visit urbanair.com for the Waxahachie location's hours and pricing.
Day Trip from Waxahachie
Midlothian is just 15 minutes north with its own family activities scene including the Midlothian Conference Center and sports programs (see the Midlothian activities guide). For a longer outing, Ennis to the east is the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas and hosts a wildflower festival each spring. Downtown Dallas is about 30 miles north for a museum-district day when the city pull is strong.
Family-Friendly Dining
Waxahachie's dining scene leans local: you are more likely to find a family-run Tex-Mex spot or a scratch-kitchen cafe here than a row of national chains. The historic downtown concentrates several of the best options within walking distance of each other.
Best Waxahachie institution
A local classic with handmade soups, salads, sandwiches, and scratch-made desserts in a warm atmosphere that feels like someone's grandmother's house. The kind of restaurant that becomes a weekly tradition for Waxahachie families.
Best Saturday morning outing
Handcrafted sodas, shakes, and American diner classics in an old-fashioned soda fountain setting downtown. Kids light up at the retro setup. A perfect pairing with a walk around the historic square.
Best Texas BBQ
Traditional Texas smoked meats in a no-frills setting that prioritizes brisket over ambience. The kind of local BBQ joint that Waxahachie's character seems built for. Casual, fast, and deeply satisfying after a morning at the park.
Best BBQ ribs & brisket
Texas barbecue with mouthwatering brisket and ribs in a lively atmosphere. A favorite for weekend family meals, especially after a morning of outdoor activities.
Best Tex-Mex with kids
Casual Tex-Mex with large portions and an atmosphere that works for the whole family. A staple for Waxahachie families who need a reliable post-practice dinner.
Best for adventurous kids
Asian noodle dishes made fresh in an open kitchen where kids can watch the process. Friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere. One of the more distinctive dining options in the Ellis County area.
Best Italian dinner
Italian cuisine and craft drinks in a casual downtown setting. Works well for a more relaxed family dinner when you want something beyond standard Tex-Mex or BBQ.
Best seafood night out
Seafood options in a city best known for land-based cooking. A change of pace for families who want something different from the BBQ and Tex-Mex rotation.
Best date-night or special occasion
One of Waxahachie's more upscale dining options, good for celebratory dinners or when the out-of-town family visits and you want to show off the city's dining range.
The strongest concentration of local restaurants clusters around the historic downtown square and along the Highway 77 and 287 corridors. Many families make Saturday morning a downtown loop: soda fountain breakfast, walk to the creek trail, back for lunch.
Shopping & Retail Districts
Waxahachie's historic downtown is one of the best small-city shopping destinations in Texas. For everyday retail, the Highway 287 and 77 corridors handle the basics without requiring a trip north.
Historic Downtown Square
Twenty blocks of shops, boutiques, antiques, restaurants, and services in original 1880s-era buildings. Highlights include Willing Hands Antiques (three stories of vintage finds), Cheyenne Ranch Boutique (Western flair on the square), The Blume Boutique (clothing and home decor), and a walkable cluster of locally owned shops unlike anything available in newer suburbs.
Best for: a full Saturday morning with kids old enough to browse, combining shopping with the soda fountain and a walk to the courthouse.
Antique District
Waxahachie has a strong antiques reputation that draws collectors from across DFW. Beyond Willing Hands, the area includes Gingerbread Antiques, Gran's Antiques, and Atelier Antiques. A genuine destination for families who value original finds over mass-market goods.
Best for: families who like the hunt and want to turn a Saturday errand into an exploration through local history.
US 287 Corridor
The Highway 287 corridor handles Waxahachie's everyday retail load: major grocery stores, home improvement, pharmacy, and the standard service providers that families need for weekly life. No need to drive north for basics.
Best for: routine errands, grocery runs, and weeknight pick-ups without adding miles to the commute.
Annual Events & Community Calendar
Waxahachie's events calendar is headlined by the Scarborough Renaissance Festival, one of the largest annual events in North Texas, and rounded out by community celebrations that reflect the city's small-town spirit and historic identity.
