The Real Babysitters of Lubbock: Where Our Childhood Happened

Our parents tried their best, but let’s be honest — half of us were raised by Lubbock itself. The city babysat us, entertained us, and taught us how to stretch a $5 bill into a full night of fun. From mall food courts to Sonic parking lots, these are the things that shaped who we are — for better or for worse.

The South Plains Mall

We spent entire weekends there with no money, just vibes. You’d hit Hot Topic for your personality, Spencer’s for your rebellion, and Chick-fil-A for your emotional support nuggets. If you got dropped off at the mall at noon and picked up at 9 p.m., congratulations — that was your daycare.

visitlubbock.orgJoyland Amusement Park

It taught us three important lessons: long lines build character, funnel cakes heal emotional wounds, and never trust the tilt-a-whirl after a corn dog. Joyland was where friendships, crushes, and stomachaches were born — all in the same day. Ask me about the time I tossed my cookies on the Octopus ride. Ah, memories.

Justin Massoud94.5 KFMX

Every Lubbock kid’s unofficial life soundtrack. The RockShow woke us up, the music got us through heartbreak, and the DJs somehow knew what we were doing even when our parents didn’t. FMX didn’t just play music — it helped raise a generation of weird, loud, wonderful West Texans, and it never stopped. Don’t forget to tune it. It’ll make your kids WAY cooler.

Wes NessmanGas Stations

When your parents weren’t looking, this is where you learned about independence — and questionable nutrition. You could survive off Hot Cheetos, chimis, and a Dr Pepper for days. Bonus points if you bought scratch-offs for your mom “because she said so.”

Google Street ViewScience Spectrum Field Trips

We lost ourselves in the giant bubble exhibit, and I’m not going to lie, it’s just as awesome today. The Science Spectrum made learning feel fun, even when all you really wanted was to buy slime and dehydrated astronaut ice cream bars.

Read More: The Truth About Growing Up In Lubbock, Texas

Google Street ViewEmpty Parking Lots

Our first classrooms for driving, flirting, and figuring life out. Every teenager in Lubbock learned to parallel park next to a Walmart cart return. And if you didn’t do donuts behind a church at least once, were you even raised here?

Photo by Chris Mok || @cr.mok on UnsplashWest Texas Sunsets

Our unofficial curfew. When that orange-pink sky hit, we knew it was time to head home (or at least pretend we were on our way). The sunsets raised us gently — with just enough drama to make us appreciate beauty before the dust kicked back up.

Chrissy Covington

Lubbock isn’t just where we grew up — it’s how we grew up. This city taught us patience, humor, resilience, and the fine art of making our own fun. Our parents gave us roots, but Lubbock gave us personality, and most certainly, a little sass.

Keep scrolling for more Lubbock nostalgia in the galleries below…

What Your Go-To Golden Corral Food Says About YouThe news was slow this week. Enjoy… Gallery Credit: Chrissy Photo by Eiliv Aceron on UnsplashChocolate FountainIf you head straight for the chocolate fountain, you’re a YOLO kinda person. You’ve also accepted that you will be leaving sticky. GoldenCorral.comFried ChickenYou’re a traditionalist. But, I’m sorry, you’re also likely a double-dipper at tailgate parties. Not cool. GoldenCorral.comSalad BarYou’re lying to yourself, buddy. But optimism is important. That iceberg lettuce just tricks you into thinking you’re being healthy before the real meal starts. We’ll see you over there at the mac and cheese directly afterward. You’re not fooling anyone… Goldencorral.comSteakYou think you’re sophisticated, but…well…this is Golden Corral. I’m not saying theirs anything wrong with getting steak at a buffet…but…yeah…chill out, fancy pants. You didn’t need to wear a bowtie. Goldencorral.comBaked PotatoSteady. Practical. You call it a “tater” with no shame. You also secretly judge people for the chaos on their plate while you behold your simple and glorious potato, dressed in only cheese, butter, and sour cream. GoldenCorral.comBanana PuddingYou miss your grandparents. They always let you eat dessert first. You also consider banana pudding to be healthy because it’s got FRUIT in it… GoldenCorral.comMeatloafYou either just lost a bet, or you’re somebody’s adorable paw paw. GoldenCorral.comPizzaMoney is no option for you. You’re at a buffet where you could fill up on all kinds of meat and seafood, and yet, you’re choosing the cheapest thing on the menu: frozen pizza. (It friggin’ slaps though. I’m not going to lie.) GoldenCorral.comFishYou’re a trusting person if you go for fish at a buffet this far from the ocean. What a sweet darlin’! Top 10 Best (and Worst) Places to Hide During a HaboobI’m usually so glued to Netflix, I don’t even realize when one rolls through town… Gallery Credit: Chrissy Photo by Alvin Memisevic on UnsplashYour Grandma’s Living RoomThe unofficial shelter of West Texas: Granny’s living room. There’s plastic on most of the furniture, cornbread in the oven, and enough sweet tea to get you through whatever kind of storm is going on out there. Plus, she just refilled the candy bowl with your favorite! Google MapsThe Texas Tech LibraryIt’s quiet, fortified, and you’re already used to the dusty smell if you spend any time in there at all. Bonus points if you find a comfy chair! You can pretend to be all scholarly while you watch the sky outside turn into The Mummy reboot. Classic. Google MapsMarket Street on 98th and Quaker (The BEST ONE)Gold standard, folks. They’ve got snacks, AC, Wi-Fi, and there will be at least 47 accidental reunions with old friends from high school while you’re there. If you’ve got to wait out Armageddon, it might as well be with your 10th-grade crush in the bread aisle. Google MapsThe Whataburger Drive-ThruThe visibility is terrible, but most of us have been caught at one of these during a dirt storm. Think about it. You’ve done it. Few things are as delicious as a BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich with a side of spicy ketchup in the parking lot while you watch the world outside turn to Mars. Google MapsThe Brewery LBKWhen life gives you dust, grab a beer. It’s just part of West Texas survival. Craft beer while a dirt cloud blots out the sun? Perfect. Google MapsThe Buddy Holly Hall LobbyYou’re not supposed to be in there anyway, so what’s the difference?
They don’t even have a show going on tonight.
I mean…how did you even get in there?… Google MapsPraire Dog TownRookie mistake. It’s dirty as heck over there, and the prairie dogs are NOT, I REPEAT, NOT, looking for new roomies. You’ll come out dirtier than you went in…trust me.