Belton Promises Summer Fun to Families

Originally published inThe Belton Journal prior to the availability of their digital archive

Most schools in the Central Texas area are finishing out the school year, and that means that parents are looking for ways to keep their kids busy, while older adolescents are looking for fun things to do with their friends during the coming summer months. While Belton is a small town, there are still plenty of things to do to keep everyone busy and entertained.

Just because school is out does not mean that the learning has to stop. Keep your kids reading by visiting McWha bookstore, located on East Central Avenue. This family-owned book shop offers gently used books at reasonable prices, and many locals enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. After book-browsing, head down North Main Street to the Bell County Museum of local heritage and culture. According to the museum’s website, they offer information about the Gault archaeological site and life on the Chisholm Trail, and they also state that they have various traveling exhibits that always keep things at the museum fresh and interesting.

Summer would not be the same without spending some time at the pool with family and friends, and luckily, Belton has its very own waterpark. Likely one of the most popular attractions that Belton has to offer is Summer Fun waterpark, located in Heritage Park, just off Waco Road. This family-owned park has offered fun in the sun for Belton residents for over thirty years, and they pride themselves in having a 900-foot slide, a lazy river, and several pools. This waterpark is definitely worth a trip (or two) this summer, especially because they are located right next to Frosti Cones, Belton’s own shaved ice shop that has become legendary for its variety of tasty snow cone flavors.

Early birds will enjoy eating a relaxing summer breakfast at one of Belton’s newest hotspots, Water Street Waffle Co. This trendy restaurant first opened its doors in 2019 in a historic downtown building on Water Street. Their website claims that they serve gourmet waffles made from scratch, and they are well-known around town for offering large portions of unique sweet and savory waffles, such as the Banana Nutella Waffle and the Southwestern Waffle.

Belton has no shortage of beautiful parks, one of which is Yettie Polk Park that runs alongside Nolan Creek. This park offers a picturesque hike-and-bike path lined by playgrounds and plenty of places to stop for scenic photos, and many people enjoy feeding the ducks or wading in the shallow parts of the creek. Across from the creek is a hub of entertainment, with several restaurants, including The Gin and Creekside Weigh Station Yogurt. There is often live music on the weekends, and this area is located just off the historic downtown square. After a relaxing evening stroll down Nolan Creek, treat yourself to a cup of edible cookie dough at Dough Re Mi, Belton’s newest dessert shop, located off Main Street.

Even though Belton is not huge, it is full of rich culture and small-town charm. There is truly no shortage of fun activities to do, yummy food to eat, and exciting adventures to be had this summer if you know where to look.