Why You’ve Got to Check Out the Mayborn Museum in Waco

By Kelsey Kennedy | January 13, 2025

1 Shares

If you’re ever in Waco, Texas (or even if you’re just passing through), I have to tell you about this absolute gem: the Mayborn Museum. It’s one of those places that’s perfect for anyone—whether you’re a history buff, a science nerd, or you’re like me and you’ve got little kids who just need something fun to do.

I had the chance to visit recently, and let me tell you, I was blown away. I figured that, with Waco being a pretty small town, this museum would be dated and small. IT’S NOT! It’s such an impressive place for anyone to visit! So, if you’re thinking about going, here’s what you can expect and why I think it’s worth the visit.

About me: I’m Kelsey, a bestselling travel book author and the creator of 3 Texas travel websites. As a native Texan, I spend my own time and money exploring this state to help millions of readers find the best food, things to do, places to stay in Austin and beyond. Check out my other sites: TheSanAntonioThings.com and TheAustinThings.com!

A Quick Backstory on the Mayborn Museum

The Mayborn Museum is located on the Baylor University campus in Waco (so it's super easy to find), and it’s been around since 2004. But fun fact: it actually started a lot earlier with some pretty cool collections that were brought together by the university. It’s named after Frank Mayborn, a local businessman and big Baylor supporter who helped fund and develop the museum.

It’s not just your average museum, though. It’s a mix of all kinds of things—history, science, culture, and interactive exhibits that are super fun for both adults and kids. Honestly, it feels like a place that blends learning with play. I felt like a kid again just wandering around, trying out the hands-on exhibits!

RELATED: FUN THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN WACO

What You’ll Find Inside: The Cool Stuff!

Let’s talk about what you actually do at the Mayborn Museum. It’s not one of those places where you just walk around and look at stuff on the wall (although there are plenty of cool things to look at). No, this place is all about doing, touching, and getting involved with the exhibits. The Mayborn is divided into three main sections:

1. The Historic Village

Okay, this place is outside the museum at the very back, but it was definitely one of the highlights for me. The Historic Village is like stepping back in time. It’s a whole little area with buildings that look like they belong in the late 1800s or early 1900s. You can check out a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, and even a blacksmith’s shop! What’s super cool is that you can actually go inside these buildings and try your hand at things people used to do back in the day.

This little village was donated to the Mayborn in 1985 (all 9 buildings used to be in Liberty, TX) and Waco has been enjoying them ever since. The Historic Village is such a cool thing to explore for both kids and adults!

2. Natural History Exhibits

If you love nature and all things science, this part will very likely be your favorite. The Natural History section has some incredible exhibits, including fossils, animals, and even some pretty massive dinosaur skeletons. I’m talking life-size dinosaur replicas that will have you saying “whoa.” I love how they make these exhibits feel alive by explaining how Texas' landscapes and animals have evolved over millions of years. It’s like a little time machine into the past.

You can see what Waco was like back when it was under a shallow sea (and understand why there are so many marine fossils in central Texas).

If you don’t have time to drive out to the actual Waco Mammoth National Monument (which you should!!) the Mayborn has a Waco Mammoth exhibit set up with replicas of these mammoth bones that were found right here in Waco. (Pro tip: you can see the real mammoth bones if you visit the National Monument.)

3. Jeanes Discovery Center

This wing of the Mayborn is dedicated to children' s learning. The Jeanes Discovery Center is comprised of a bunch of classroom-sized rooms (with no doors) where kids can wander in and out and find whatever is exciting to them. Each room has a theme (water, sound, engineering, Chisholm Trail, etc.) with fun things to play with, explore, and learn about.

Now, if you’re into experiments (or just love the idea of being a mad scientist for a day), the Interactive Science Lab is where you want to be. You can get hands-on with chemistry experiments, explore biology, and even test out some physics concepts. I’m talking about fun stuff like making colorful chemical reactions happen right in front of your eyes. It's the kind of thing that’ll get kids—and adults—excited about science in a way that textbooks just can’t.

If you’re bringing kids ages 5 & under, Play Waco is basically kid heaven. It’s a tiny town of kid-size shops and stores where little ones can play the roles of firefighters, doctors, or anything else they imagine. It’s designed for younger kids, so ages over 5 won’t be able to come in here. But trust me, the little ones won’t want to leave!

Why It’s More Than Just a Museum

Okay, here’s the thing: the Mayborn Museum isn’t just a place where you look at things—it’s about learning in a fun, hands-on way. I think that’s one of the best parts of this museum. It’s super educational but doesn’t feel like you’re sitting in a classroom.

1. School Programs and Field Trips

If you’ve got kids in school, they’ll probably love it even more when they come on a field trip here. The museum has all kinds of educational programs for school groups, so if you’ve got young ones who go to school in Waco, they might already be familiar with it from a class trip. They’ve got everything lined up with Texas curriculum standards, which is nice because it’s the kind of place that makes learning fun (and not in a boring way).

2. Family Workshops and Events

The fun doesn’t stop with just the exhibits. The Mayborn Museum also has special events and workshops throughout the year. They’ve got everything from science demos to seasonal activities that families can enjoy together. One of the coolest things is the Summer Science Camps they run, which are perfect for getting the kids away from screens and involved in something educational—and fun!

Practical Stuff: What You Need to Know

Before you go, here’s a quick breakdown of the important details:

1. Hours and Admission

The Mayborn Museum is open every day of the week, but the hours vary a bit, so you’ll want to check their website ahead of time. It’s super affordable, too, with discounts for kids, seniors, and groups. If you’re a Baylor student or faculty member, you get in free, which is awesome. And if you show up during the final hour of the day, you get a happy hour deal at the Mayborn and can get in for ½ price. An hour is still a long time to wander around this museum!

2. Museum Store

You know how you can’t leave a museum without stopping by the gift shop, right? The Museum Store at the Mayborn is no different. They’ve got a great selection of educational toys, books, and kits for science lovers and history buffs. You can grab a cool little science kit as a souvenir so your kids will remember their visit to the Mayborn. Definitely worth a stop before you head out.

Wrapping It Up: Is It Worth Visiting?

100%. If you’re ever in Waco, make sure you check out the Mayborn Museum. It’s one of those places that’s fun for everyone, from history lovers to science geeks to families looking for something cool to do on a weekend. I had such a blast there, and it’s honestly one of the best museums I’ve visited in a while—plus, it’s right in the heart of Waco, so it’s easy to pop in if you’re already exploring the area and visiting some of the best restaurants in Waco.

Go check it out the next time you’re in Waco! Pair it with one of these kid-friendly restaurants and one of the Waco parks or playgrounds.

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
…
14
Next »