If you are looking for things to do in Fort Worth, Texas, you are in the right place.
We were born and raised in Fort Worth and still call it home today, so we know the city well!
Known for its unique cowboy culture with a history rich in cattle drives, cowboys, and frontier life, Fort Worth embraces its past.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that cowboy culture is the only thing this city has to offer—it isn’t!
While honoring its past, Fort Worth, Texas, is also unafraid to move into the future.
Throughout the city, you will find loads of fun things to do.
We are talking about world-class museums, a thriving food scene, numerous wineries and breweries, outdoor activities, music venues, and art galleries.
Honestly, there are so many things to do in Fort Worth, Texas, that you can stay busy for months!
I guess that is why Fort Worth is one of the top cities in Texas.
So, whether you are visiting on a Texas road trip or a romantic couples vacation, or, like us, you are from Fort Worth and are just looking for something fun to do, Fort Worth, TX, has you covered!
It truly is one of the best places to visit in Texas and is perfect for a romantic getaway in Texas!
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1. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is home to over 3,000 pieces of art, but in our opinion, the building and surrounding grounds are pieces of modern art as well.
The beautiful building and outdoor reflecting pool at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth sets the mood for a visit to this amazing modern art museum.
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth houses a permanent collection and rotating exhibits, and visitors can enjoy art in all types of media.
We are talking sculptures, photographs, paintings, videos, and more.
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is a true joy for art lovers!
One of my favorite things to do in Fort Worth, Texas, is to visit the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth on the weekend so that I can enjoy brunch in their onsite café, The Modern.
There is just something about sipping a mimosa while overlooking that reflecting pond!
2. Kimbell Art Museum
You will find the Kimbell Art Museum in the heart of the Fort Worth cultural district.
Recognized as a world-class museum, the Kimbell Art Museum is home to a permanent collection showcasing world-renowned artists.
During your visit to the Kimbell Art Museum, you can view works by artists such as Picasso, Michelangelo, and Monet.
In addition to the permanent exhibit, the Kimbell Art Museum hosts rotating exhibits that feature artists worldwide throughout the year.
These exhibits have included everything from films to incredible works of art.
One of the things I love about the Kimbell Art Museum is that the permanent collection is always free to visitors. Please visit their website for prices on rotating exhibits.
Be sure to enjoy the exterior portion of this museum as well.
The grounds surrounding the Kimbell are gorgeous and even house a sculpture garden.
The Kimbell also offers a café with a rotating menu of soups, sandwiches, and quiches.
3. National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame should be on your list of things to do in Fort Worth, Texas!
The National Cowgirl Museum, housed in a gorgeous building in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, is dedicated to the women who helped shape the Wild West.
Inside the National Cowgirl Museum, visitors can learn all about the amazing cowgirls who have been a huge part of our nation’s history.
Some cowgirls featured here are Annie Oakley, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Kay Whittaker.
During your visit, check out their gift shop as well.
The gift shop is the perfect place to pick up a western-themed souvenir!
The museum also hosts rotating exhibits with memorabilia and artwork that coincide with the cowgirl theme.
The pride in Western heritage is apparent throughout this museum.
4. Amon Carter Museum of American Art
The Amon Carter Museum is a piece of Fort Worth’s history and pride.
This Fort Worth museum is completely free to visit, so it is well worth being on your list of things to do in Fort Worth, Texas.
During your visit to the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, you can explore the American art galleries on your own or take a free tour.
The Amon Carter Museum of American Art believes that art should be accessible to all, so their art and tours are completely free!
The American Art showcased here ranges from sculptures to print photography, so you will surely find something that appeals to you.
If you want a hands-on experience, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art also offers that.
Just head up to the museum’s second floor to have a great hands-on experience with art (kids especially love this).
The Amon Carter Museum of American Art also offers educational programs to expand the love of art throughout the Fort Worth community.
The museum is in a prime location in Fort Worth’s Cultural District and boasts an incredible view of downtown Fort Worth.
Please visit the museum’s website for the most up-to-date information on special events and operating hours.
5. Sid Richardson Museum
The Sid Richardson Museum is located in Fort Worth’s gorgeous Sundance Square area in downtown Fort Worth.
The Sid Richardson Museum proudly showcases artwork related to the American West.
The permanent collection at the Sid Richardson Museum is a perfect example of this love for art depicting the American West.
Richardson’s personal collection was centered around two artists, Remington and Russell, whose sole objectives were to showcase the American West.
You can see their works throughout the Sid Richardson Museum.
Like other museums, the Sid Richardson Museum also offers rotating exhibits of art portraying the Wild West, contemporary Western art, and other aspects of the American West.
This Fort Worth, TX, art museum is truly a staple in the community and well worth a visit.
6. Vintage Flying Museum
Aviation lovers should definitely include the Vintage Flying Museum on their list of things to do in Fort Worth, Texas.
Located in Meacham Airport, the small Vintage Flying Museum delivers when it comes to cool aviation exhibits.
They not only have aircraft memorabilia and historical items, but they also have a nice selection of cool planes.
You can check out a Boeing PT-17 Kaydet, a Douglas A-26B Invaders, or a Stinson Reliant Model 77, to name a few.
This Fort Worth museum also hosts numerous educational programs to teach children about the art of aviation.
7. Fort Worth Aviation Museum
Another aviation museum in Fort Worth is the Fort Worth Aviation Museum.
