BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO FUN! — Many Abilenians have started back to school. Just because the summer season is coming to an end, doesn’t mean your fun has to. Visit the attractions this weekend, explore everything Abilene has to offer and save some money while doing it!

Your first stop should be Frontier Texas!, where you can relive the Old West. Don’t forget to check out the newest exhibit, “The Guns that Won the West.” Frontier Texas! is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 325-437-2800.

Walk or drive to The Grace Museum and be amazed by the special exhibit, “Best Friends: The Dog as Subject in Fine Art Photography.” These iconic photos from the Alice and Bill Wright Collection capture the truth and loyalty behind man’s four-legged best friend. Through Sept. 18. The Grace Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. Information: 325-673-4587.

“Pop” into the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature and experience “The Wizards of Pop: Sabuda and Reinhart” exhibit. This unique exhibit of hand-crafted, oversized books and displays brings the beloved pop-up books to life. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. Call 325-673-4586.

Next, walk a block from the NCCIL and review World War II at the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Call 325-677-6515.

Enjoy a “Sunset Safari” at the Abilene Zoo. Sunset Safari allows you to enjoy your visit longer during the summertime with extended hours until 9 p.m. every Thursday through Labor Day. For more information, call 325-676-6085.

Take a short drive to Buffalo Gap. Step back in time at Buffalo Gap Historic Village and take a walk through West Texas frontier history. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call 325-572-3365.

Don’t forget, you will find great savings when you purchase the Abilene Roundup Pass. Roundup Passes are $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 16 and younger. Purchase them at each of the attractions listed above or at the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1101 N. 1st St.

For more information on Abilene’s attractions, visit www.abilenevisitors.com.

 
Shanna Smith is the Heritage Tourism and Special Projects Coordinator at the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau. Contact at shanna@abilene.com.