Key Takeaways
- Fort Worth mixes American West history with a modern outlook for a perfect cultural exploration.
- Renowned as Cowtown, Fort Worth is also home to fantastic museums, restaurants, live music, and nature trails.
- Many attractions are free to enjoy and family-friendly.
- Fort Worth has year-round special events and festivals like rodeos, film festivals, and waterfront concerts.
Hanging around North Central Texas and hoping to find the best things to do in Fort Worth, Texas? This jam-packed travel guide is the ideal starting point for discovering the history, culture, and fun Fort Worth has to offer.
This Texas city is much more than the second part of the name Dallas-Fort Worth. Indeed, Fort Worth could be called the city of nicknames: the Big Juice, Cowtown, Panther City, and The Fort, being just a few.
Such diverse monikers represent the bubbling mix of modernity and heritage that makes Fort Worth an enchanting destination. For starters, there is world-class art, fantastic music, even better food and nightlife, and breezy outdoor spaces.
Looking for the American West? Fort Worth offers twice-daily cattle drives and a National Cowgirl Museum. Fort Worth truly connects the Western past with the modern-day USA.
Things to Do in Fort Worth, Texas: The Essentials
Fort Worth is an easily accessible, multicultural city of just under 1 million residents bursting with young folks. Before visiting, remember:
- The subtropical climate leads to hot summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. Expect the most rain between March and May.
- Regular flights from across the country land at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
- Many find Fort Worth easier to visit than big city Dallas, thanks to its more compact, walkable center and an “Old Texas” feel.
- A high-quality bus system transports visitors easily to Fort Worth’s main sites.
6 Must-See Attractions in Fort Worth
There are many must-visit attractions in Fort Worth. These are six unmissable places to visit for those short on time or looking for the highlights:
- Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District: Step into the old American West with this area’s saloons, rodeos, historic buildings, and cattle drive. Yes, there are twice-daily cattle drives.
- Fort Worth Botanic Garden: One of the nation’s largest botanic gardens, it is well worth a visit. Over 2,500 plant species are spread over themed and sculpted landscapes, including a Japanese Garden.
- Sundance Square: Live performances, dining, shopping, or just a bit of people-watching—Sundance Square covers 35 vibrant blocks in the heart of downtown Fort Worth. It was named after the famous outlaw, the Sundance Kid.
- Fort Worth Zoo: Besides big cats, giraffes, and penguins, the Fort Worth Zoo features interactive exhibits, a climbing wall, a play barn, and a fun train.
- Kimbell Art Museum: The relatively compact Kimbell‘s 350+ European, Asian, and Pre-Columbian art pieces astonish thanks to their quality setting among architecture by Louis Kahn and Renzo Piano.
- Trinity Trails: Walk, bike, or run over 100 miles along the beautiful Trinity River.
These six places are a mere appetizer to the veritable feast of Fort Worth attractions.
What Are the Best Art and Cultural Attractions in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth’s 120-acre Cultural District is home to five world-renowned museums as well as Dickies Arena, the Fort Worth Zoo, and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
Many attractions are within walking distance, making the Cultural District a must-visit area, especially as many places offer free admission.
The Will Rogers Memorial Complex is home to the Kimbell Art Museum, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art.
Kimbell Art Museum
Art lovers from all walks of life love the Kimbell Art Museum. It’s not just the antiquities but also European, Asian, Ancient Americas, African, and Oceanic art.
The resident Kimbell collection offers free admission so everyone can appreciate works by such grandmasters as Michelangelo, Monet, Picasso, and Velázquez.
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is the oldest museum in Texas. The elegant concrete, glass, and steel building houses post-1940s art.
Evolving international collections showcase emerging and established contemporary artists. Even better? Admission is free on Fridays.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art
American creativity is boundless, yet the Amon Carter Museum of American Art covers a wide range of periods from the 18th century to the present.
And as the Amon’s curators say: “Admission is free. The experience is priceless.”
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Lifelong learning underpins the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s mission.
There’s a planetarium, cattle raisers museum, dinosaur exhibits—including a DinoDig—and frequent themed special events like Space Day.
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
The women of the American West was a story seldom told—until the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame came forth to do just that.
The exterior and interior are dedicated to the women who helped build Texas and beyond. Learn about cowgirl artists, entertainers, ranchers, and rodeo riders who have been admitted to the Hall of Fame, and then peruse cowgirl artifacts and photos in the museum.
