GO WILD AT THE ABILENE ZOO’S WILD DAYS (MARCH 8-16)

Kick off your Spring Break with a roaring good time at the Abilene Zoo! Wild Days is the ultimate family experience—think live shows, interactive animal encounters, and pop-up surprises that’ll keep you on your toes. Take a backstage tour, meet your favorite furry (or scaly!) creatures, and explore brand-new activity zones. Pro tip: Arrive early to catch the live animal presentations and grab a front-row seat for the action.

Cost: General Admission

Where: Abilene Zoo

GET CREATIVE AT THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S ILLUSTRATED LITERATURE

A visit to the NCCIL is like stepping inside your favorite children’s book!

Family Fun Saturday (March 8) – Free!

Let your imagination run wild with a free come-and-go art activity in the studio. Afterward, stroll through the gallery, check out the latest exhibits, and have fun with the interactive DrawAlive experience. Pro tip: Swing by the bookstore and pick up a beautifully illustrated book to bring the creativity home!

Spring Break: Happy City (March 11-15) – Free!

Help build a city entirely out of recyclables! This collaborative art project is a great hands-on way for kids to learn about sustainability while having a blast constructing their own imaginative buildings.

Cost: Free

Where: NCCIL

STEP INTO THE ROARING TWENTIES WITH THE GREAT GATSBY BALLET (MARCH 9)

Ready for a night of glitz, glam, and breathtaking performances? The World Ballet Series brings The Great Gatsby to life with a cast of 40 professional dancers, dazzling costumes, and a score that captures the spirit of the Jazz Age. Pro tip: Dress up in your best 1920s-inspired outfit for a fun, themed night out!

Cost: Ticketed event

Where: Abilene Auditorium

WITNESS HISTORY AT PINE STREET SHOOTOUT SATURDAYS

Travel back in time to the Wild West with Pine Street Shootout Saturdays at Frontier Texas! Watch as actors recreate the 1884 Pine Street Shootout, a dramatic showdown that helped shape Abilene’s history. Pro tip: Arrive early to grab a good spot, and don’t rush off after the shootout—the actors will stick around to chat and share historical tidbits.

Time: High Noon (12:00 PM)

Cost: Free

Where: Frontier Texas, Parade Grounds

DISCOVER DOWNTOWN ABILENE – A DAY OF FOOD & FUN

No family trip is complete without a little downtown adventure, and Abilene’s vibrant city center offers the perfect mix of fun, flavor, and culture. Start your day at Free Play Arcade, where kids and parents alike can enjoy classic pinball machines, retro arcade games, and hours of nostalgic fun. After working up an appetite, head over to Candies by Vletas, a historic sweet shop that has been crafting homemade chocolates and fresh fudge since 1912—one bite, and you’ll understand why it’s been a local favorite for over a century. Next, take a creative detour to The Grace Museum, an interactive space where families can explore rotating art exhibits, hands-on activities, and a glimpse into Abilene’s rich history. Finally, cap off your day with a delicious meal at Vagabond Pizza, a cozy neighborhood spot known for its wood-fired pizzas and mouthwatering pastries. With so many unique experiences packed into one area, downtown Abilene is a must-visit for families looking to make unforgettable Spring Break memories.

Whether you’re exploring the animal kingdom, getting creative, stepping back in time, or indulging in some seriously good eats, Abilene has something for every family. Start planning your ultimate Spring Break adventure in Abilene today!