Note - there is a lot of road construction in this area right now so take extra caution and time to get through it.
The Mayborn Museum is in a huge red brick building with free parking out front. At the time we visited (May 2021), masks were required. We were able to use our ASTC reciprocal membership to get in for free (for ticket prices see information down below).
Also, please note, the Play Waco Hall was still closed at this time. Some hands-on exhibition components within the Natural and Cultural History Wing and the Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village may be unavailable. Check the website for the latest re-opening details.
The first thing that will greet you when you enter the museum is the giant T-rex dinosaur (on loan from the Perot Museum) named "Stan".
There is a whole display dedicated to Baylor University and some of its history. They had a neat video of some amazing sports accomplishments as well as original mascot costumes and some various props. Very neat even if you're not a Baylor Bear fan.
The museum features a really well-done Western history display with a buffalo, longhorn cow, teepee and a log cabin. You can peek into the log cabin.
There is a small space dedicated to the Waco Mammoth National Monument and a replica of the dig site made with glass floor.
There are several natural science areas including Forest-themed room with creatures and plants found in a forest and a Cave-themed room with bats.
Upstairs on the second floor is the hands-on children's museum. Each room has a different theme (such as Colors, Water, Sound, etc). Although it appears many of the activities were removed thanks to Covid, there were still plenty of things to do.
Overall Family Ratings:
- 16 year old - Enjoyed the interactive area
- 11 year old - Enjoyed the interactive area
- 6 year old - Enjoyed the dinosaurs downstairs and the interactive area upstairs
Mayborn Museum
https://www.baylor.edu/mayborn/
Address: 1300 S. University Parks, Waco, TX 76706
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am CST - 5pm CST; Sunday 1pm CST - 5pm CST
Tickets: Children (2-12 years) $8.00; Adults $10.00