Killeen, Texas is a thriving Central Texas city with a rich history and plenty of attractions for locals, military families, and visitors. If you’re searching for the best things to do in Killeen Texas, this guide – curated by Amy’s Attic Self Storage, a trusted local business – highlights family fun, outdoor adventures, and dining spots you won’t want to miss.
This accomplishment is as much the product of hard work from the town’s founders as it is the efforts of all its citizens throughout the years to make Killeen a great place to live!
Many fun activities can be found across Killeen, whether you’re looking for a refreshing way to cool down in the summer, a romantic date night, or some family-friendly fun that can last a whole afternoon. Learn a little more about this charming central Texas town, then see what Killeen has to offer below!
A Little About Killeen
Today, Killeen is best known for Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), its strong military community, and a growing list of attractions and activities for families, couples, and travelers.
Killeen began as a 360-acre stretch of Central Texas wilderness purchased in 1881 to expand the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway. The railroad plotted a 70-block town on its purchased land and named it after the assistant general manager of the railroad, Frank P. Killeen. Within a year, the town filled up with pioneers fresh off the train, ready to make their mark on the town. A school, several stores, saloon, and railroad depot all rose to meet the needs of the growing community. Within just five years, the town had blossomed to 350 residents, and included two saloons, a lumberyard, a blacksmith, and a hotel.
Just 30 years after the town’s founding, Killeen had a fully operational water system, multiple bridges that doubled its trade area, and would be primed as an ideal staging ground for Fort Hood, which altered its economy immensely and gave its citizens new opportunities previously unheard of. Now, Killeen is the 21st most populous city in Texas, with a proud history of pioneering, trade, and military service.
Visitors exploring things to do in Killeen Texas can enjoy a mix of military history, cultural sites, and modern entertainment options that reflect the city’s unique past and vibrant present.
Fun for the Whole Family
Looking for family-friendly things to do in Killeen Texas? These attractions are perfect for kids and adults alike. Killeen has long been considered a great place to grow up, being small enough to know your neighbor and yet large enough to support a range of exciting activities for the whole family.
- Lions Club Aquatics Park: Lions Club is an excellent place to bring young and old children alike, featuring several water slides and large central pool to play in, plus constant watch by experienced lifeguards and frequent pool checks. A popular spot to cool off in the summer especially, be sure to show up early to beat the afternoon crowds!
- Address: 1700 E Stan Schlueter Loop, Killeen, TX
- Phone: (254) 501-6390
- Pro Tip: Arrive before 11am at Lions Club Aquatics Park to avoid long lines and snag the best shady spots.
- 1st Cavalry Division Museum: Learn more about the fabled 1st Cavalry Division of Fort Hood, Texas, known for being one of the most decorated combat divisions in the US Army. Formed in 1921, see how the Division engaged in wars throughout the 20th century, first on horseback, and then through armored and aircraft combat. See historic tanks, helicopters, and artillery guns up-close and personal, all for free!
- Address: Building 2218, Fort Hood, TX
- Phone: (254) 287-3626
- Pro Tip: Admission is free, but you’ll need a valid government-issued ID to access the base.
- Altitude Trampoline Park: With an astounding 42,000+ square feet of indoor trampolines and other attractions, Altitude is one of the most amazing ways to burn off energy for families or individual jumpers of any age. Play trampoline dodgeball, perform flips and tricks, and get the most exciting workout in Killeen!
- Address: 901 S Fort Hood St, Killeen, TX
- Phone: (254) 768-0203
- Pro Tip: Wear athletic clothes and bring grip socks — available for purchase on-site if you forget.
Killeen Restaurants & Outdoor Dining
After exploring the many attractions, you’ll find no shortage of delicious places to eat. Dining is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Killeen Texas, whether you’re craving casual bar food, live music, or an upscale wine bar experience.
- Jokers IceHouse Bar & Grill: If you’re looking for an affordable, classically Killeen drinking and dining experience, check out Jokers IceHouse. It’s got live music on the weekends, billiards, great food, plenty of cold beer on tap, and unique cocktails, making it a perfect spot for a date or simply a night on the town.
- Address: 7900 S Clear Creek Rd, Killeen, TX
- Phone: (254) 554-9051
- Stillhouse Wine Room: If you’re looking for the premier upscale wine bar in Killeen, look no further than Stillhouse. In addition to an impressive wine collection to satisfy nearly any palette, they also feature a smaller menu of cheese pairings and decadent desserts. Visit Stillhouse the next time you’d like a quieter evening of fine dining.
