Fun Things to do in Fort Worth

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Although nicknamed Cowtown for its deep roots in the cattle ranching industry, Fort Worth boasts a rich and diverse cultural history. Not only is it home to the celebrated Stockyards National Historic District, it's also full of Old-West-themed entertainment and shopping.

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Best time to go

The best time to visit Dallas Fort Worth is between September and November, when the temperatures aren't overwhelmingly hot, the tourist traffic has died down and the Texas State Fair is in full swing.

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Fun city facts and activities

What do you get when you mix deep-rooted cowboy culture and Old Western heritage with famous art museums and clean, green spaces? Fort Worth, thats what! Texass fifth largest city is also one of its most interesting and iconic destinations, though its frequently overshadowed by hippie Austin and glamorous Dallas. Texas-bound travelers would do well to make Fort Worth a top priority, as there are dozens of diverse, fascinating attractions here that run the gamut from legendary rodeos to world-class art hubsnot to mention some amazing restaurants. Thanks to the citys proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth Airport and several major interstates, as well as its Amtrak and Greyhound stations, making the trip to "Cowtown" is a breeze. And deciding how to spend your time here is even easier thanks to our round-up of the best things to do in Fort Worth.

City facts

Neighborhoods to explore

Neighborhoods

Restaurants
Food Specialties

The Fort Worth food scene is constantly evolving, and there are always hot new restaurants and hipper-than-hip eateries opening. If you're looking for a truly local thing to do, the citys culinary backbone can be found in its long-standing, family-run institutions that reflect Fort Worths rich cowboy heritage and Old West charm. Its this mix of old and new, though, that makes dining in Fort Worth so special. In a city where you can find diverse offerings such as cutting-edge ramen dishes, the tenderest brisket imaginable, tasty tacos, killer pizza and the finest seasonal Texas cuisine around, youll never get bored or grow hungry.

Restaurants

Fort Worth Offbeat activities

Free or cheap things to do

1. Explore the Fort Worth Stockyards Explore the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, where you can experience the daily cattle drive and catch a rodeo show.

2. Visit the Fort Worth Zoo The Fort Worth Zoo is one of the top-rated zoos in the country and is home to thousands of species from around the world.

3. Take a Texas Cowboy Cooking Class Learn to cook Texas-style with a cooking class at the Fort Worth Courthouse.

4. Take a Hike at the Fort Worth Nature Center Enjoy the beauty of nature at the Fort Worth Nature Center, which offers more than 20 miles of trails and plenty of wildlife.

5. Try a Fort Worth Food Tour Get to know the culinary scene in Fort Worth with a guided food tour.

6. Visit the Modern Art Museum Explore the contemporary works of art at the Modern Art Museum, which features pieces from a variety of different cultures.

Offbeat activites

Kid friendly

Fun things to do in with kids

Free or cheap things to do

1. Fort Worth Water Gardens
A literal oasis in Fort Worths bustling downtown area, this urban park, designed by Phillip Johnson and constructed in 1974, offers visitors a variety of water features and is noteworthy for its architecture and engineering.

2. Fort Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo houses over 500 species of animals and one of the best reptile collections in the world.
The zoos commendable conservation efforts extend across 30 countries around the world.

3. Botanic Gardens
Texas oldest botanic garden is also one of its most kid-friendly venues!

4. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing designs and produces a range of the countrys security products and a great spot to learn about the currency-printing process.

5. Trinity Trails
A spot that the nature lovers and super-active families will love, Trinity Trails follow the Trinity River; visitors will encounter many of the citys top attractions while following the trail.

6. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
This museum abounds in interactive, hands-on exhibits and engaging, interesting programs designed to educate.

7. National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
This museum is a tribute to all the cowgirls of the state, but more importantly, a museum that celebrates and honors all courageous, independent and resilient women who shaped the state and nations history.

8. Fort Worth Herd
An extremely unique Fort-Worth experience, this is the only twice-a-day cattle drive in the worlda must-see attraction that is one of the hallmarks of Fort Worth!

9. Stockyards
One of the top attractions for families here is the historic district of Stockyards, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

10. Pawnee Bills Wild West Show
Among the most fun kids stuff this weekend is the awe-inspiring reenactment of Buffalo Bills Wild West Show, once a regular feature at the Cowtown Coliseum.

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City data and FAQ

Is Fort Worth a walkable city?

If you lived close to work in downtown you could probably pull it off. There are some very good restaurants on West 7th Street. Youd have all your basic needs met if youre willing to pay for it. But well a whole lot of Fort Worth thats worth seeing isnt close to anything else. Its not like a very walkable city like Manhattan, where even if you live across the river in Brooklyn you could theoretically have a pretty easy time getting to whatever you want to see in the city in very little time.
Matt Lives in Texas (1987 Present)

Are two days enough to visit Fort Worth?
You can hit the tourist highlights including downtown and the stockyards, in two days, but that is about it.
Wray Rives Lives in Dallas, TX

It really depends on what you like to do. If youre a foodie, a full week wouldnt be enough. Fort Worth has a lot of fabulous and inexpensive places for great food. There are some expensive ones too. The cultural district is made up of seven, top ranked museums. If you like history and art, it will take 23 days just to get through the cultural district. The Botanical Gardens is 120 acres of flora and fauna. Thats a full afternoon. The Fort Worth Zoo is just up the street and its ranked as a top zoo in the nation. Thats at least another half day.
Leigh York Lives in Forth Worth, TX

Depends on why & when you're coming. There is plenty to do. Like any place you plan to visit research the happenings" & get most out of your visit.
Lijected Lives in Dallas, TX (1969 Present)

No. Two months may be enough, if you try hard. And I say that as someone who grew up in Dallas, the great rival.
Martha Kirtley Lives in Texas (1951 Present)

What is Fort Worth famous for?

Lots of things: The Fort Worth Stockyards, fun, food, galleries, great night life and daytime. Chuck Norris filmed his TV show there.
Bell Helicopter was there and it produced the Huey Helicopters used in Vietnam.
Ft Worth downtown Sundance Square, night life, fun, food.
Wester Art, Cowgirl museum.
I lived there and loved it!
Don Pryor Lives in Texas (1946 Present)
Depends on the time of year and how much money you're willing to spend..... They have the stockyards, great BBQ, a zoo, classical theatre, rodeo, etc.... They're really geared around cowboy type of things to do, so if you're not into that then you probably wouldn't be interested in Fort Worth.
Rebeca Hight Lives in Texas (1982 Present)