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Sulphur Springs, Texas kids

  • PublishedApril 7, 2023


Sulphur Springs, Texas is a charming town with plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions to explore. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure or indoor entertainment, Sulphur Springs has something to offer for all ages. From toy stores to ice cream parlors, family-friendly restaurants and activities, the town is committed to creating a welcoming environment for families with children, making it an excellent place to visit– or even raise a family!

Kid Friendly Things to Do in Sulphur Springs

Parks:

Coleman Park – This gem of the city features a waterfall and the best walking paths in Sulphur Springs! It’s also perfect for fishing, walking your dog, picnicking, family photo shoots and just about any outdoor activity. Don’t forget to check out the annual Jet Ski competition every August! 

Buford Park- Also known as City Park, Buford features several playgrounds including a one-acre wooden play castle known as Kids Kingdom. This recreational area also includes lighted baseball fields, walking/jogging trails, gazebos, pavilion, Peavine Pinion pond with a lighted boardwalk, a skateboard park and basketball court. In 2009, the park became home to the World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest.

Museums 

Heritage Museum & Park- The museum offers a range of child-friendly activities and exhibits that are both educational and entertaining. Children can learn about the history of the region through the restored historical buildings and self-guided tours. Additionally, the park surrounding the museum offers plenty of space for children to run and play, with picnic tables and benches available for parents to relax and enjoy the scenery. Indian Summer Days every October gives kids a chance to have a hands-on historical experience; kids can dress up in 1800s clothes and play old-time games such as hoop ball, jump rope and more. 

Southwest Dairy Museum– This museum makes learning about the dairy industry fun and engaging. Children can learn about the history of dairy farming in Texas, how milk is processed, and how it is used to make a variety of products. It also features interactive displays such as a milking simulator, calf-roping station, and 1950s diner that allow children to experience dairy production from cow to milkshake. Professionally-guided or self-guided tours let visitors go at the pace they prefer, and kids can even get free ice cream after their visit! 

Downtown

Splash pad– A must-visit attraction is the splash pad on the downtown square, which is a great way to cool off on hot summer days. The star-shaped fountain has a coordinated light show, and also features a giant chess set and other lawn games. Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water bottles– and afterwards enjoy a scoop of ice cream at The Magic Scoop directly across the street. Pacific Park on the south side will also have a splash pad soon– the park is undergoing a complete renovation and will also have state of the art basketball courts,  playgrounds, and walking trails.

Veterans Memorial– a great place to teach kids about the sacrifices and service of veterans. The memorial features a beautiful outdoor monument with benches and picnic areas. Kids can explore the various monuments and plaques, each representing a different conflict in which local veterans served. The memorial is designed to engage and teach children about American history and the importance of honoring those who served our country.

Downtown shops– The shops surrounding the downtown plaza in Sulphur Springs are an excellent destination for families with kids. There are several stores that sell unique and interesting items, including vintage toys, books, and crafts that children will love to explore. The area also features numerous restaurants and cafes, many of which have kid-friendly menus and outdoor seating areas. Additionally, the plaza itself is a lovely spot for kids to play and run around while parents relax and enjoy the ambiance of this charming small town. Don’t forget a famous sparkle cookie at Plain & Fancy! 

Youth Sports Programs

There are a variety of youth sports programs in Sulphur Springs that cater to kids of all ages and abilities. The programs are designed to promote physical activity, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a safe and inclusive environment. Whether it’s soccer, football, baseball, softball, or basketball, there are plenty of opportunities for kids to get involved and develop their skills. 

Movies

The  local movie theater, Bright Star Cinema, regularly shows children’s movies and hosts special events. Main Street Theater holds several $1 movie screenings at their building every month, and many are targeted towards kids. Some are even sing-alongs of classic Disney movies! During the summer, the city holds free public screenings of kids’ movies outdoors on the square. Local vendors such as sno cones and games show up too– it’s a town favorite! 

Library

Sulphur Springs Public Library offers a range of programs, including storytime and arts and crafts. Volunteers read to the children the third Monday of every month, and there’s even a project where children can help train service dogs!    


Kid Friendly Events & Festivals list 

    • Hopkins County Stew Contest
    • Fall Festival
    • Lions Lighted Christmas Parade 
    • Earth Day on the Plaza
    • Fishing Day at Pinion Pond
    • Father-Daughter Dances by the Mothers’ Culture Club
    • Help-a-child benefit
    • Roper & White Christmas Bicycle Giveaway 
    • Parents Night Out at Sulphur Springs Elementary 
    • Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast 
    • Lil 4’s Club events at Pacific Park
    • Hopkins County Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
    • Spooktacular Fun Run on the plaza (Halloween)
    • Zombie walk by VR Social
    • Indian Summer Days
    • Ribeye Roundup 
    • Annual Crawfish Boil 
    • Dairy festival parade 
    • DairyAirs Hot Air Balloon Festival 
    • Farmers’ Market
    • Christmas and spring markets 
    • CANHelp Back-to-School fair
    • Main Street Uncorked Wine and Music Festival
    • Christmas in the Park at Heritage Museum 
    • North Pole of Texas (in nearby Como-Pickton)
    • Childrens’ activities at Cooper Lake State Park (in nearby North Hopkins)

Tips for Visiting Sulphur Springs with Kids

If you’re planning a trip to Sulphur Springs, Texas with kids, here are some tips to help make your visit a success.

Plan ahead: Research the various activities and attractions in Sulphur Springs. Since Sulphur Springs has it all, you’ll need to maximize your time so ensure that everyone gets to see and do everything on their list 

Bring a change of clothes: Sulphur Springs doesn’t mind when kids are kids–and that might mean they want to jump in at the downtown splash pad or play hard at Kids Kingdom playground at Buford Park. A fresh set of clothes is a good plan for a kid who will surely want ice cream afterwards! 

Be ready to walk: Sulphur Springs’ numerous festivals usually have nearby parking, but big events like the Christmas and Fall parades or the stew contest are often attended by hundreds if not thousands of people. If little feet get tired, make sure to bring a wagon, stroller, cart or tote to help your child have their best experience. Doubles as a way to carry your unique finds during the town’s many outdoor markets! 

Get there early: As mentioned, many of Sulphur Springs 300+ yearly activities are very popular. Getting to events early often means priority and freebies for kids, as organizers often give out door prizes or fun experiences at the events– but on a first-come-first-served basis. 

Written By
Taylor Nye

Taylor Nye is the editor of Front Porch News. She has degrees from the University of Wisconsin in human biology, Latin American studies, and public health. She has previously worked at the Wisconsin State Journal, Tucson Weekly and Sulphur Springs News-Telegram. As a sixth generation Hopkins County resident, she loves celebrating our heritage and history.