If you have parents living in or near Vernon, Texas, you might be wondering what they can do for fun this summer. With the unforgiving Texas heat, you don’t want them outside for too long at a time, and you want to make sure that they’re not limited by their mobility, but you also want them to have a good time! It can be difficult to find activities that are both fun and safe for our aging loved ones, but Vernon has museums, parks, and much more.
If you’re looking for summer activities in Vernon for your aging parents, we’ve compiled a list of five local activities that are great for singles, couples, groups, or for the whole family.
Red River Valley Museum
The Red River Valley Museum, one of the most popular spots in Vernon, boasts a history and science room, a trophy and game room, the Waggoner Room, and an art gallery.
The William A. Bond Trophy and Game Room allows you to “explore the globe without ever leaving Texas.” The animals on display range from the Dik Dik (a tiny antelope native to the savannahs of eastern Africa) to the fierce polar bear of the Arctic Circle. You can interact with the displays to learn about biodiversity, conversation, and more.
In the Berry History and Science Gallery, you can learn all about the history of Wilbarger county, from the prehistoric age up until today. The exhibit has fossils, native artifacts, and more. The Waggoner Room is dedicated to the Waggoner Ranch – the largest ranch under one fence in Texas – and the history of ranching in Vernon, and the Wright Art Gallery has rotating exhibits throughout the year.
The Red River Valley Museum is located at 4600 College Drive. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, call 940-553-1848 or visit them online at www.rrvmuseum.org.
Vernon Plaza
When Vernon Plaza, Vernon’s movie theater, was built in 1953 atop the ruins of the Vernon Opera House, it was the first fully modern moviehouse – and the first theater in Texas built to show 3-D movies. Over the years, more screens and modern upgrades have been added. After nearly 70 years, the theater still has its iconic marquee and is still locally-owned and operated.
You can find out what’s showing on Vernon Plaza’s Facebook page or by calling 940-553-3999. Tickets for adults are $8 and seniors, children, and military members get discounted rates. And they still show 3-D movies, for a $1 upcharge.
Orbison Aquatics Center
Vernon is perhaps best known as the birthplace of “The Big O,” Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Roy Orbison. Orbison’s namesakes in Vernon include Orbison Park and the Orbison Aquatics Center. The aquatics center, a recent addition, includes a pool, large water slide, and splash pad for younger children.
The aquatics center is open 6 days a week, weather permitting. Admission is $5 and you can also rent out the clubhouse or tables for parties. You can find out more at www.vernontx.gov or by calling city hall at 940-552-2581.
Summer’s Last Blast
Summer’s Last Blast is a new but already beloved event in Vernon. Every August, you’ll have the chance to see street rods, muscle cars, and other classic cars show you what they can do. There’s a burnout contest, a show-n-shine pre-show near the Orbison Aquatics Center (bring your swimsuit – swimming is encouraged!), an antique tractor and engine show, and the finale of the three-day event is the Nostalgic Cruise Night, where you can see “the most prestigious classics, street rods, Pro Streets, and antiques cruise the streets as they did in the Good Ol’ Days” and listen to rock and roll hits of the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
Find out more at www.summerslastblast.com.
Summer’s Last Quack – a rubber ducky race at the aquatics center – also happens alongside this event. The winner of the race receives a cash prize. Find out more at the event’s Facebook page.
Livestock Café
Vernon is, at its core, a rancher town. We’re home to the historic Waggoner Ranch and the Vernon livestock market, which even has its own café. The Livestock Café, an authentic no-frills Texas diner, serves up country classics like chicken fried steak, ribs, and banana pudding, as well as burgers, sandwiches, breakfast (patrons recommend the steak and eggs and biscuits and gravy), and more.
The Livestock Café is located at the Vernon livestock market, at 6170 Bus, Highway 287. You can call 940-552-6000 or check out their Facebook page for more information.
We Invite You To Be a Part of the Vernon, Texas Community
Vernon is a vibrant Texas town with a colorful history, interesting people, great food, local art, fun events, shopping, and more. It’s a wonderful place to spend those lazy summer days – and a wonderful place to call home. If you’re looking for a great place for a day trip or vacation this summer, Vernon is it. And if you’ve been considering a move into an assisted living community for yourself or a parent, we invite you to come see what Eagle Flats Village and Vernon are all about. Schedule a visit online today or by calling us at 940-552-8181.
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