Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Killeen, TX

  • Published 2022/12/09

Killeen is a remarkable spot in Bell County because of its historic and military significance.

In Central Texas, this city is adjacent to Fort Hood, a U.S. army base for installing heavy forces.

It has an array of outdoor recreational sites, too.

Because of the city’s two gigantic lakes and dense background of foliage and rolling landscapes, many come to this place for an outdoor adventure.

From golfing to boating, Killeen doesn’t disappoint residents and travelers with its wide array of activities.

If you’re interested in traveling to the city, here are the top free things to do in Killen, Texas:

Have Fun with Your Family at Long Branch Community Park

Long Branch Community Park stands out on Branch Drive as a diverse recreational site spanning 66 acres.

Unlike most parks, it has sparse groves of trees, but its well-maintained lawn makes up for it.

Some amenities you can enjoy are a basketball court and a playground area.

Play a round of soccer on the field or enjoy a picnic in the more shaded areas of the park.

Bring the whole family for maximum fun at Long Branch Community Park!

There’s also an outdoor swimming pool and a splash park, but those are available for a fee.

Join a Free Event Hosted by the Killeen Parks & Recreation Services

You shouldn’t miss out on Killeen’s range of events when you’re within the city.

Killeen Parks & Recreation Services offers free events to the public, so you can join locals and other visitors in the festivities.

One such event to look out for is the annual Holiday Under the Stars.

This annual Christmas Event features different programs related to the holidays, including live entertainment and a special guest appearance from Santa Claus.

Feel the holiday spirit as you watch the tree-lighting ceremony with other people in downtown Killeen.

Don’t forget to commemorate the event with a photo!

The Killeen Parks & Recreation Services also hosts other themed and community-related events.

Gear up for Your Biking Adventure at the Andy K. Wells Hike and Bike Trail

To combine StillHouse Hollow Lake and Lake Belton, the city of Killeen made a series of trails, including the Andy K. Wells Hike and Bike Trail.

This trail boasts 2.5 miles due to Kenny Well’s dedication to donating almost 10 land acres for the public’s recreation.

It’s also named after Well’s father, Andy K. Wells.

Its 20-foot wide pathways offer enough room for you and your loved ones to jog and exercise.

Its light scenery also adds charm and allure while you follow the trail to Rotary Children’s Park and the Killeen Community Center.

Andy K. Wells Hike and Bike Trail allows biking, skating, and even rollerblading.

Start your journey along this trail on East Veterans Memorial Boulevard.

Play with Your Kids at the Open Play Area at Stewart Neighborhood Park

If you’re looking for a subtle way to enjoy the outdoors, surrounded by nature, while with your family, Stewart Neighborhood Park is your best bet.

This park on 24th Street has a vast play area for your kids to enjoy.

More than anything, it offers a serene environment ideal for quality family time.

Stay for sunset and watch the skyline turn red and gold as you play with your loved ones at the park.

Have you added Stewart Neighborhood Park to your must-visit places list yet?

Let Your Dog Run around at Mickey’s Dog Park

Killeen’s first dog park, Mickey’s Dog Park, is your furry loved one’s absolute paradise!

Situated on East Veterans Memorial Boulevard, this dog park provides many open spaces and play areas for your four-legged friend.

Whether they’re small or large pups, they have a place in this area.

Let them play with dogs of similar and different breeds, and keep watch over them as they socialize and burn their energy.

Mickey’s Dog Park doesn’t allow dogs below the age of 16 weeks.

Admire the Buildings at Downtown Killeen

The best place to truly soak up Killen’s culture is to stroll down the streets of its downtown area.

Officially a part of the National Register of Historic Places, Downtown Killeen overflows with architectural and historical significance.

Spanning Santa Fe Plaza to 8th Street, this area is home to various establishments.

Over 120 years ago, this district started the story of Killen with its bustling depots and intriguing saloons back when it was a railroad town.

After The Great Place of Fort Hood was established in 1950, this area saw changes and developments in structural designs.

Now, as you go down Downtown Killeen, you’ll find a mixture of modern brick and stone buildings and the masterpieces of the Romanesque Revival architectural era.

Curl up with a Book at Killeen Public Main Library

Have enough space in your city exploration to sit down and research Killeen?

Don’t forget to drop by Killeen Public Main Library!

This library on East Church Avenue has everything you might need for your deep dive into each subject or concept.

From books to computers, you’re sure to find yourself engaged with new information within a tranquil environment.

On top of all that, there are special shows for adults and children!

Adults have book clubs, and the kids have storytime sessions.

Killeen Public Main Library may be what you need to wind down after exploring the streets of Killeen.

See the Lego Exhibitions at the Annual Bricks Killeen

Have a fixation on legos?

Join the annual Bricks Killeen event and see amazing lego displays from various artists and vendors.

