Fort Worth is a well-known city in Texas that is known for its rich history. It is a reminder of life on the frontier, back when cattle and cowboys were the main focus of the whole US.
In this day and age, Fort Worth still holds on to those memories and moments, but it has evolved into a really entertaining city where there are lots of fun and exciting things to do.
There is no shortage of ways you can entertain yourself when you end up in Fort Worth.
If you are planning on going to Fort Worth soon and you don’t know what to check out when you get there, then you have definitely come to the right place!
We’re going to be taking a look at some of the best things to do when you’re in Fort Worth, so you can spend more time having fun, and less time stressing about what to do!
There’s something for everyone on this list, so you can keep your trip inclusive and fun for everyone involved. Read on to find out more about the best things to do when you’re in Fort Worth, Texas!
32 Of The Best Things To Do When You’re In Fort Worth, Texas
From zoos and museums, all the way to botanical gardens and live music, there really is no shortage of ways that you can enjoy your time in Fort Worth. It is a very well-preserved city and the locals take pride in that!
You can be certain that when you find yourself in Fort Worth, you will never be bored!
Everything the city has to offer is fun and exciting and there is something for everyone, so even if you have a large group to cater to, everyone will be happy with their experience by the time you leave.
If you’re in the mood for adventure and an authentic American experience, then Fort Worth is definitely the place you need to be.
Kicking off this list, we have the delightful and relaxing Fort Worth Botanic Garden. This is actually the oldest garden in all of Texas, and it was founded in 1934. You can find it on Botanic Garden Boulevard.
This is a fantastic place to go if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours and it’s great for anyone who loves nature.
There are over 2,500 different flora species for you to have a look at and they are all spread over 21 different themed gardens, so there is plenty of variety to keep you preoccupied for hours.
One of the most popular themed gardens is the Japanese Garden, which is home to koi ponds, a zen garden, Japanese maples, and even waterfalls! There’s also a tea house located in the Japanese Garden, so don’t forget to stop there while you’re exploring.
If you like to drink and travel around in quirky ways, then the Cowtown Cycle Party is definitely somewhere you need to visit!
It’s basically a huge bar on wheels that can only seat a maximum of 16 people, and the bar will take you around Fort Worth so you can see more of it.
Overall, the tour takes about 2 hours, but the route isn’t set, so it does vary from time to time.
This is a great activity to take part in if you have a large group to cater to and you want to do something different. How many people do you know who have been to a moving bar that takes you on tours of the city?
As you progress through the tour, you will be given tidbits of information about Fort Worth and the many locations you pass. You’ll learn about the architecture and museums, and you’ll even get to know some bars and restaurants that you can visit later.
If live performances are more your thing, then the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall will definitely be a highlight for you. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest and best theatres in all of Texas.
The performance hall holds performances of all kinds, so regardless of what you’re into, you’ll definitely find something that interests you.
Some of the best examples of past performances here include the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Fort Worth Opera, the Texas Ballet Theater, and the Cliburn.
The building itself is just as impressive as the acts it hosts. It has an 80-foot dome, 45-foot sculpted angels, and lots of beautiful art that are dotted all around the interior.
There are lots of museums located in Fort Worth, but the first one we’re going to introduce to you is the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
As the name would suggest, this museum is absolutely full of modern art, and the pieces inside come from World War II all the way to modern times.
There are over 3,000 different display items located inside, so this isn’t going to be one of those museums you clear very quickly. You’ll want to give yourself time to digest everything you see, making it the perfect day out for modern art lovers.
You will learn about and see lots of different modern art pieces that are focused on genres and movements such as Minimalism, Post-Minimalism, Conceptualism, Abstract Expressionism, New Image, and more!
Here’s another art museum that you can find in Fort Worth. This museum focuses on art that is strictly American and the pieces and exhibits are all art from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
This is one of the best museums in all of Fort Worth, and it will really give you a feel for the surrounding areas and what historical America was like. There are plenty of publications, exhibitions, programs, and activities for you to enjoy inside.
There are over 150,000 pieces and items inside that are all dedicated to American art, culture, and history, and you can easily spend the entire day here without getting bored!
If you are going to the downtown area of Fort Worth, then you have to check out Sundance Square! It is quite simply the pride and joy of Fort Worth and there are lots of things to see and do nearby.
There are 35 blocks for you to explore that makeup Sundance Square and you’re sure to find something that takes your interest. Some of the things you can find here include art galleries, museums, shopping options, restaurants, and movie houses.
