Spring Break Fun Round Up
Wednesday, March 17, 2010 @4:36pm CST
Reported by: Shanna Smith-Snyder, Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau

SPRING BREAK FUN ROUND UP – Puzzled as to what to do with the kids, grandkids, guests or even yourself during Spring Break? Whether you are a visitor or local, you won’t have to venture far from your location to experience attractions and entertainment that is educational, affordable and fun for all. Halfway through the week or not, you can still make last minute plans and show your family and friends a uniquely Abilene experience.

If you haven’t experienced Frontier Texas!, spring break is an excellent time to do so. Travel back in time from 1780 to 1880 and relive the Old West inside the multimedia exhibit “Century of Adventure.” Hear the stories from the men and women who lived and died on the Texas frontier. If you haven’t been to Frontier Texas! in awhile,  you won’t want to miss their newest exhibit, “Riding with Pancho Villa,” a photographic exposition that will run through May 28. Included in this exhibit is over 40 rare historical photographs brought to the US by the legendary outlaw, Pancho Villa's 25-year-old great-grandson, Francisco Villa, a student at ACU. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The Abilene Zoo is a great location for all ages. Enjoy learning more about the animals as well as indulging in affordable fun—admission is just $4 for ages 13 to 59, $3 for ages 60+ and $2 for ages 3 to 12. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Spring Break camp is in full swing, however, parents and their preschoolers (ages 3-4) may still be able to catch the “Hop, Slither and Jump” class on Thursday at 10 and 11 a.m. Each class features a combination of animal encounters, crafts, activities and books.  Contact Joy at 325-676-6487 to check on availability and pre-register today. Each session is $5 per child payable at the door – cash or check.

Youngsters will enjoy The Grace Museum’s children museum. Interactive exhibits include: The Health Zone; LCD theater; interactive puppet and creative art zone; and a fully padded play area for children younger than six. However, visitors of all ages will be amazed at The Grace. It includes a History Museum, as well as the Art Museum, which rotates world-class exhibits. It’s currently exhibiting: “Texas Photographers from the Alice and Bill Wright Photography Collection,” “John James Audubon, American Artist and Naturalist Exhibition” and the “Youth Art Month Exhibition.” Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Bring the family to The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature for free family art activities from 1 to 4 p.m. each Saturday. View the NCCIL’s exhibit, “The Berenstain Bears Out West”—perfect for the young or young at heart. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

Stop in at the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum that serves as an educational museum for the study of World War II and its effect on the American people. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

Take a short drive out to the Buffalo Gap Historic Village. Enjoy a walk through West Texas frontier history. The Village tells the incredible story of the last 50 years of the West Texas Frontier through 21 buildings. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Military Appreciation Day just happens to be this Sunday. Free admission with valid military ID.

Don’t forget about our Roundup Pass—this admits you into all attractions for one low price, $15 for adults and $7 for children 16 and younger. Passes can be purchased at the aforementioned Abilene attractions or the Abilene CVB, 1101 N. 1st St.

You won’t want to miss these other great events:
•    Jazz at the Center for Contemporary Arts, Friday. Galleries open at 7 p.m. and live music featuring Luke McMillian & Band begins at 8 p.m. $15 per person or $35 for series tickets. Ages 21+. Info and tickets: 325-677-8389.
•    The last weekend for “The Kitchen Witches” at the Abilene Community Theatre. Friday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Info and tickets: 325-673-6271.
•    Mark your calendar for May 11. The Abilene/U.S. Travel Rally will take place at 10 a.m. at Frontier Texas! Details to follow within the upcoming months. Plan to come out and show your support for Abilene’s $403.8 million local travel industry!

Keep connected all year long by following your Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau on Twitter, @AbileneCVB and becoming a fan on Facebook (Abilene, Texas). For additional events and activities, check out our new calendar of events at www.abilenevisitors.com.