Cabela's

Location: South,
In/Outdoor: Indoor
Activity level: Low

Features: Cabela's is a large store featuring hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear, but also offering fun displays of animals.

Cost for a family of four: Free to browse, $.50 for shooting gallery, merchandise cost varies

Best for ages: 3 and up

The Experience: Although the merchandise is primarily for grownups, there is a lot for kids to do at Cabela's and they always seem to have a good time. The store is so fun that we have actually taken out-of-town guests there to see it. There is a huge diorama in the middle of the store consisting of various animals standing on a mountain in natural poses. The animals are fascinating to look at, and can be viewed from both the lower and upper level. Some of them are in action poses, such as a bear who appears to have gotten into a bee hive and has bees all over his face. The mountain has a waterfall trickling down it and is surrounded by various other animals and a bridge at the bottom. Live trout swim in the water and a large stuffed moose rises out of the pond. There is also a large walk-through aquarium section with Texas fish, such as huge catfish, bass, and alligator gar. There are two other animal diorama sections, one with African safari animals and one with native Texas wildlife, primarily deer (if taxidermy is not your thing you may want to skip this store). There is a gun library featuring rare and collectible guns, and a shooting gallery with targets that move or perform an action when they are shot. There is a cafeteria upstairs which features exotic fare such as elk, bison, and wild boar sandwiches, as well as hamburgers and pizza for the less adventurous. There is a candy shop in the back of the upper level selling old-fashioned candy that you may not have seen since your childhood, as well as fudge. If you are actually there to shop, the prices are on the high side. However, they sell hard-to-find merchandise that you may not be able to get elsewhere.
Before you go: It may be fun to plan your visit for lunchtime so you can eat in the cafeteria. Bring a camera.

How to go cheaper: Just browse! If you are going to shop, check the web site for sales first. Also look for clearance bargains at the store. They have a Cabela's Club Visa card that you can get and earn points for your purchases toward free merchandise.

Birthday Parties: Do it yourself.

Accessibility: Coming soon.

Fun Factor: 8/10
Yum Factor: 6/10
Value Factor: 3/10

The Lowdown: A fun place to look around, whether you are into outdoor sports or not.

Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 10-7

Website: http://www.cabelas.com

Address: 15570 IH-35, Buda Map: Google Map Phone: (512) 295-1100