For a destination in Texas that can feel like a charming small town with the accessibility of a big city all in one, check out the best things to do in Fort Worth!
Here, you can easily go to a large NASCAR race with tens of thousands of people, and follow it up with a visit to a small, homey tea at the botanical gardens at the drop of a hat. A lot of Western-style art and culture is still preserved with reverence in the city, and visitors can even watch a daily cattle drive.
There are so many great things to check out in and around Ft. Worth. This guide to what to do in Fort Worth strives to give a full list of experiences by listing out regular Fort Worth attractions as well as seasonal attractions unique to the area!
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Top Things to Do in Fort Worth, TX
Eat your way through Crockett Row.
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, or dinner, Crockett Row has a place for you!
Spanning about 5 blocks there are huge ranges of activities and food options no matter what you’re in the mood for.
If you’ve got the time just grab a bite at one end and just start working your way towards the Cultural District.
Several art museums are within walking distance to Crockett Row, so this would be a great way to load up for the day and then be able to walk it all off before hitting the museums.
See a NASCAR race at Texas Motor Speedway.
This popular raceway participates in the illustrious Indy Race Series as well as many others. It is the perfect bonding activity for gearheads and motor enthusiasts. The raceway has been the pinnacle of NASCAR pride for ages and they continue to keep the sport thriving in Texas.
You can book a camping spot if you’d like to stay over the course of a few days. They’ve also got a bunch of restaurants on-site so you never have to go too far.
There are fun driving school experiences you can register for to get the full-speed feel! Fully immerse yourself in the fast lane at the speedway!
Go for a hike at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge.
The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is full of several different wildlife experiences. There is a full area dedicated to bison, as there is a thriving population in this area!
Additionally, there are 20 miles of trails for hiking and exploring. There are also staff-guided options available if you feel more comfortable in a group. The refuge is pup-friendly as long as you can keep them on a leash, and the Nature Center is open 7 days a week.
Have dinner in Sundance Square.
Sundance Square is a really cute and quaint downtown square. It is named after Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid who used to frequent Ft. Worth. Spanning 36 blocks there is no shortage of options to satisfy a couple or a crowd!
You can often catch live music, dance performances, or a festival in the main plaza at any time of the day. It is perfect for a nice, cozy dinner and a lovely evening stroll afterward. The Fort Worth Water Gardens are nearby which are a perfect backdrop for photos or just a peaceful moment to take in the day’s activities.
Watch US currency be printed.
The US Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth is one of only two places in the country where you can witness actual US currency be printed, making it one of the most unique things to do in Ft. Worth!
It’s free to visit and tours are available!
Go horseback riding at a local stable.
Because of the popularity of the rodeo in Fort Worth, there are several local stables that love to cater to tourists to the area.
You’ll have the opportunity to ride horses through selected trails, or in the dedicated spaces on the ranch or stable.
The Stockyards are probably the best bet to catch an open spot but there are stables at any distance outside of the city center.
Certain stables also have a petting zoo or a carriage ride, these are all fun, interactive ways to experience the animals. Be sure to check out their website for any height/age requirements prior to heading out!
The Best Museums and Attractions in Ft. Worth
The Stockyards
The Stockyards are perhaps the most iconic attraction in Fort Worth. This old western throwback is most definitely one of the best things to see in Fort Worth.
There are cattle drives here twice a day, but on top of that that there are great shows and interactive experiences.
There are great restaurants that surround The Stockyards so you’ll never be hungry. Additionally, if you want to hang around longer there is a great museum that recaps the highlights of Western history.
If you happen to be in the area on the weekend you can watch the Legends of Texas Gunfight Show at 11:45 am and 4:15 pm every weekend, definitely something cool to do if you get a chance!
Kimbell Art Museum
The Kimbell Art Museum has been a focal point of the arts in Fort Worth for almost 50 years. The collection is massive and always continues to change.
The origins of the pieces can be traced all over the world and from various different times in history. They have a full catalog of all of the pieces online and you can tell how much care and effort goes into curating each and every piece.
There are great workshops, tours, and talks that highlight a specific topic if you wanted to focus your visit on one area. Whether you’re into architecture, paintings, sculptures, or historical artifacts, this museum has it all!
