Lampasas was one of the first places that we ventured out to when we first PCS-ed to Fort Hood. Some friends invited us to bring the kids roller skating and it’s become a semi-regular thing ever since.
With a population of less than 8,000, Lampasas is a pretty small town. You wouldn’t think there would be much to do there worth the 20-minute drive from Copperas Cove, but I guess it’s just the small-town girl in me, because I love it!
Here are 5 fun things to do in Lampasas with kids!
Putters and Gutters
Our first experience in Lampasas was roller skating at Putter and Gutters. And we have returned many times since then!
Putters and Gutters is a bowling alley, mini golf, arcade, restaurant/bar, music venue, and skating rink all rolled into one! In the past 3 years, we’ve tried just about all of it and don’t have a single complaint.
We even had Lainey’s 10th birthday party there for all the kids to go skating together and the prices just can’t be beat. It was much cheaper than anywhere we looked in Killeen, Harker Heights, or Belton.
Putters and Gutters one of the most affordable things to do with kids in the area where you can be inside, which is helpful during these long, hot summer months.
Giant Spur
On your way to Putters and Gutters, you might as well stop for a quick picture with a giant spur!
At 35 feet tall and 20 feet wide, this giant spur is Guinness World Record verified as the biggest one in the world.
It’s located in a parking lot and will only take a few minutes to stop and get a picture, but it’s a cool photo op and something that you don’t want to miss while in Lampasas.
Plus, getting a picture with it was part of our Fort Cavazos and Texas Bucket List, so we had to stop in!
Hancock Springs
On those long, hot summer days another one of the fun things to do in Lampasas is swim at Hancock Springs.
There is nothing better than this spring-fed, free-flow swimming pool on an August afternoon. The water stays a cool 69 degrees year-round and feels almost icy on a triple-digit day!
In the 1800s, Hancock Springs was a well-known health resort and home to a Baptist Encampment in the early 1900s. People traveled from miles around to be baptized in the cool clear waters. Now, it’s a park open to the public and a great place to cool off and make memories.
(There’s nothing better than this cold water during a brutal Texas summer!)
Sculpture Garden
Walking around the Hanna Springs Sculpture Garden at Campbell Park is another one of the entertaining things to do in Lampasas. We spent an evening there walking around and looking at all of the sculptures, then we played basketball at one of the park’s courts.
There are 24 permanent pieces that remain in the park with 5-6 pieces that are placed in the park for 1 year under a contract with the artist. So every year you can find something new!
(We had a fun afternoon wandering around the sculpture garden & playing basketball.)
Storm’s Drive-In
One of the most delicious things to do in Lampasas is to get a burger and fries at Storm’s Drive-In!
The Storm family has been serving up delicious food since 1873. William Washington Storm opened a stagecoach stop to feed weary travelers and the Storm family has been cooking ever since!
Today, this drive-in restaurant grinds their meat in house and slices up fresh potatoes every day to make their delicious fries.
**Fun Fact** In the 1950s, Elvis Presley was stationed at Camp Hood and would stop here for a burger and milkshake.
If you’re in the area, give them a try!
*Bonus: Rustler’s Junction*
Rustler’s Junction in Lampasas was a fun store to stop and look around in! It’s full of unique home decor and furniture. The animal statues and outdoor decor is my favorite!
You definitely need to stop and shop next time you’re in town!
Lampasas is such a sweet small town. If you’re stationed at Fort Cavazos, it’s definitely worth the drive one day to check out. You could easily do all of these things on one long summer day or come back regularly like we did.
Lampasas is one place we are going to miss when we leave Texas.
