College Statin, TX has a special place in my heart. I was born and raised in BCS. That’s Bryan, College Station for you non, BCS’ers. I’m not going to say it’s the most exciting city in the world, but it’s my home town, and I love it. It’s also were Andy and I met. Have you ever heard of Texas A&M? Yep, that’s what I always say when someone asks me where I’m from. Here are 13 fun, free things to do in College Station.
Just to be clear, I did not attend Texas A&M University, although Andy did! I was a crazy rebel, and threw in my maroon for burnt orange at the University of Texas in Austin. Although, Austin is about 2 hours from College Station, so if you want to take a fun day trip, there are tons of free things to do in Austin.
Things to do on Texas A&M Campus
The first 5 things on this list are on the 5,200 acre campus! Although the campus is huge, you can walk to these 5 locations. If you want to see all that Texas A&M has to offer, I recommend taking a guided walking tour. Also, check out Aggie terminology before you hang out on campus and are confused when you hear your 11th “Howdy!” of the day!
Another fun tid bit about A&M, especially for blog junkies, is the Pioneer Woman’s daughter, Alex, just announced that she will be attending Texas A&M this fall! You can read about there Texas A&M University visit here.
1. Century Tree
Lots of superstitions surrounding this awesome tree. Read more about the traditions and superstitions of the Century Tree here.
2. Kyle Field
The Kyle Field you see in the picture below was recently demolished and Texas A&M is spending 485 million dollars to make this sucker amazing! If you like football at all, try and make it to a game. The picture below is from a photo shoot I did with my brother, Jason when he graduated from A&M.
For $12 a ticket you can a 60 minute guided tour of the facility complete with field access. Kids 3 and under are free. More information on that here.
3. Reveille Gravesite
If you are a dog lover and/ or a die hard Aggie fan, you don’t want to miss this Aggie tradition. Reveille is Texas A&M’s mascot and is known as the First Lady of Aggieland. Miss Rev. is the highest-ranking member in the Corps of Cadets. The past Reveille’s are buried at the North End of Kyle Field under the scoreboard so they always know the status of the big game. Read more about the current Reveille IX here and follow Miss Rev on Twitter!
4. Ring Sculpture
Aggie rings are a big deal! It’s kind of fun because people recognize them all over the world. I was always amazed when someone in China (we lived there) would ask Andy what year he graduated just because she noticed the ring. This giant ring lives in front of the Alumni Center on campus where students go to pick up their rings.
5. Bonfire Memorial
Read more about the 1999 tragedy and the meaning behind the memorial here.
6. George Bush Presidential Library
This library has a lot to offer including photo ops in a replica of the Oval Office! Admission is free for:
- Kids under 5
- Active military and immediate family
- TAMU and Blinn Students (with valid id)
- Members of other NARA Presidential Libraries
7. Rose Emporium
The Rose Emporium is about 30 minutes away in Brenham, TX. My mom and I love it in the spring. It’s where we first saw a bottle tree. Obviously, you can buy all different kinds of roses here, but they also have fun garden art and lots of good photo ops. Admission is always free.
8. Downtown Bryan
Bryan is the College Stations sister city. The downtown Bryan area has some fun antique stores, a design center, cute restaurants, and my favorite little shop, Old Bryan Market Place. If you’re in College Station, take the 10 minute drive and check it out.
9. Children’s Museum of College Station
There is an HEB shopping exhibit is a big hit with my little ones. There is also a construction zone and library just for kids. The museum is closed on Sunday and Monday.Kids under one are free, $7 for adults, and $6 for kids. Check the calendar because the museum offers a free Sunday once a month!
10. Bottle Cap Alley
It’s a little alley on North gate (across from Texas A&M) with tons of bottle caps. Can you spy Jason’s Aggie ring?
11. Wold Pen Creek Amphitheater
12. G. Hysmith Skate Park
So there’s nothing to look at or see in BCS. Good to know! I think I’ll head back to Austin.