Thompson Park

Park Overview

Nestled in Amarillo, Texas, Thompson Park sprawls across an impressive 610 acres of recreational space. You can find this green oasis just off US 287N, with its welcoming entrance at 24th Avenue and Dumas Drive.

The park is dotted with picnic areas shaded by mature trees, creating perfect spots to spread out a blanket and enjoy some downtime. There's something truly refreshing about the calm atmosphere here - a little breath of nature in the midst of Amarillo's urban landscape.

Main Attractions

Animal lovers, rejoice! The Amarillo Zoo calls Thompson Park home, offering a wonderful opportunity to get up close with various creatures. Just keep in mind that the zoo requires its own admission fee.

What's kind of cool is that from certain spots in the park, you can actually catch glimpses of some zoo residents like foxes and camels without even stepping through the zoo gates.

Right next door sits Wonderland Amusement Park - though it operates independently with separate admission, its proximity makes for easy combined outings.

Recreational Activities

For disc golf enthusiasts (or curious newcomers), the park features an 18-hole disc golf course called The Grove. It's a great way to spend an afternoon wandering through the park with friends.

If traditional golf is more your style, the 36-hole Ross Rogers Golf Course provides plenty of space to perfect that swing or enjoy a full round.

The volleyball courts are clean and well-maintained - fantastic for impromptu games. And if you're looking to get your steps in, the paved trails within the park make for excellent walking, jogging, or running routes.

Nature and Outdoor Spaces

The park's bike trails wind through open spaces, inviting you to explore local plants and wildlife at your own pace.

Two small lakes create peaceful focal points within the park, complete with walking paths and benches where you can sit and take in the scenery. You might spot some geese and ducks paddling around, adding to the tranquil vibe.

When hunger strikes, numerous picnic areas throughout the grounds offer a wonderful setting for outdoor meals. Some spots come equipped with grills for cookouts and covered table areas providing much-appreciated shade during those hot Texas days.

Family-Friendly Features

Thompson Park truly has something for everyone. Kids will love the multiple playgrounds, including the newer pirate ship themed playground completed in 2023 along Funfest Boulevard.

Sports enthusiasts can make use of the ball parks, while hobbyists might enjoy the designated area for flying model airplanes.

Dog parents, you're in luck - the large dog park features plenty of trees and even a pond where your four-legged friends can cool off. The fenced-in space lets dogs run free safely, making it a favorite among Amarillo's pet owners.

Future Developments

Exciting plans are in the works for an inclusive playground that will welcome children of all abilities to play together in a sensory-rich environment.

This thoughtful addition will make Thompson Park even more accessible and enjoyable for all families.

Visitor Information

The park welcomes visitors daily from 5 AM to midnight, giving you plenty of time to enjoy everything it has to offer.

There's plenty of parking across the grounds, but it's best to stick to designated parking areas to help preserve the natural landscape.