The 52-acre Cameron Park Zoo is home to more than 1,731 animals that represent more than 300 different species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds and invertebrates. The zoo is comprised of a number of themed areas, including African Savannah and Asian Forest exhibits, the latter of which features endangered orangutans and Komodo Dragons. Children can also learn about local fauna and flora at the 180-acre Lake Waco Wetlands, which serves as a habitat for various plant and animal species.
Several of Waco's museums offer children's activities. The Dr. Pepper Museum chronicles the history of the oldest soft drink in the world as well as the soft drink industry through a collection of artifacts and interactive children's exhibits. The museum is housed in the company's original bottling facility, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Mayborn Museum Complex allows children to learn about a wide variety of topics --- from Native American cultures to the anatomy of the human heart --- through hands-on exhibits. At the Waco Mammoth Site, the entire family can observe the fossilized remains of a herd of infant mammoths, the only such archaeological discovery in the country.
Kids can enjoy inline and roller skating at Skate World or its sister rink, Skate Country, which also offers a playground area for children 10 and under. In warm weather, children can beat the heat, free of charge, at one of six daytime spray parks throughout the city. During the summer months, beginning in May, the entire family can cool off at Waco Water Park, which offers two pools and two water slides. Another option for a fun-filled children's outing is the Lion's Park, which offers a miniature train, go-karts and bumper boats, among other activities.
Put kids' creativity to work at the Art Center Waco on the McLennan Community College campus. The institution offers a variety of children's art classes throughout the year that are linked to holidays and other cultural traditions. For those who enjoy the spotlight, the Waco Children's Theatre, a nonprofit organization, offers acting and theater classes for children designed to build confidence.