Apr–May
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Held annually each spring in Waxahachie at 2511 FM 66, running every Saturday, Sunday, and Memorial Day Monday from 10 AM to 7 PM. Ten themed weekends include Opening Weekend (children 12 and under free), Celtic Weekend, Artisan Showcase, and more. Full-combat jousting, birds of prey, 200+ artisan vendors, and immersive village entertainment. Visit srfestival.com for tickets and the current year's themed weekend schedule.
July 3
Crape Myrtle Festival & Fireworks Show
Held annually in early July at the Waxahachie Sports Complex (151 Broadhead Rd). Celebrates Waxahachie's identity as a "Crape Myrtle City" with a community festival and fireworks show. Family activities, food, and live entertainment (check waxahachietx.gov/events for this year's lineup). A free community tradition that draws families from across Ellis County.
Throughout Year
Railyard Park Concerts
The outdoor amphitheater at Railyard Park (455 S College St) hosts concerts and community performances throughout the year. The splash pad is open during warm months for kids to play before and after shows. Check waxahachietx.gov/events for the current year's performance schedule.
December
Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes
An annual self-guided tour of Waxahachie's historic Victorian gingerbread homes during the holiday season, typically headquartered at the Ellis County Museum. One of the most distinct holiday traditions in any DFW suburb, giving new residents an immediate connection to the city's architectural heritage. Check downtownwaxahachie.com for current year dates.
Various
Waxahachie Rodeo Events
The Waxahachie Rodeo Complex (701 Howard Rd) hosts arena events throughout the year including rodeos and livestock competitions. Air-conditioned announcer stand, concessions, and seating for 500. A distinctly Waxahachie experience for families who want something off the typical suburban activity menu.
Full calendar: Waxahachie official events page
Upcoming Events in Waxahachie
What's happening in the next 60 days, updated weekly.
No upcoming events found within the next 60 days. Check the Eventbrite listings for more.
Last checked: 2026-07-20
Indoor Activities for Kids
Waxahachie has its own Urban Air and a full-service YMCA, both unusual for a city of its size. When heat or rain forces the family inside, these options keep the day productive.
Urban Air Adventure Park
Type: Trampoline and Adventure Park · Ages: All ages
Waxahachie's own Urban Air location with indoor trampolines, climbing walls, go-karts, and birthday party packages. Rare to find in a city of Waxahachie's scale. Visit urbanair.com/texas-waxahachie for current hours and pricing. Good for birthday parties and summer afternoon energy burns when the heat is genuinely prohibitive.
Waxahachie Family YMCA
Type: Recreation Center · Ages: All ages
Full-service YMCA through the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas with a gym, outdoor pool, handball and racquetball courts, indoor running track, weight room, teen center, and group fitness classes. Youth programs, sports camps, swimming lessons, and martial arts offered year-round. Contact at 972-938-9826 or visit ymcadallas.org for current programs and membership rates.
Sims Library
Type: Library · Ages: All ages
Waxahachie's public library sits near downtown adjacent to the A&F Thompson Memorial Park, making it easy to combine a library visit with outdoor time. Children's programs, story time, summer reading, and STEM events run throughout the year. Contact the library or visit waxahachietx.gov for current program schedules and hours.
Lee Penn Park Pool
Type: Public Pool · Ages: All ages
Seasonal outdoor pool at Lee Penn Park (506 N Getzendaner St) with covered basketball court, lighted athletic fields, and picnic areas on the same 3-acre footprint. A quieter neighborhood pool option alongside the park's other amenities. Check waxahachie.com/parks for current-year season schedule and hours.
Ellis County Museum
Type: Museum · Ages: School-age and older
The Ellis County Museum in downtown Waxahachie covers local history through exhibits on the county's development, culture, and key figures. A good introduction to the city's Victorian-era roots for families who want context beyond the architecture walking tour. Contact at waxahachiecvb.com for current hours.
Historic Chautauqua Auditorium
Type: Historic Venue · Ages: All ages
Located inside Getzendaner Park, this restored historic auditorium hosts performances, events, and community gatherings. One of the oldest intact Chautauqua venues in Texas. Worth a visit even outside of performance dates as part of a Getzendaner Park outing.
Summer Heat Pro Tip
When Waxahachie's July temperatures peak, the sequence locals run is: early morning at one of the creek trails before 9 AM, midday at Urban Air or the YMCA indoor track, and late afternoon at one of the three free splash pads when the water cools things down. The Lee Penn Park pool handles laps for older swimmers. If the whole family is over heat-management by Thursday, the Sims Library story time or STEM program gives kids something engaging that does not require sunscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from families considering Waxahachie.
