Temple is a city in Central Texas near Belton, the seat of Bell County. Located approximately 30 miles east of Fort Hood, the city is home to an extensive medical and healthcare community highlighted by Baylor Scott & White Medical Center. Temple’s central location also places it within driving distance of Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin.
Temple was founded as a railroad town by the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway and incorporated in 1882. It was named for Bernard Moore Temple, a civil engineer and chief engineer for the railroad. In 1882, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas line was built through Temple, while the Santa Fe made the town a division point.
The city of Temple grew rapidly during its early years. Very shortly after the town’s founding, it already had two private schools, including the Temple Academy, which would go on to host one of the largest Thanksgiving Day parties in town until 1923. Temple grew from a population of 4,047 in 1890 to an estimated 98,412 residents in 2025.
Whether you’re a newcomer to town or a multigenerational resident, there are plenty of things to enjoy in Temple and the surrounding area. Here are some of the best picks around.
The options below include family-friendly attractions, museums and live performances, gaming, dining, and outdoor recreation, including choices that work well for adults.
Fun for the Whole Family
Temple offers a variety of places families can visit and enjoy together. Here are some excellent places to visit in town for both children and adults.
- Temple Railroad Heritage Museum: Railroads have been integral to Temple’s founding and growth. Anyone with an interest in local history can explore permanent and temporary exhibits focused on the railroad heritage that shaped the community. The museum remains open at the historic Santa Fe Depot.
- Address: 315 W. Ave B, Temple, TX
- Phone: (254) 298-5172
- Lions Junction Family Water Park: Lions Junction has plenty of ways to cool off during the Texas summer, including three-story water slides, a lazy river, splash areas, a swimming pool with a diving board, an aqua climbing wall, concessions, and places to relax. The park operates seasonally, so check its website for current hours before visiting.
- Address: 5000 S. 5th Street, Temple, TX
- Phone: (254) 298-5920
- Temple Symphony Orchestra: The Temple Symphony Orchestra is now in its 33rd season and performs several times throughout the year. Performances take place at various venues in the community, with Temple College’s Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center among its regular locations. Check the individual concert listing for the correct venue before attending.
- Venue: Varies by performance
- Phone: (254) 778-6683
- Czech Heritage Museum: The Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center preserves and interprets Czech-Texan history, artifacts, genealogy, and culture. The museum is currently temporarily closed while relocating from its former West French Avenue building to the SPJST Building at 520 North Main Street. Check the museum website for reopening information before planning a visit.
- New location: 520 North Main Street, Temple, TX
- Status: Temporarily closed during relocation
- Temple Public Library: Whether you want a quiet place to read, attend educational and community programs, use internet access, or find study materials, the Temple Public Library offers resources for visitors of different ages and reading levels.
- Address: 100 W. Adams Ave, Temple, TX
- Phone: (254) 298-5555
Temple Restaurants & Outdoor Dining
Temple features a range of dining and gathering options, particularly around downtown and the surrounding area.
- Megg’s Cafe: Megg’s Cafe is a family-owned restaurant serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also has outdoor seating and fresh baked goods, making it a convenient option for a relaxed meal while exploring Temple.
- Address: 1749 Everton Drive, Temple, TX 76504
- Phone: (254) 771-3800
- Thai Cafe: Located in Downtown Temple, Thai Cafe serves Thai cuisine ranging from curries and stir-fried dishes to noodles and seafood specialties. The restaurant offers dine-in and takeout options and is a convenient stop while exploring downtown.
- Address: 109 W. Central Ave., Temple, TX 76501
- Phone: (254) 598-2799
- Clem Mikeska’s Bar-B-Q: A longtime Central Texas restaurant, Clem Mikeska’s serves Texas-style barbecue along with steaks, burgers, salads, seafood, and country-style sides. The Temple location is family-friendly and offers a broad menu for lunch or dinner.
- Address: 1217 S. 57th Street, Temple, TX 76504
- Phone: (254) 778-5481
Arcades & Other Gaming Activities
- Spare Time Texas: Bowling is a classic group activity for families, friends, coworkers, and casual outings. Spare Time Texas also offers laser tag, arcade games, mini golf, go-karts, batting cages, and ropes-course activities.
- Address: 5434 205 Loop, Temple, TX
- Phone: (254) 781-4400
Outdoor Things to Do | Best Places for Leisurely Walks in Temple
- Whistle Stop Playground: With picnic facilities, a large playground, and views of passing trains, Whistle Stop Playground is a convenient option for family outings, playtime, and casual outdoor visits.
- Address: 22 S. 11th St, Temple, TX
- Phone: (254) 298-5690
- Lions Park National Recreation Trail: Lions Park is one of Temple’s larger recreation areas, with a roughly two-mile hike-and-bike trail along with playgrounds, picnic areas, a pond, disc golf, and other recreational amenities. It offers plenty of space for walking, outdoor recreation, or a picnic.
- Address: Lions Park, 4320 Lions Park Road, Temple, TX
- Phone: (254) 298-5411
- Oak Creek Park: Oak Creek Park is a smaller neighborhood park with a short loop trail, playground, exercise stations, basketball court, pavilion, and shade trees.
- Address: 2304 Forest Trail, Temple, TX 76502
- Phone: (254) 298-5690
Climate Controlled Storage Units in Temple – Amy’s Attic Self Storage
With climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled units and a range of storage options, Amy’s Attic Self Storage currently serves Temple from its Marlandwood Road facility. The Temple Marlandwood location is at 1245 Marlandwood Road and has units available for immediate move-in.
If you are interested in renting a storage unit in Temple or have questions about the leasing process, please call (254) 771-3838.