This public exhibition aims to bring the lego specialty to the next level with impressive buildings and models.

Here, you’ll find skyscrapers, trains that move, and even characters and scenes played out in lego form.

Its first exhibition was in September 2021, and because of its success, organizers of the show extended the exhibition to 2023.

Bring your loved ones to Bricks Killeen, which will happen at Killeen Civic & Conference Center.

This center is on South WS Young Drive.

Come and join this one-of-a-kind event in September without having to pay an entrance fee!

Jog around Lions Club Community Park

At Lions Club Community Park, your quest for a fun time outdoors is guaranteed.

This park on East Stan Schlueter Loop has everything you might need, from sports practice to an exercise route.

It has a bike and hike trail that extends to 1.4 miles.

Opened in 2011, this trail is ideal for enjoying the scenery.

There are also picnic units and free shelters at Lions Club Community Park for your much-needed break!

Play Soccer at Maxdale Neighborhood Park

Maxdale Neighborhood Park on Westwood Drive is your family destination for fun out in the sun.

Its amenities, including a soccer field and a basketball court, have you prepped for an afternoon of leisure.

Maxdale Neighborhood Park is also a family-friendly park.

If you’re traveling with little ones, they can have their own fun in the play area.

If you have loved ones preparing to be athletes or consider playing sports a good family bonding time, there are sports areas for them, too.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Below are other free things you can do in cities near Killeen.

Enjoy Relaxing Lake Views at Cedar Gap Park

Sunset over the waters of Cedar Gap Park

Jay Mackall Visuals / Shutterstock.com

Cedar Gap Park does not require a fee, unlike other parks within Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir.

This park on Park Road in the charming city of Harker Heights is open all year.

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, it features a single-lane boat ramp.

You’ll be amazed by the stillness of the lake and the calming atmosphere it brings as you watch the sun go down.

You can reach Cedar Gap Park within 17 minutes without traffic from Killeen.

Admire the Pocket Gardens at Salado Sculpture Garden

In the neighboring city of Salado is Salado Sculpture Garden.

This garden on Salado Plaza Drive offers a blend of natural and manmade beauty through native plants and creative outdoor sculptures.

Connected by walkways, it features a lovely landscape of meadows and pocket gardens.

The pocket gardens offer a burst of color that attracts wildlife and keeps you hooked on what other art displays this garden has to offer.

Ask a loved one or a partner on a date and take them to this magnificent art and natural luxury, where rotating exhibits are plenty.

You can find Salado Sculpture Garden within a 28-minute drive from downtown Killeen.

Browse through the Permanent Exhibits at Bell County Museum

Exterior of the Bell County Museum

Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For a bit of a cultural and historical experience without traveling far from Killeen, visit Bell County Museum.

The building of this museum was completed in 1905, but it was not until 2006 that this newly renovated and modernized museum opened to the public.

Learn more about Bell County’s past through interactive screens, murals, and other displays of artifacts.

Interior of the Bell County Museum

Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Find yourself in another world focused on agriculture, transportation, genealogy, and more!

Bell County Museum offers free admission on Main Street in the heart of Belton.

From Killeen, it will only take about 23 minutes to reach this historical establishment by car.

Explore Nature at Ogletree Gap Preserve

On Post Office Road, it’s time for a nature undertaking.

Ogletree Gap Preserve is home to the Annual Copperas Cove Ogletree Gap Festival.

Alongside its promise of a good time with its annual festival, this preserve highlights cedar and oak trees in a serene setting.

The natural atmosphere exudes solitude and intimacy, ideal for those who want to spend time with their loved ones away from the modernity of downtown districts.

Ogletree Gap Preserve also has a pavilion for rent if you want to go another mile and spend a bit on your remarkable visit.

This preserve is in Copperas Cove, about 15 minutes drive from Killeen.

Cross the Suspension Bridge at Chalk Ridge Falls Park

Cascades of Chalk Ridge Falls Park

DiamondV / Shutterstock.com

A 20-or-so-minute drive from Killeen can bring you to Belton and its amazing and free tourist attractions.

One of these most-visited spots is Chalk Ridge Falls Park.

This park is a great example of nature’s best creation with its refreshing hiking trails and a view of the Lampasas River.

Lampasas river at Chalk Ridge Falls Park

Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

Walk down the suspension bridge while enjoying the sight of trees.

Take photos of the breathtaking waterfall oasis, too.

Chalk Ridge Falls Park—and its 2.5 miles of trails—is on Farm-to-Market 1670.

Final Thoughts

The city of Killeen should be part of your travel destination list if it isn’t already.

Aside from its colorful past, its collection of tourist spots is also worth visiting.

The best thing about it is that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy what Killen offers.

Take note of these free things to do in Killen, Texas, for your itinerary planning.

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