Aviation Museums in Fort Worth
Aviation enthusiasts should visit the American Airlines CR Smith Museum, which strolls through the airline’s history while trying to inspire the next generation of pilots. The Fort Worth Aviation Museum covers North Texas’s aviation history and displays many heritage aircraft.
Log Cabin Village is a living history museum dedicated to the Texas pioneer era. Visitors can see how people lived in the 19th century through interactive exhibits and demonstrations, including a one-room schoolhouse, an herb garden, and a blacksmith shop.
What Are the Best Outdoor Activities or Parks in Fort Worth?
Traveling with a lover of open skies and fresh air? No problem. Fort Worth is blessed with lots of outdoor space for locals and visitors to enjoy, from running trails to beautifully sculpted gardens with gorgeous and exotic plants.
Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, with 14 world-class roller coasters and 100 more attractions and a water park, will tire out the most energetic families—adults included. It’s a 20-minute drive from Fort Worth.
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden has several gardens across its 120-acre site. Many visitors come to the Japanese Garden, which offers tranquility with its koi ponds and bridges. Also worth a visit is the First Peoples Demonstration Garden, a small but vital recognition of the Native Americans who previously lived on the gardens’ lands.
For an oasis while downtown, visit the Fort Worth Water Gardens urban park with waterfalls, pools, and fountains.
Trinity Trails in Fort Worth
Walk, run, cycle, and even go horseback riding on the 100+ miles of Trinity Trails that run along the Trinity River. Enjoy scenic views, wildflowers, and wildlife as you meander along various sections.
Stop at Panther Island Pavilion for kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing. Trinity Park has a duck pond and picnic areas, while the Airfield Falls Trailhead heads to a beautiful waterfall.
Trinity Trails also helps connect many Fort Worth attractions, such as the Shops at Clearfork, making it an unmissable part of your travel planning.
More Nature Parks and Trails in Fort Worth
Need more nature? Here are some more parks and trails in and around Fort Worth:
- Benbrook Lake lies on the southwestern outskirts of Fort Worth and is a hit with campers, swimmers, picnickers, hikers, and horseback riders.
- Burgers Lake is set up for good times. Slides, diving boards, volleyball courts, and charcoal grills to have a BBQ make this a popular haunt.
- Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge lets people step back into early 20th-century Fort Worth with its forests, prairies, and wetlands. This 3,621-acre wildlife haven offers more than 20 miles of hiking trails.
- Marine Creek Lake is a picturesque place to walk, fish, swim, or kayak.
Where Can I Experience Cowboy Culture in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth was a part of the historic Texas Longhorn cattle trade, one of the busiest stopping points on the Chisholm Trail, earning it the name Cowtown.
Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards
Much of the city’s Western heritage has survived in the form of historic buildings and fun shows for visitors. The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is a must-see for anyone searching for cowboy and cowgirl culture in Fort Worth.
There are twice-daily Texas Longhorn cattle drives (11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., weather dependent) at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Drivers wear historically accurate outfits to recreate the old times, starting on East Exchange Avenue in front of the Livestock Exchange Building.
The Cowtown Coliseum hosts weekly rodeos, and the Stockyards Museum documents cowboys, First Peoples, and the Chisholm Trail through artifacts, photos, and exhibits.
Need more? Follow in the Sundance Kid’s footsteps at Sundance Square, check the Chisholm Trail Mural, or join a honky-tonk at Billy Bob’s Texas.
West of downtown is the Fort Worth Cultural District for more cowboy-related attractions: the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and the Cattle Raisers Museum.
What Are the Best Family-Friendly Activities in Fort Worth?
Some of the best family-friendly activities in Fort Worth include:
- Family-friendly Trinity Park along the Trinity River for walking and biking trails
- Fort Worth Zoo
- Six Flags Over Texas
- Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
- Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
- Log Cabin Village
More great ideas to keep families entertained in Fort Worth include:
- Cowtown Boogie Scavenger Hunt: Unique challenges and creative tasks help you uncover hidden gems in Fort Worth.
- Camp Bowie Boulevard: This street has everything from children’s boutique shops to delicious dining. Choose Tex-Mex, Italian, burgers, and more.
- DFW Adventure Park: Let your competitive side out with paintball, zip lines, obstacle courses, laser tag, and more.
- Forest Park Miniature Railroad: A five-mile mini train ride around Trinity Park, Texas Christian University (TCU), and the zoo.
