10 Places to Visit in Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth, TX is one of the last cities in the USA that is able to prominently highlight history of the American West while providing plenty of modern amenities. From reenactments of life on the frontier to activities showcasing the cattle trade, cowboys (and cowgirls), art and everything in between.
Like many modern historical cities, Fort Worth offers a lot of different types of fun destinations for residents and tourists alike.
When deciding on what places to visit in Fort Worth, here are our top 10 picks of the best things to do in Fort Worth, Texas. Make sure you add these to your bucket list for Texas.
Top 10 Things to Do in Fort Worth, TX
1. Fort Worth Water Gardens
Looking for cool things to do in this Texas City? It doesn’t get much more interesting than the Fort Worth Water Gardens, which date back to 1974!
Designed by Philip Johnson, the Water Gardens span four acres and are made up of multiple pools with odd, unique, and futuristic patterns and pool shapes.
The heart of the Water Gardens is the sci-fi-esque Active Pool in the center, which involves water pouring into a vortex-type pool – thousands of gallons of it! – down a 38-foot wall of platforms and steps.
There is also the meditation pool with a tree border and waterfalls pouring serenely down the wall sides and an aeration pool where 871 gallons of water are sprayed through 40 nozzles every minute.
Exploring and checking out all the different pools is certainly among the most unique things to do in downtown Fort Worth.
BEST FOR: Ages 0-200
PRICE: FREE
HOURS: 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week
ADDRESS: 1502 Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76102, United States
WEBSITE: https://www.fortworth.com/things-to-do/attractions/fort-worth-water-gardens/
2. Fort Worth Stock Yards
The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is more than just an old, (often) dusty, relic of the frontier. The stockyards were the epicenter of Fort Worth and the reason for the city’s nickname, Cowtown.
Fort Worth Stock Yards
The Stockyards in Fort Worth are on the National Register of Historic Places. The Fort Worth Stockyards are a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. The stockyards in Fort Worth are home to the only twice daily cattle drive in the world.
Before the cattle drive commences, the streets are cleared of cars and pedestrians. After which an announcer gets onto a speaker and shares a little bit of the history of the stockyards.
From the years 1866 to 1890, millions upon millions of cattle were traded in Fort Worth, due in large part to its position as the final major settlement along the path of the Chisholm Trail. There were more cattle in Texas during this time than any other place in America. Men and boys, as young as 9 years old, drove cattle throughout the country, often for three or four months at a time.
With the atmosphere of the Wild West and modern sources of interest, it’s a great place to head to while you’re in town.
It covers 98 acres and retains many attractions related to the cattle industry.
TIP: For the best view of the cattle drive, be sure to stand on the edge of the curb. Just be careful to steer clear of those longhorns, get it? Steer clear?
BEST FOR: All ages (0-200)
PRICE: Varies – Cattle Drive is free
HOURS: Varies – Cattle Drive runs twice daily at 11 AM and 4 PM.
ADDRESS: 2501 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164, United States
WEBSITE: https://www.fortworthstockyards.org/
3. Fort Worth Zoo
At over 100 years old, Fort Worth Zoo opened in 1909 with just a few animals and is the oldest zoo in Texas.
This zoo has plenty of shade and easy-to-navigate pathways, it is a great place to visit for the whole family. Other zoo attractions include the Yellow Rose Express Train, the Country Carousel, a 40-foot iguana statue.
Fort Worth Zoo currently houses over 7000 animals, with new and updated exhibits expected to open in the next few years. Presently, there are 16 permanent exhibits with themed habitats to replicate the animals natural habitat.
Texas Wild! is the most popular part of the Fort Worth Zoo. This area spans about eight acres and contains the children’s petting zoo and play area. There are seven exhibits within Texas Wild! featuring a different habitat with common animals and plants within Texas.
While you are at the Fort Worth Zoo, be sure to check out the Meerkat Mounds, Raptor Canyon, Parrot Paradise, World of Primates, the Great Barrier Reef (where you can pay an additional fee to touch and feed the stingrays), and the Museum of Living Art.