If you go to Sundance Square on the right dates you will be able to join festivals and events that you would otherwise miss, and these events are always a great time!
The Kimbell Art Museum is a bit different from some of the other museums on this list, so if you want something more intimate and quirky, this is definitely a location for you to visit.
The building itself was designed by Louis I. Khan and it is known for its eye-catching design. Inside there are about 350 pieces of art for you to view and soak in. The art inside is mainly of European origin.
Some notable artists that are housed inside include Henri Matisse, Andrea Mantegna, Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondrian, Thomas Gainsborough, Claude Monet, and Fra Angelico.
There’s even a library housed inside that is filled with almost 60,000 resources for art students, enthusiasts, and historians.
You can find the Sid Richardson Museum on Sundance Square, so if you didn’t know where to check out first, this is a great place to start.
All of the art inside this museum were compiled by Sid Richardson himself between the years 1942 and 1959. The museum was opened with the goal of educating and inspiring people all over the world.
The art inside is very American-focused, but it isn’t exclusively related to Texas. Instead, it houses pieces from all over the American West.
There are lots of incredible pieces located inside from notable artists such as Frederic Remington, Peter Hurd, Peter Moran, Charles M. Russell, Edwin W. Deming, and Frank Tenney.
What makes this museum even better is that admission is totally free, so if you’re trying to save a bit of cash but you still want to keep yourself busy and entertained for a few hours, you definitely can when you visit the Sid Richardson Museum.
The Fort Worth Zoo has been around since 1909 and when it was first founded, it only had a couple of animals for people to go and see.
In this day and age, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the whole city, and there are a lot more animals for you to see.
Fort Worth Zoo is so popular now that it is actually considered to be quite famous across all of Texas and beyond!
In stark contrast to its humble beginnings, there are now over 7,000 animals housed in Fort Worth Zoo. There are native animals and exotic ones, so you will have plenty to see when you visit for yourself.
It’s really easy to get navigate around the zoo and the facility aims to both entertain and educate anyone who enters. This is a great place to go if you have kids to keep preoccupied, but also want to have some fun for yourself!
This is a great place to visit if you want to get a feel for what Texas and the Old West were really like. The Stockyards National Historic District also goes by the nickname of Cowtown.
Back in the late 1800s, this whole area was used to herd cattle. Millions of cattle were traded to Fort Worth in the later part of the 1800s, and this area was the perfect location to have the cattle sold and grazed.
Eventually, the stockyard was created by Greenlief W. Simpson and the city never forgot what this place used to be.
In modern times, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire city. It’s the perfect place to go if you want an authentic Wild West experience, and you will feel fully immersed in the history of this location when you visit.
If you want more nature and a sense of relaxation, then the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge is the perfect place for you to explore. It’s one of the most beautiful locations in all of Fort Worth, and there are over 3,000 acres for you to see.
There is lots of diversity in the landscape as well, being a mixture of marshes, forests, wetlands, and prairies, so you’ll never get bored of your surroundings.
There is lots of wildlife all around the refuge as well, some of the most popular include deer, buffalo, alligators, and many colorful birds!
This is a great place to visit if you’re in the mood for a hike, but you can’t go too far from the city. It’s incredibly relaxing and the perfect day out. It’s especially great for larger groups or families because it is suitable for all ages.
Located in the Stockyard, Bill Bob’s Texas is perfect for anyone who really wants to indulge in their cowboy fantasy.
There is so much do to at Billy Bob’s Texas, including thirty bar stations to grab a drink from, a pool hall, a dance floor that offers free lessons, and indoor bull riding events.
Billy Bob’s Texas is also home to the World’s Largest Honky Tonk, and that alone is worth going to see. There is even a Wall of Fame which is jampacked with famous molded handprints, which really shows you how much of a big deal this place is.
If you’re looking for somewhere to watch live shows, then Billy Bob’s Texas offers live shows every single night, so you’re sure to find one that will keep you entertained.
There are also over 20 acres of parking space at this location, so you won’t have to worry about finding somewhere to park when you visit.
This is the perfect location to visit if you want an authentic Texan experience!
Speaking of an authentic Texan experience, you can’t really visit Fort Worth without going to a rodeo!
There are so many places you can go to see an authentic rodeo in Forth Worth, but if you don’t know where to start, check out the Stockyards Championship Rodeo, which is held every Friday and Saturday night in the Stockyards.
