25+ Outstanding Things To Do In Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth, Texas, started out as a U.S. Army post 150 years ago. Over time, it has reinvented itself into a polished city full of culture and a genuine Western heritage.

A visit to Texas is incomplete without touring Fort Worth. One visit here and you’ll understand why the city is known as, “The city where the West begins.”

Try your hand at being a cowboy, dance to some country music, and walk along with longhorns while you learn more about the old way of the Wild West. There are so many great things to do in Fort Worth, and you’re not going to want to miss a thing.

DOWNTOWN TO THE STOCKYARDS

Stockyards National Historic District

This isn’t just another stockyard — this is the one that brought fame and recognition to Fort Worth. This historic district allows you to get to know and experience the fantastic Wild, Wild West. If you want to see cattle drives, or maybe an old-fashioned gun fight, this is the place to visit.

The Fort Worth Stockyards is a National Historic District where you’ll find shopping, dining, dancing, hotels, entertainment, special events, and plenty of fun activities to keep you busy.

If you have youngsters with you, a circle through the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze or a fun ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad is always a good idea.

Admission to the Fort Worth Stockyards is free. However, different attractions charge entry fees and have specific hours of operation. A visit here is one of the absolute best things to do in Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive

When you’re visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards, you’ve got to stick around and see the Fort Worth Herd! This is the only twice-daily longhorn cattle drive in the world.

It is held on the cobblestone streets, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The cattle drive occurs daily, with the exception of inclement weather and holidays.

Texas Trail of Fame

The Texas Trail of Fame pays homage to outstanding individuals who have demonstrated greatness and made contributions to the Western lifestyle in Fort Worth and beyond.

Throughout the Fort Worth Stockyards, you will find bronze markers that have been placed to recognize their achievements.

Stockyards Championship Rodeo

Now, you can’t visit Fort Worth without making sure you see the Rodeo! The Fort Worth Stockyards Rodeo is the only year-round rodeo in the world! You can catch it every Friday and Saturday night.

The show features cowboys showing off their bull riding, tie down roping, team roping, barrel racing, bronc riding and break away roping skills. There are also calf and mutton scrambles for the kids!

Billy Bob’s Texas

Dance the night away or attend a concert at Billy Bob’s Texas, which is the world’s biggest honky-tonk.

In addition to dancing and musical acts, you’ll also find bull riding at Billy Bob’s every Friday and Saturday night. Probably aren’t many people who can say they watched a bull ride before a country music concert, but that’s exactly what you can say after a visit here.

Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame is located in the Fort Worth Stockyards, and is the perfect place to go to learn more about what being a cowboy is all about.

The hall of fame honors individuals who have, “shown excellence in competition, business and support of rodeo and western lifestyle in Texas.”

Located in the Exhibits Building, you’ll find great exhibits, a gift shop, and the Jersey Lilly Old-Tyme Photo Parlor.

Downtown Heritage Trail

Take a walk on the Downtown Heritage Trail and learn more about the history of Fort Worth. Bronze markers are positioned throughout downtown, and they offer insights into the history of the city.

Local businesses and organizations fund the markers, which celebrate the legacy of the town’s founders.

There are 22 markers in all, and you can download a map from their website, or pick up a physical map at one of four locations, including the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Sundance Square

Sundance Square was once a playground for Western outlaws like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. It is now a 35-square-block district known for shopping and leisure activities. Charming, restored buildings stand along with modern glittering skyscrapers.

Take a breather at Sundance Square Plaza under the huge umbrellas, eat on the patio, or take selfies in front of the water fountains. Move on to Sid Richardson Museum, which is free and shows excellent American West art. Investigate the glorious Fort Worth Water Gardens, which is an invigorating urban oasis near Fort Worth Convention Center.

Visit the JFK Tribute, which honors President Kennedy’s famous stay in Fort Worth. Then take a pause in Burnett Park or Hyde Park – home of the sleeping panther.