The Zoo in Fort Worth is also home to all four Great Ape species, a fantastic flamingo breeding colony, featuring several different types of flamingos, 68 endangered animals, and two rhino species. Penguins, African lions, hippos, elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs are also some of the Fort Worth Zoo favorites. They also sell lettuce so that everyone can feed the giraffes!
BEST FOR: All Ages (0-200)
PRICE:
HOURS:
ADDRESS: 1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76110, United States
WEBSITE: https://www.fortworthzoo.org/
4. Fort Worth Botanic Garden
You can’t go wrong with the Fort Worth Botanic Garden on Botanic Garden Boulevard. First opening in 1934, it is the oldest public garden in Texas.
The garden has 21 themed gardens and is home to more than 2,500 different flora species. The Japanese Garden is seven acres and features a Zen garden, three separate koi ponds, beautiful bridges and waterfalls, Japanese maple trees, pagodas, and even a Japanese teahouse.
Another favorite garden in Fort Worth is Rock Springs. This garden has many ponds, herbs, and even a little waterfall. While the Oval Rose Garden features hundreds of, you guessed it, beautiful roses.
While visiting the Botanic Garden, be sure to visit the 10,000 square foot conservatory. It is the spot to view tropical flower species, like bromeliads and orchids.
If you are looking for more of an educational feel, be sure to check out the Back Yard Vegetable Garden which grows several different kinds of vegetables while hosting various educational programs.
There is even a specially designed Fragrance Garden to enrich your sense of smell, too!
If you find yourself hungry during your visit, you are welcome to bring your own food to enjoy at one of the numerous picnic locations or visit the restaurant within the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
BEST FOR: All Ages (0-200)
PRICE: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+) and $6 for children (ages 6-15). FREE for children ages 0-5. However, there are free days and discounts – so be sure to visit the website for more information
HOURS: 7 days a week, 8 AM to 6 PM
ADDRESS: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States
WEBSITE: https://fwbg.org/
Will you be staying at a nearby RV park during your visit to Fort Worth, TX? If so, check out our post on the 13 Essential Items for RV.
5. Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge
The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge is one of the most beautiful Fort Worth attractions for sightseeing and is one of America’s largest nature centers that is city-owned!
The preserve features 3,000 acres of protected wilderness, 25 miles of hiking trails, and many different biomes so you are able to learn much about Texas’ landscape and nature. In the Fort Worth Refuge, you’ll have the chance to walk through marshes, forests, wetlands, and prairies.
During your hike, you may be able to catch a glimpse of animals like deer, buffalo, alligators, and one of the many different species of birds that call Fort Worth home.
The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge offers many educational programs great for all ages, including evening walks and guided hikes. The Canyon Ridge Trail is known for it’s view of a breathtaking lake.
BEST FOR: Dogs and Humans (Ages 0-200)
PRICE: $6 Adults (13-64), $2 Children (3-12, under 3 FREE), $3 Seniors (65+), $1 Dogs
HOURS (Refuge): September-April, 8 AM – 5 PM
May-August, 7AM. – 5 PM
(no entry after 4 PM)
ADDRESS: 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76135, United States
WEBSITE: https://www.fwnaturecenter.org/
6. Sundance Square
Sundance Square is known to be the pride and joy of downtown Fort Worth, Texas. It spans over 35 blocks with 40 different buildings. It is the best of both the old and new worlds. You will find art galleries, museums, many shopping and eating establishments, even movie houses.
One Block on Sundance Square
Before you visit, be sure to check out the Sundance Square website, to see what festival or events are being held in Fort Worth, TX.
