From a quirky soft drink museum to ancient mammoth fossils, Waco is loaded with unique attractions. The laid-back university town is set in the heart of Texas and is quickly emerging as one of the state's top family-friendly destinations.

Things to do

The Waco Mammoth National Monument is home to an excavation site where archaeologists discovered the bones of a herd of Pleistocene mammoths that lived some 67,000 years ago. Elevated catwalks wind through the site and get you face to face with the ancient fossils.

Forget Pepsi or Coca-Cola, Waco is all about Dr Pepper. At the Dr Pepper Museum you can find out more about the iconic beverage invented by a local Waco pharmacist in 1885. It's housed in a handsome brick building and is filled with memorabilia. You can also check out the Liquid Laboratory, which explores the science of manufacturing soft drinks.

Created by reality TV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, Magnolia Market at the Silos is Waco's trendiest place to wine, dine and shop. The compound is housed in reclaimed grain silos filled with boutique homewares stores, artisan bakeries and the occasional gourmet food truck. It's part of the Silo District, a lively neighbourhood in downtown Waco.

Kids will love the Cameron Park Zoo, home to a host of exotic animals, including giraffes, elephants and white rhinos. The zoo is also laced with scenic hiking and mountain biking trails.

Getting around

Downtown Waco is easy to get around on foot. You can also jump aboard free trolleys or shuttle buses, which run throughout downtown Waco and the Silo District. Waco Regional Airport is 15 minutes from the city centre.