- Address: 403 E Stan Schlueter Loop Ste 308, Killeen, TX
- Phone: (254) 681-9463
Escape Rooms & Other Fun Activities
Beyond family attractions, there are plenty of fun things to do in Killeen Texas for adults, groups, and teens, including escape rooms, scuba lessons, and bowling.
- Great Escape of Central Texas: If you’re looking for an engaging challenge that will last a whole afternoon, check out Great Escape! Solve puzzles and fascinating challenges along with your team to figure a way out of the room you’re trapped in before time runs out! Great Escape features a range of themed rooms and difficulties, from their most difficult challenge in the Lost Tomb of Anubis to the more family-friendly Back to the Fourth Grade escape room.
- Address: 4400 E Central Texas Expy Bldg 1, Suite C, Killeen, TX
- Phone: (254) 680-2686
- Project Scuba: If you’ve ever wanted to earn your scuba license, you don’t need to visit any cities on the coast, or even leave town! Project Scuba offers training and leisure courses for beginners, professionals, and experienced divers of all types, and hosts events both at its own facility and also various scuba sites across Texas and beyond. You certainly don’t need to live in Florida or California to enjoy scuba and snorkeling!
- Address: 3310 Tallwood Drive, Killeen, TX
- Phone: (254) 458-3368
- Hallmark Lanes: Bowling is one of the most classic, no-complaints activities that anyone can have fun with, whether among family, friends, coworkers, or even solo. Lace up your bowling shoes and enjoy an afternoon of wholesome, budget-friendly fun at one of the best bowling spots in Killeen.
- Address: 4203 Shawn Dr, Killeen, TX
- Phone: (254) 690-4949
Outdoor Things to Do in Killeen
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do in Killeen Texas, from golf to helicopter rides.
- Freedom Air Helicopter Rides: Get a bird’s eye view of Central Texas with a private helicopter ride! Enjoy the sights of Killeen and the surrounding area from a perspective very few people ever get to see. For the gun enthusiasts, Freedom Air also offers aerial gunnery tactical games, allowing you to shoot live ammunition from a helicopter!
- Address: 1503 Stonetree Drive, Killeen, TX
- Phone: (254) 630-6313
- Stonetree Golf Club: Operated by the City of Killeen, Stonetree offers a premier golf club experience at affordable prices. Admire the beauty of its rolling hills, multiple lakes, and lush green while enjoying a golf outing, tournament, or other event. The staff at Stonetree are experts in organizing nearly any sort of event its customers wish to put on, so feel free to contact them and get started on planning an unforgettable outing!
- Address: 1600 Stonetree Drive, Killeen, TX
- Phone: (254) 501-6575
Local Resource: Climate-Controlled Storage in Killeen
Whether you’re new to town or a long-time resident exploring these attractions, having reliable storage is always helpful. Amy’s Attic Self Storage offers a safe storage environment. With temperature-controlled units and awesome customer service, Amy’s Attic Self Storage is eager and ready to serve you. If you want more info on renting a storage unit or have questions about the renting process, then please call (254) 690-0010. You are also welcome to visit our storage facility at 5708 E Rancier Ave, Killeen, TX 76543.
If you need a storage unit, they are one of the best I’ve dealt with. Amy’s Attic Self Storage Killeen is very secure, and the units are clean and very accessible. The staff and the owners are informative, helpful, and very professional. I did not receive any incentives for this review.
– Jeff Seely
With so many fun things to do in Killeen Texas – from family-friendly adventures to nightlife and outdoor activities – it’s clear why the city continues to attract new residents, military families, and visitors from across Central Texas.
People Also Asked
What is Killeen Texas known for?
Killeen is best known for Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), one of the largest military bases in the world. The city also has a strong sense of community, family-friendly attractions, and access to Central Texas outdoor adventures.
What are free things to do in Killeen?
Popular free things to do in Killeen include visiting the 1st Cavalry Division Museum, exploring local parks, hiking trails around Stillhouse Hollow Lake, and attending community events at the Vive Les Arts Theatre.
Is Killeen Texas worth visiting?
Yes! Killeen offers a mix of history, culture, and recreation. Visitors enjoy unique military museums, outdoor activities, and local dining. It’s also a convenient base for exploring Central Texas.
What’s near Killeen for day trips?
Great nearby day trips include Belton Lake, Stillhouse Hollow Lake, the city of Belton (for dining and shops), Temple (for cultural attractions), and a quick drive to Austin or Waco for even more Texas experiences.