Along with classic rodeos, you will also be able to watch bronco riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.
All the competitions are incredibly authentic and taken very seriously by the audience and the judges, so you are sure to get fully immersed if you go.
All of the events and rodeos are extremely high energy as well, and that goes for the audience, the contestants, and the announcers!
If you’re looking for an authentic Texan experience that is full of energy, then you really need to check out all the rodeos this city has to offer!
Here’s another great spot for anyone who needs a bit of nature and some time away from the busy city. The beauty of Trinity Park is that is super easy to get to and it stretches over 252 acres along the Trinity River.
The park has loads of trails for you to explore, smaller parks within the main park, and it has enough playgrounds to keep your kids entertained for hours.
There are plenty of attractions located all over the park as well, some of which include water fountains, picnic pavilions, fishing spots, bike rentals, sports courts, and even a miniature railroad!
Trinity Park is a location you absolutely need to visit if you are spending some time in Fort Worth.
It’s still very much a part of the actual city, but because it is so large, it really helps you to unwind and relax. It’s especially great if you are in Fort Worth on a beautiful, sunny day because you can quite literally spend hours here!
If you are a fan of both science and history, then you are going to love this museum. It has been open to the public since 1945 and it is filled with lots of fun and exciting things that will entertain people of all ages.
There are lots of exciting exhibits, projects, and events all over this museum and there are plenty of things for kids to enjoy too.
There are lots of areas dedicated to biology, geology, and zoology which aim to keep children interested and engaged in a fun way.
This museum isn’t just catered to entertaining children though, so regardless of your age, you will definitely find lots of things that will keep you occupied too!
Some of the most popular exhibits include CattleRaiser’s Museum, ExploraZone, DinoLabs and DinoDig, Energy Blast, KIDSPACe, and Innovation Studios.
It is a living history museum that is made up of six log cabins that have been fully restored to look just like they did in the 1800s.
History buffs of all kinds will love this experience because you won’t find anything like it anywhere else. It really immerses you in the time period and gives you a sense of how people lived during that time.
There are lots of structures to explore in the Log Cabin Village, some of which include a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, a gristmill powered by water, and log homes with a herb garden.
If you love old-school trains and you want to experience the scenic side of Fort Worth, then you will absolutely love the Forest park Miniature Railroad.
This adorable steam train will take you on a tour of some of the most beautiful locations in Fort Worth, including some of the lesser-known ones that deserve a lot more attention.
The whole ride on the train lasts about 40 minutes, so it’s a great activity to include in your day if you have the time. Even if you don’t have the time, it’s definitely worth freeing up some for it!
If you take a ride on the train you will get to see lots of hidden gems of the city, including parts of the Zoo you wouldn’t usually be able to see.
This museum is incredibly unique and you’re very unlikely to find anything like it anywhere else. As the name would suggest, this museum is dedicated to famous cowgirls and women who have shaped the west throughout history.
The museum was originally founded in 1975 by a group of women in Hereford, and it was originally called the “National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Western Historical Society”.
When you enter this museum, you will learn about lots of fantastic women whose experiences and contributions helped to shape the American West.
Some of the famous women celebrated inside include Annie Oakley, Kay Whittaker, Sandra Day O’Connor, Sacagawea, Mary Jane Colter, and Liz Cheney.
This is a great place to visit if you want to learn about the history of the American West but you want to do so in a bit of a different way.
You cant visit Fort Worth without experiencing the Texas Motor Speedway firsthand! This is one of the most famous attractions in all of Fort Worth and Texas, and people from all over the country gather to experience it for themselves.
The Motor Speedway is actually home to AA Texas 500 and the Duck Commander 500, two NASCAR Spring Cup races. So that should show you just how big of a deal this place is!
If you love to watch fast cars and you love anything that gets your adrenaline pumping, then you are going to have the best time watching races at the Texas Motor Speedway!
The C. R. Smith Museum first opened in 1993 and it showcases lots of exhibits and items that are related to aviation. If it has anything to do with flying, you’re likely to find it here!
The whole collection is permanent, so even if you can’t visit straight away, you don’t have to worry about missing anything because it’s not going anywhere!
In the center of the whole building, you will find a beautifully restored Flagship Knoxville, which is a 1940 Douglas DC-3.
There are also rotating exhibits, a History Wall, a Flightlab, and there’s even a theatre that plays the documentary An American Journey. This museum is an absolute must for aviation enthusiasts!
