, 5 Easy Spring Break Activities Near the Permian Basin

5 Easy Spring Break Activities Near the Permian Basin

Not everyone gets an entire week off work or school to take an extravagant vacation over spring break. However, don’t let this discourage you from having some fun! There are still plenty of quick and easy things to do right here in the Permian Basin. Keep reading for a list of our top picks of places to visit and things to do over spring break:  

1. Monahans Sandhills State Park 

Located only an hour from Midland, TX, the Monahans Sandhills State Park is a must-see attraction for people of all ages. These mystical dunes create the ultimate Texas-sized sandbox, ready to be explored. Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch with a view while exploring the dunes on foot or horseback. Sand disks are available for rent to surf the dunes, or kick back and relax and watch a sunset you won’t forget.  

2. Big Sky Drive-In Theatre 

Located in Midland, TX, the Big Sky Drive-In Theatre is the perfect place to see a new movie, right from the comfort of your own car! Now that spring is among us, the weather is perfect for an outdoor movie (or two.) For two movies for the price of one, Big Sky Drive-In is the place to be. Cozy up under the stars, let the kids play on the playground, grab a snack from the concession stand, and get ready to watch! 

3. Permian Basin Petroleum Museum 

Housing the world’s largest collection of antique oil drilling equipment, the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum is a must-see for West Texas history lovers. Adventure through over 230 million years of history through interactive education and entertainment exhibits throughout the museum. Looking for something fun for the kids? If your little adventurer enjoys animals, dinosaurs, fossils, geology, Indians, or astronomy, consider signing them up for the Outreach program!  

4. Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center 

The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center is a performing arts venue located between the cities of Midland, TX and Odessa, TX. Get your tickets today for live events coming up that you won’t want to miss! If your wish is to see a Broadway show right here in the Basin, a symphony performance, or a show for the children, you will find it here.  

5. The I-20 Wildlife Preserve & Jenna Welch Nature Study Center 

The I-20 Wildlife Preserve is nothing short of wild right here in Midland, TX. The 86-acre urban playa lake is the highlight of the wetlands, floodplain thickets, and prairie grasslands – providing abundant avian, wildlife, and aquatic habitat for adventurers of all ages. With nearly 700 species identified at the Preserve, you are sure to see something wild. Visit the butterfly garden, participate in hands-on learning activities, hang out at a feeding station to bird-watch, or climb to the top of the 24ft Hawk Observation Tower to get a better look at the land.  

Bonus Adventures: Big Bend National Park & Palo Duro Canyon State Park 

Looking for something bigger? Check out the Big Bend National Park or Palo Duro Canyon State Park for a spring break you won’t forget! While both parks are roughly three hours from the Permian Basin area, these adventures and views are sure to leave you speechless. Rent a cabin to camp overnight or try exploring for the day. With so many activities to choose from, there’s enough adventure for the whole family.