BEST FOR: Varies depending on the store or shop you would like to visit
PRICE: All ages
HOURS: Varies depending on the store or shop you would like to visit
ADDRESS: 420 Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76102, United States
WEBSITE: https://sundancesquare.com/
7. Trinity Park
After visiting Sundance Square, you may be looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of Fort Worth, Texas. If so, head on over to Trinity Park! Opening in 1892, it is one the oldest parks in Texas.
This park is HUGE as it stretches out over 252 acres and runs along the Trinity River. If you’re lucky, you might even arrive during a fun run or community event! With multiple trails, smaller parks within it, and playgrounds, it’s got a little something for everyone.
Inside Trinity Park you will find a duck pond, a miniature railroad, spots for fishing, water fountains, picnic pavilions, courts for sports, and even a spot to rent bikes! If you find yourself in Fort Worth looking for somewhere to unwind, Trinity Park is a fantastic option!
BEST FOR: Dogs and Humans of All Ages (0-200)
PRICE: FREE
HOURS: 7 days a week, 5 AM to 11:30 PM
ADDRESS: 1700 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76110, United States
WEBSITE: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/parks/parks-and-trails/trinity-park
8. SeaQuest Fort Worth
Seaquest is one of the greatest Aquariums in Texas. Featuring animals from five different continents that you are encouraged to touch, feed, and interact all contained within 20,000 square feet. You are able to go on an adventure through rainforests, deserts and the depths of the seas. Offering numerous exhibits and activities, you can get wet with stingrays, feed toucans, take selfies with snakes, view sharks, and even spot some caimans.
BEST FOR: All Ages (0-200)
PRICE: $20 Adults (12-54), $14 Children (11 and under), and $15 Seniors (55+), Military, and Students. There is a 25% discount off of these prices if you purchase tickets online.
HOURS: Most Days from 11 AM to 7 PM
ADDRESS: 1974 Green Oaks Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76116, United States
WEBSITE: https://fortworth.visitseaquest.com/
9. Log Cabin Village in Fort Worth, TX
Looking for a glimpse into the life of Texas in the nineteenth century? There is none better than a visit to the living history museum of Log Cabin Village in Fort Worth, TX.
This destination was created after the Tarrant County Historical Society and the Pioneer Heritage Committee discovered that similar log cabins were disappearing throughout Texas.
Log Cabin Village is made up of six beautifully restored log cabins dating back to the mid-1800s. You will find a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, a gristmill powered by water, and even log homes with an herb garden. Each cabin is authentically furnished in different ways with genuine artifacts showcasing different aspects of life on the frontier in Texas.
BEST FOR:
PRICE: $7 for Adults (age 18-59), $6 for Adults (age 60+), $6 for Youth (age 4-17), FREE for Youth (age 3 and under). Groups of 10+ are $5 per person.
HOURS: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 p.m.). There is no fee for parking.
ADDRESS: 2100 Log Cabin Village Ln, Fort Worth, TX 76109, United States
WEBSITE: https://www.logcabinvillage.org/
10. Is it Really a Trip to Texas Without Visiting a Rodeo?
Fort Worth is stock full (get it?) of places to watch rodeos and offers a mix of events and showcases during both the day and at night.
The Stockyards Championship Rodeo takes place at Cowtown Coliseum, a 3,418-seat arena, every Friday and Saturday. Cowtown Coliseum was the first North American rodeo indoor arena to ever be erected. This Texas Rodeo features bronco riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and even bull riding. While in attendance, you can speak to real Texas ranchers and learn about the life and ways of the Texas cowboy. This is why it’s commonly considered one of the top places to visit in Fort Worth, Texas!
If you find yourself in Fort Worth during the months of January or February, you should also attend the Stock Show and Rodeo in Texas. At these events, you will find Texas residents adorned in Western fashion to watch the various parades, livestock exhibitions, and of course, the horse riding events. Feeling hungry during your visit? Be sure to grab some authentic Texan cuisine at one of the many Texas food trucks!
BEST FOR: All Agess
PRICE: Varies
HOURS: Varies
ADDRESS: N/A
WEBSITE: N/A
