We visited Palo Duro Canyon over Thanksgiving break, which was a perfect time to hike in the canyon and explore, because of the cool temperatures. However, it was COLD at night, several times dipping down into the 20’s and we just needed a fun evening indoors!
We were so surprised to find out that West Texas A&M in nearby Canyon, only 12 miles, has a fantastic activities center which is open to the public!
1. Bowling
It was the bowling alley that originally caught our attention! We love bowling, but it’s usually out of our traveling budget. However, at the activities center, all 5 of us were able to bowl for only $20! We had a great time, and on the Monday evening before Thanksgiving, we almost had the entire place to ourselves!
There are 8 lanes in the alley, they have bumpers for younger bowlers, and even occasional lunar (neon) bowling!
My youngest, 6, had a hard time with their 8 lbs. ball, but the attendant quickly gave him a 6 lb. ball they keep behind the counter!
Call ahead to check on times, because the website said they closed at 8pm, but they were actually open until 10pm.
2. Swimming
The center has a terrific indoor recreational pool, with a water slide and lazy river!
Since there isn’t any swimming at Palo Duro Canyon, this is a great place to take the kids during the summer to cool off!
3. Climbing Wall
There is also a climbing wall at the activities center, which is really fun because it’s built to resemble the Lighthouse feature at Palo Duro Canyon, but you must be 16 to use it. Even though I’m only a few years older than that (cough), we didn’t feel it was right to rub it in the kid’s faces that we could climb and they couldn’t.
4. Weight Room and Racquetball
There is also a complete weight room and gym, AND several racquetball courts! We love racquetball, but never dreamed to bring our racquets on a trip to the canyon!
West Texas A&M Activities Center
(806) 651 – 2323
Click HERE to visit their website
Keep Having Fun in the TEXAS Sun!
Michelle
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