Where Can I Find the Best Live Music Venues in Fort Worth?
There are many live music venues across Fort Worth, from arenas to concert halls to gigs in restaurants and bars.
Live Music Arenas in Fort Worth, Texas
Check Dickies Arena for all the big pop acts and the Will Rogers Auditorium for music, including classical performances. The AT&T Stadium in Arlington is home to the Dallas Cowboys, and its retractable roof allows it to host all manner of events. The Fort Worth Convention Center on Houston Street completes the arena roll call.
Concert Halls in Fort Worth, Texas
Signed prints on the walls from legends like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson tell you all you need to know about the quality of performers at Billy Bob’s Texas honky-tonk. Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall is a new space on the scene, serving live music, drinks, and food.
The Bass Performance Hall in Sundance Square hosts musicals and Broadway hit shows for all tastes. Not quite a concert hall, Panther Island Pavilion holds outdoor concerts and festivals from its riverfront stage overlooking the Trinity River.
Live Music in Fort Worth Restaurants and Bars
Complete that American West feeling with a night at the White Elephant Saloon. There are daily live music shows, a wooden dance floor, a vintage bar, and food in this Stockyard classic.
Magnolia Motor Lounge’s quirky and cozy bar hosts live music every night, from rock to country or alternative. You can even grab a bite to eat.
Slightly bigger acts play at Tulips FTW on the Southside while keeping a cutting-edge cool. Flying Saucer in Sundance Square offers occasional weekend outdoor concerts alongside its food and craft ale offerings. And finally, one for all the family, Truck Yard has rotating food truck offerings backed by live evening music.
Are There Any Special Events or Festivals Happening in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth has an action-packed festivals and special events calendar.
There is the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in January, followed in March by a Food and Wine Festival to celebrate Fort Worth’s culinary heritage.
Heading into April, check out the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival.
Mayfest Fort Worth has attractions for all the family, while July 23 marks the National Day of the American Cowboy.
Music fans love Rockin’ the River in July and August with waterfront live music performances, and German beer fans like to indulge in the annual Fort Worth Oktoberfest.
Heading into November, the five-day Lone Star Film Festival showcases highly anticipated movie releases.
And if you like it noisy, check Texas Motor Speedways for regular events during the year.
What Are Some Budget-Friendly or Free Things to Do in Fort Worth?
Here is a quick recap of some of those free things to do in Fort Worth, Texas:
- Fort Worth Stockyards
- Sundance Square
- Kimbell Art Museum
- Amon Carter Museum of American Art
- Fort Worth Water Gardens
- Bureau of Engraving and Printing
- Trinity Trails
- Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery
- Dream Park, an accessible playground for children of all abilities
What Are Some Unique or Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences in Fort Worth?
Are you looking for something a bit different in Fort Worth? The Texas Motor Speedway, Cowtown Ghost Tours, or Cowtown Cattlepen Maze might foot the bill.
For something more spiritual, the Buddhist temple Wat Buddharatanaram houses a giant Buddha, or for spirits, visit distilleries such as Acre, Blackland, or Lockwood in Magnolia.
The Magnolia Avenue district on the Southside of Fort Worth is well worth a wander. Its mix of art, history, amazing food and drinks, and independent outlets is a blast to explore. You might even try glassblowing.
Where Can I Find the Best Barbecue in Fort Worth?
There are food hotspots all over Fort Worth. There is the gastronomic variety at West 7th—think tapas, Italian, Tex-Mex, and even goat balls—to lovely plaza views Downtown and cowboy fare at Sundance eateries. Need more? Southside is chock full of independent restaurants.
But for the famous Texas barbecue, Fort Worth has plenty of options. Texas Monthly’s review recommends these eateries:
- Goldee’s Barbecue is rated number one, or check its sister operation, Ribbee’s
- Brix Barbecue
- Heim Barbecue
- Panther City BBQ
- Cousins BBQ
- Sabar BBQ
Enjoy the Best of Cowtown
There’s much to see, and this travel guide can keep you busy for weeks. Fort Worth has everything from outdoor spaces to museums with free entry or banging live music to cattle drives.
Of course, the best things to do in Fort Worth, Texas depend on your travel group, budget, tastes, and time available. However, once you visit, we think there’s a real risk of falling in love with Cowtown.
So much so that we’ve prepared this guide on switching your Texas electricity supplier to take advantage of our fantastic electric rates. So, if you do move, that’s one less thing to do in Fort Worth, Texas.
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