This past weekend, we took a quick family trip to Waco — a spontaneous getaway with my wife and our curious, giggling 2-year-old daughter. And what a day it turned out to be — filled with animals, statues, soda history, and the kind of pasta dreams are made of.
🐒 Morning Roars at Cameron Park Zoo
We started our day at Cameron Park Zoo, a hidden gem tucked into the lush green heart of Waco. As soon as we entered, our daughter’s eyes lit up. From the gentle giraffes stretching up to the treetops to the playful fish splashing in their enclosure, she was completely captivated.
It wasn’t just the real animals that caught her attention. The animal statues scattered around the zoo became her personal jungle gym. She climbed on horses, hugged bronze monkeys, and squealed with delight at every new creature — even the ones that didn’t move. As parents, there’s something magical about watching your child discover the world, one wild animal (or statue) at a time.
🌳 Evening Strolls at Cameron Park
After a quick nap break and some snacks, we headed to Cameron Park itself. The scenic overlook, winding trails, and wide-open spaces were the perfect afternoon escape. We let our daughter run around barefoot on the grass while we soaked in the golden hour light and the sound of birds chirping in the trees. The breeze, the laughter, the shared stillness — it was one of those moments you don’t rush.
🥤 A Sip of Nostalgia at the Dr Pepper Museum
No trip to Waco is complete without a visit to the Dr Pepper Museum. While our toddler didn’t quite grasp the history of one of Texas’s most iconic drinks, she definitely loved the colorful displays and the cool retro soda fountain vibe. And let’s be honest — we adults enjoyed the throwback just as much.
🍝 Dinner Dreams at Baris
To wrap up our day, we sat down for dinner at Baris, a cozy Italian spot that locals love (and now we know why). The pasta was rich and comforting, the garlic rolls were addictive, and the staff made us feel right at home even with a wiggly toddler at the table. There’s something about sharing a hearty meal after a day of walking and laughing that makes it taste even better.
It wasn’t a fancy vacation or a long drive — just a simple day trip. But it reminded us of the beauty in small adventures. In discovering new places through the eyes of our daughter. In hearing her squeals of joy echo through a zoo, a park, a museum. In ending the day around a table, tired but content, hearts full!
Kenrick Vaz 