Another unique attraction, Man With A Briefcase is a 50ft tall piece of Modern Art that was created by Jonathan Borofsky. It weighs an impressive 24,000 pounds and it is completely aluminum-plated.
It is a very quirky sculpture that depicts the outline of a man with a briefcase (hence the name) and it is meant to represent the world of business and the culture associated with it.
Everyone in America has at least heard of Lee Harvey Oswald. Being the lead suspect in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, it’s hard to not be remembered by everyone all over the country.
Before he was charged with the murder, he ended up being shot dead by Jack Ruby, and then he was buried in Shannon Rose Hill Burial Park in Fort Worth, Texas. His grave is still there, and it’s accessible to the public.
Regardless of how you personally feel about Lee Harvey Oswald, visiting his grave is definitely an interesting experience, so if you find yourself in Fort Worth, go have a look.
Originally a small shop, the Leonard Brothers managed to transform their business into a huge department store. The site takes up six blocks and it is now a museum dedicated to the business.
The department store played a huge part in the history of the whole city, and the museum is there to honor the part it played.
It now shows you all of the things you would have found inside during its heyday and how they played a part in shaping the city.
This is a great museum to visit if you want a better feel for what shopping was like in Fort Worth during the early 1900s. It’s quirky and unique, and very entertaining.
If you head to the Stockyard’s museum, you will be able to check out the Palace Light Bulb, which has been for over 111 years!
Throughout numerous demolishing and refurbishments, people like Barry Burke and George Dato kept the light bulb burning and that tradition has been kept up in the modern day.
This dedication has earned the Palace Light Bulb the title of the second longest-burning light bulb in the whole world!
Comedy lovers everywhere will enjoy the Four Day Weekend, which is the longest-running entertainment show in the entire Southwest!
You will find it on Houston Street, Sundance Square, and every Friday and Saturday night you can go and experience it for yourself. This show has won many awards, which are rightfully deserved.
The shows last about an hour and 45 minutes, so it’s perfect if you just want to get out in the evening and have a good laugh.
Here’s another aviation museum that you will love! You will find it in the Meacham International Airport and it is full of very impressive planes and aircraft for you to enjoy.
Some of the most well-known and popular crafts you can see here include the B-29 Superfortress, Boeing PT-17 Kaydet, Piasecki CH-21B Workhorse, Stinson Reliant Model 77, and Douglas A-26B Invader.
The Water Gardens in Fort Worth are an absolute sight to behold and they will certainly take your breath away! The gardens look like something out of a futuristic science fiction movie and when you see them in person, you will understand just how impressive they are.
Along with the main Active Pool in the center of the gardens, there is also a meditation pool that is bordered by trees and beautiful waterfalls.
This is one of the most interesting and unique locations in all of Fort Worth, so it’s definitely in your best interest to check it out if you are in town.
If you’re in the mood to catch a movie, but want something a bit different, then you need to get yourself down to the Coyote Drive-In Theater.
There are four different screens for you to choose from, each playing something different, and you get the entire city as a backdrop, which really adds to the ambiance of the experience.
There are also plenty of see food trucks, concession stands, and live music for you to have a look at too!
Antique hunters will absolutely love this location because it is full of old-school furnishings that range in style from rustic to western, and even lodge styles.
The beauty of Cross-Eyed Moose Antique is that there is so much to look at and you’re sure to find something new and interesting every time you visit. If you look hard enough, you’re sure to find lots of rare collectibles as well!
If you’re a fan of football and you find yourself in Fort Worth, then you definitely need to check out the Amon G. Carter Stadium.
This is where the home team of Texas Christian University plays and there are regular games you can check out if you’re in town.
Home to the TCU Horned Frogs, the locals call this stadium “The Carter” or “Hell’s Half Acre”. Football fans of all kinds will love the atmosphere here.
Conclusion
There is so much to do in Fort Worth, and this list really proves it! If you find yourself in Fort Worth, Texas, have a look at some of these incredible places and experience all they have to offer!
Hi, my name is Alex Kallen and I love to travel. Ever since I could afford the ticket, I hopped on a plane and never looked back. I’ve made a living writing travel guides and blogging my experience all over the world.
I want to encourage and inspire others to travel around the US like I am. There’s no need to go on vacation overseas when there is an amazing land of opportunity right on your doorstep. Enjoy my website, I hope to see you out here one day.