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Yes, especially for families who want small-city character alongside real family infrastructure. Waxahachie has 22 parks, three free splash pads, a 90-acre Sports Complex, and the Waxahachie Family YMCA. Waxahachie ISD has grown alongside the city's population and serves a community that values both athletics and academics. The historic downtown gives kids a genuine sense of place that master-planned northern suburbs often cannot offer. Home prices in Waxahachie remain more accessible than the northern DFW suburbs, and the commute to Dallas or the southern employment corridors is manageable. Families relocating from smaller cities or towns often find Waxahachie an easier cultural transition than the more densely developed northern suburbs.
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Waxahachie has five youth sports organizations covering all major sports. The Waxahachie Soccer Association runs recreational soccer seasons in fall and spring. The Waxahachie Youth Baseball Association (WYBA) covers T-ball through teen baseball at the Sports Complex. The Waxahachie Youth Softball Association (WYSA) serves girls in spring and fall. The Waxahachie Youth Athletic Association (WYAA) covers football, cheerleading, basketball, and track for ages 4 through 12. i9 Sports at Lions Park provides low-pressure multi-sport leagues in soccer, flag football, basketball, and baseball for kids ages 3 through 14, with no tryouts required. The Waxahachie Family YMCA also offers youth sports camps and programs for younger children.
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Yes, and Waxahachie is better equipped for rainy days than its size would suggest. Urban Air Adventure Park has indoor trampolines, climbing walls, and go-karts. The Waxahachie Family YMCA's indoor track, gymnasium, and pool provide structured options for athletic kids. Sims Library runs programs, story time, and STEM events throughout the year. The Ellis County Museum and the historic downtown shopping district offer educational afternoon alternatives. For a bigger outing, the drive to Midlothian or the Dallas museum district can fill a full rainy Saturday when Waxahachie's indoor options are not enough.
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Three city parks feature free seasonal splash pads. Water Splash Railyard Park (455 S College St) is a 4-acre amphitheater park south of downtown with splash pad, picnic tables, and a music garden. Water Splash George Brown Plaza (209 N Jackson St) is a downtown splash pad plaza with shaded picnic tables and a footbridge view of the creek, convenient for combining with a downtown visit. Water Splash Matthew's Park (501 Harvest Grove Rd) is in the Garden Valley subdivision with a splash pad, playground, and open space. All three are seasonal; check waxahachie.com/parks for current opening dates and hours before visiting with young children.
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Both are Ellis County communities with strong family identities, but they have distinct characters. Midlothian has 15 parks and a robust events calendar with 20+ annual events, and its newer development patterns mean more newer homes and newer infrastructure. Waxahachie has more parks (22 vs 15), three free splash pads, and the Scarborough Renaissance Festival, which is a category of its own as a regional family destination. Waxahachie's historic downtown adds a shopping and dining dimension that Midlothian cannot match. Midlothian sits slightly closer to the Mansfield and Arlington employment corridors, while Waxahachie has its own economic base. Families who prioritize historic character, water access at Lake Waxahachie, and the Scarborough Festival experience typically land on Waxahachie; families who want a newer build in a slightly faster-growing community often choose Midlothian.
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Waxahachie is known for three things that are genuinely rare in DFW. First, the Scarborough Renaissance Festival, held annually each spring and drawing families from across the region for 10 weekends of immersive historical entertainment. Second, its historic Victorian downtown, one of the best-preserved small-city commercial districts in Texas, complete with the iconic red granite courthouse, gingerbread architecture, and locally owned businesses in buildings from the 1880s. Third, Lake Waxahachie and the creek trail system, which give families access to fishing, swimming, and outdoor recreation that most suburban communities do not have within their city limits. For families who want authentic character alongside functional family infrastructure, Waxahachie is one of the most distinctive choices in the DFW area.
Ready to Find Your Family's Home in Waxahachie?
Kristen Carpentier is a DFW family relocation specialist and Waxahachie ISD area expert, TREC #760457.
Kristen Carpentier · Kristen@whymovetodallas.com · (602) 405-4115 · eXp Realty · TREC #760457