AMAZING ART GALLERIES AND CULTURAL MUSEUMS

Explore a combination of world-famous Fort Worth museums renowned for their top-notch architecture and top-quality collections.

The Fort Worth Cultural District is home to five museums and galleries in a relaxing, park-like setting that will leave you craving more.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is home to a distinguished collection of American art.  This includes works of paint, sculptures, and works on paper.

Famous artists like Frederic Church, Arthur Dove, Stuart Davis, Georgia O’Keeffe, Thomas Eakins, Winslow Homer, and John Singer Sargent have their work displayed here.

The museum is also the nation’s major depository of American photography. It holds the libraries of stars like Nell Dorr, Eliot Porter, Laura Gilpin, and Karl Struss.

Kimbell Art Museum

The Kimbell Art Museum holds a permanent collection from the third millennium B.C. up to the mid-20th century.

The collection contains major works by Fra Angelico, Bernini, Velazquez, Rembrandt, Goya, Cezanne, Monet, Picasso, Matisse, and Mondrian. It also houses Michelangelo’s first known painting.

There is also a gift shop that has exhibition merchandise. You can buy art prints and posters, children’s books, gifts,  and games.

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is found in Fort Worth’s Cultural District. It is home to one of the major collections of international contemporary art in Texas.

Prominent artists include Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Mark Rothko. These amazing works of art are displayed in a glass and concrete building surrounded by a reflecting pond.

On this reflecting pond you’ll find Café Modern for a fine dining experience, and The Modern Shop for exquisite gifts.

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

The National Cowgirl Museum is the only one in the world devoted to celebrating trailblazing women of the great American West.

It has multimedia exhibits and many historical photographs, papers, clothing, spurs, and saddles that tell the inspiring tales of extraordinary women pioneers, ranchers, performers, and rodeo stars.

Stop at the Cowgirl Shop for books, rancher’s apparel, gifts, handmade jewelry, and other souvenirs.

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is devoted to unusual learning experiences for everyone!

It has different spaces for you to explore. Find Innovation Studios, discover Noble Planetarium, see the cosmos unfold, and play at archaeology as you unearth fossils in DinoDig. You could also watch fantasies come alive in the Fort Worth Children’s Museum, and visit the Current Science Studio.

All the stops promise new experiences with the latest technologies from the world of science.

Bass Performance Hall

Bass Performance Hall is a significant symbol of Fort Worth and guarantees a perfect acoustic experience for your senses.

This concert hall is the permanent home to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the Texas Ballet Theater. It is also home to the Fort Worth Opera and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and Cliburn Concerts.

Catch a show here anytime you are in Fort Worth. Look out for musicals, comedy acts, Broadway shows, and family-friendly productions.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Trinity Trails

Fort Worth is the home to Trinity Trails, which is excellent to visit during spring and summer. Trinity Trails is in downtown Fort Worth.

The trails are perfect for cycling, walking, biking, running, and horseback riding. The trails also offer amazing views of the Trinity River and many parks along the way.

Marion Sansom Park

Sansom Park spotlights 12 miles of glorious mountain bike paradise. There are different trails of varying difficulties, so all abilities are taken care of.

The heavily wooded trails means there is ample shade. Even in hot and humid Texas, your ride will be cool. You will also enjoy great views while working up a sweat and pushing your limits.

Marine Creek 6 Mile Trail Loop

Marine Creek Lake is a “no-wake lake” that hosts fishing, swimming, kayaking, and sailing. The Marine Creek 6-Mile Trail Loop is a paved trail that takes you around this picturesque lake.

The loop is a perfect place to bike or hike, and is easily accessible from various spots.

Log Cabin Village

Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of 19th century Texas! Nestled on three acres, Log Cabin Village is a living history museum that allows you to experience the life long ago.

Log Cabin Village includes nine historic structures from the mid-1800s. There is also a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, an herb garden, a smokehouse, and more. Historical interpreters on site will give demonstrations, and answer any questions you may have.

Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge

The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (FWNC&R) is composed of forests, prairies, and wetlands. This allows you to march back in time and feel what Fort Worth was like in the early 20th century.

The FWNC&R encloses 3,621 acres and contains more than  20 miles of great hiking trails. The trails will lead you through diverse habitats, such as Fort Worth Prairie and Western Cross Timbers Savanna.

Make plans to stop by the Hardwicke Interpretive Center while you’re here too.

Panther Island Pavilion

The Panther Island Pavilion (PIP) is an outdoor event venue located on the Trinity River, and it features amazing views of the Fort Worth skyline.

Here you’ll find multiple stages for everything from concerts and festivals to running events and more. PIP is home to the only waterfront state in Texas.

In addition to their event stages, they also have a 10,000 square foot building that’s home to Panther Island Beach, where you’ll find beach and river activities daily.

PIP is a perfect outdoor event destination for the city of Fort Worth. It also caters to various watersports in the area, and you can take a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe onto the water.

MORE THAT THE KIDS WILL LOVE

Fort Worth Zoo and Safari Splash

The Fort Worth Zoo is home to over 500 species, which is always a winner with kids of all ages.

There are many indoor and outdoor displays, like World of Primates, the Asian Falls, and the amazing Raptor Canyon. See 72 species of mammals, 148 species of birds and 172 species of ectotherms.

Book a behind-the-scenes tour, visit Stingray Cove and touch stingrays and small sharks, visit the Safari Splash splashpad area, take a ride on the Yellow Rose Express Train or the Country Carousel, and so much more!

Kids will love this place, and so will their grown-ups.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Kids and adults alike will love learning about U.S. currency at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Forth Worth. Over half of the money in the United States is produced here. Visitors can enter an enclosed walkway suspended above the production floor, and see billions of dollars being printed!

Before or after your tour, make sure to see the educational film, The Buck Stops Here, and walk through the two floors of interactive exhibits showing the history and art of making currency.

You’ll also find the Moneyfactory Gift Shop here, where you can even purchase uncut currency sheets.

The Visitor Center and Museum is open Monday-Friday, and admission is free!

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is as beautiful as it is kid-friendly. This botanic garden is the oldest of its kind in Texas.

Feed the koi at the Japanese Garden, or go on a stroll amid the elegant roses in the Rose Garden. Finally, learn to cultivate food in your own backyards!

Coyote Drive-In

Fort Worth is bringing back drive-in theater experiences.

The kids will love watching the latest movies as a family at the Coyote Drive-In, while in the comfort of your own car! Bundle everyone in the car, order some food and popcorn online (it will be brought to your vehicle), and make memories together.

You can also skate at the skating rink during the winter months.

Forest Park Miniature Railroad

The Forest Park Miniature Railroad is a famous family attraction found at Fort Worth’s Trinity Park and TCU/Zoo area.

The Forest Park Miniature Railroad allows the kids a five-mile round-trip train ride around the beautiful neighborhood.

The train is open all year round, but their schedules change by season and weather.

Read More: 13 Amazing Train Rides In Texas (& Rail Museums, Too!)

Texas Motor Speedway

Lovers of racing, drifting, monster trucks, and NASCAR love Texas Motor Speedway. Children 12 and under enjoy free entry when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

The Texas Motor Speedway is a favorite of many and is one of the biggest sports arenas in the U.S. It is also home to the largest HD video screening in the world, nicknamed “Big Hoss.” You won’t miss a thing on the tracks.

If you are lucky, you can spot NASCAR and INDYCAR stars like Kevin Harvick, Scott Dixon, and other legends.

Vintage Flying Museum

The Vintage Flying Museum is located in a hangar at Meacham International Airport. You can drive — or fly — to this museum!

Kids will enjoy seeing rare and historic airplanes, a jet engine room, and other exciting exhibits.

Fort Worth FAQ

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