Fort Worth Water Gardens
If you’re in Sundance Square, stopover to see the Fort Worth Water Gardens. It is a beautiful urban park that provides a nice oasis in contrast to the buildings downtown.
They close at 11:30 p.m. so there is a beautiful view no matter when you come. There are three different pools that all make up the larger structures.
Let the kids splash around in the fountains, or just take a minute to listen to the water flow and just take in all of the panoramic views of the square. It is a great experience all around and a fun end to a great day in Fort Worth!
Fort Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo is regularly among the top ranks of zoos in the US. They are heavily focused on conservation and education. Admission is half price on Wednesdays and there is a myriad of different events that will offer a great experience in addition to admission.
A new multi-million dollar addition is also in the works to add on several new habitats and animals, be sure to check online to see the new updates being made!
Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are a great way to roam around and see exotic flowers and greenery. It is the perfect escape from all of the hustle and bustle of the city. You can take a nice stroll through the gardens or book a high tea and enjoy the view with a nice meal.
A large part of the allure of the botanic gardens is the Japanese Garden. It is right out of a storybook with the beautiful creek and koi fish. It is almost 8 acres of cherry trees and magnolias.
National Cowgirl Museum
Where else in the world can you find an entire museum dedicated to the female pioneers of the southwest? Over 750 women have been honored in the museum for elevating Western culture to the public consciousness.
There are women from nearly every field honored here from artists to writers to educators and more. The museum is filled with so many stories of inspiration and courage.
The artwork, both indoors and outdoors, was created to honor cowgirl culture; several murals were commissioned for the museum as well. This is a perfect place to show young women and girls what is possible in the world!
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
A short walk from Crockett Row is the Modern Art Museum, nicknamed The Modern. It is the oldest museum in Texas and features some one-of-a-kind pieces from around the world.
The museum was started in 1892 by a small group of women dedicated to preserving the arts in the area. The building is a beautiful piece in and of itself, it sits on a pool of water and is surrounded by mesmerizing glass windows.
Exhibitions are opened on a rotating basis. Each experience is vastly different from the last. Part of education offered through the museum are great lectures and talks on a multitude of topics which can be great for art enthusiasts in any field.
Due to the addition of a few more art institutions in Fort Worth, The Modern now dedicates its main focus to post-WWII, international art. It is definitely a great place to understand the complexities of art in the modern age.
Festivals + Seasonal Things to Do in Ft Worth
Rodeo Season
Texas life is most recognizable in its association with the rodeo. There is a long-standing history of promoting the activity throughout the country and that history has strong roots in Fort Worth. With the fame of The Stockyards, there is still a willingness to keep the tradition alive in the modern era.
The annual stock show and rodeo are nationally famous, most Fort Worth events will take place in the winter season. Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, and Steer Wrestling are all on center stage in Fort Worth. It’s a great activity to just hang out for a few hours or stay the whole day!
Main Street Arts Festival
Main Street retains so much of the old-fashioned beauty of the city. It is transformed in April into a wonderful art festival site. As you can tell in this travel guide, Fort Worth has a piece of its soul dedicated to the arts. So many different pieces have found a home in various museums throughout the city.
Attendance is free, and the festival is full of live music, dance performances, and other various street performances.
Several art pieces are available for purchase, so keep your eyes open for all of the hidden gems. The best part of the festival is that there are beer and wine selections to accompany your experience!
Fall Japanese Festival (November)
The Fort Worth Japanese Society plans a Japanese Fall Festival at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens every year. This festival illuminates the understanding of Japanese culture and art in Fort Worth.
The festival invites people to expand their horizons by participating in anime cosplay or learning calligraphy. You can get a chance to try authentic Japanese foods and there is a small market as well! The live performances include drummers and swordsmen.
The Fall Festival is one of the best things to do in Fort Worth and normally takes place in November. There are also other fall events at the Botanic Garden such as the fall tea and the pumpkin patch!
Mayfest
Mayfest is a four-day festival to introduce the new month into the year! It is extremely family-friendly and is meant to cater to everyone. The festival spans almost 33 acres along the Trinity River.
There is fair food, live music, kid’s activities, and a petting zoo! What could be better? There are fun rides that’ll take you right back to your childhood dreams.
This festival is much more manageable than the famous Texas State Fair, especially if your party includes small children. It is not as crowded and you can get to all of your highlights lightning quick!