This North Texas museum prides itself on showcasing the value and history of the aviation world.
The Fort Worth Aviation Museum has 25 airplanes, a cool old firetruck, and several cool interactive exhibits.
They even have an art gallery that showcases art associated with the history of aviation.
Since the Fort Worth Aviation Museum is also located near Meacham Airport, you can easily visit it and the Vintage Flying Museum in one day if you choose to do so.
8. Log Cabin Village-Fort Worth’s Living History Museum
A visit to Fort Worth’s living history museum, Log Cabin Village, is the perfect way to learn more about the local history of Fort Worth, Texas.
Log Cabin Village is home to six log cabins from the mid-1800s that have been wonderfully restored.
The Log Cabin Village was brought to life when the Tarrant County Historical Society and the Pioneer Heritage Committee realized that the log cabins around the Lone Star State were disappearing.
Determined to preserve this piece of Texas history, the Fort Worth Log Cabin Village was created.
During your visit to the Log Cabin Village, you can see the authentically decorated and refurbished cabins, including a schoolhouse, log homes, a blacksmith shop, and a water-powered gristmill.
Throughout the year, you can find live demonstrations taking place in the village.
Visitors love to see the demonstration at the blacksmith shop that highlights the ironworking done in the Pioneer days.
This is one of the Fort Worth museums that really lets you imagine some of the area’s local history and offers some great educational programs.
9. Science and History Museum
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is a fun and interactive museum for all ages.
A visit to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History guarantees a fun time, thanks to its many interactive exhibits.
Kids can enjoy looking for dinosaur bones in the museum’s Dino Dig before heading to the Children’s Museum area to learn through play, interacting with a kid-size grocery store, or designing their own train system!
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is also home to some awesome exhibits and attractions for adults.
Energy Blast tells the story of the energy resources that shaped the great state of Texas, and the Noble Space Gallery highlights the tools and resources used to study outer space.
A planetarium, a playground, and the Omni Theater are also on site.
10. Texas Civil War Museum
As the largest Civil War Museum west of the Mississippi, the Texas Civil War Museum is home to an impressive collection of over 10,000 artifacts and historical items related to the American Civil War.
The Texas Civil War Museum, located in North Central Texas, allows visitors to learn about the Civil War.
The museum tells the story of slavery to the war’s end and reconstruction.
11. Fort Worth Nature Center
Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers will want to add the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge to their list of tourist attractions!
The Fort Worth Nature Center, one of the biggest in America owned by a city, covers over 3,000 acres of land.
Hit the hiking trails and learn more about the North Texas landscape that makes up Fort Worth, Texas.
While hiking, visitors can experience marshes, forests, wetlands, and prairies, all of which are found throughout North Texas.
Of course, there is always a chance that you will spot some wildlife while you’re at the Fort Worth Nature Center, so be on the lookout while you’re enjoying the hiking trails.
The Fort Worth Nature Center is home to deer, birds, buffalo, and alligators! So watch and obey the warning signs posted on the property.
12. Fort Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo was started in 1909 with only a few animals, but it has since transformed into one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Today, the Fort Worth Zoo houses over 7,000 animals of all different species and is the oldest zoo in Texas.
The Fort Worth Zoo underwent a major transformation in the early 1990s, which transformed it into the world-class zoo that you can visit today.
The habitats at the Fort Worth Zoo attempt to provide a natural, realistic environment for the animals, helping to ensure that they live the best lives possible.
Exhibits at the zoo include an awesome primate habitat where you can watch the primates interact with one another and, often, the audience.
Another popular exhibit is the eight-acre Texas Wild! Area, which houses plants and animals unique to Texas’s regions.
One of my personal favorites at the Fort Worth Zoo is the Museum of Living Art, which showcases the zoo’s reptiles and amphibians.
Of course, the Fort Worth Zoo is home to almost any animal species you can imagine.
They have flamingos, penguins, lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and rhinos here, just to name a few.
13. Fort Worth Botanic Garden
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a 120-acre campus home to over 2,500 species of plants.
The garden, which was founded in 1934, is also the oldest major botanic garden in the state of Texas.
Visitors have flocked to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden for years to see the famous rose garden, which was built using more than 4,000 tons of sandstone from Texas. The Rose Garden consists of a gorgeous pavilion overlooking the Lower Rose Garden and Reflecting Pond.
Another favorite of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the Japanese Garden.
While the Japanese Garden is an additional fee, it is well worth the small entry fee.
Inside the Japanese Garden, you will stroll through over 7 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens.
The Japanese Garden has koi ponds, Japanese maple trees, magnolias, and beautiful bridges.
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden also boasts 23 specialty gardens, a tropical conservatory, a boardwalk, and a fun little restaurant.
The botanic garden is also home to the BRIT (Botanic Research Institute of Texas), which is one of the largest botanic research centers in the United States!
It is even home to an extensive research library!
14. Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
The Fort Worth Stockyards is what most people picture when they think of Fort Worth, Texas.
This National Historic District encompasses 98 acres and makes you feel like you have been transported back to the Old West (well, minus the car traffic).
The Fort Worth Stockyards embodies the spirit of the Old West by keeping this area as authentic as possible while progressing with modern society.
Everywhere you look in the Fort Worth Stockyards, a piece of livestock history is staring you back in the face. I mean, this area gave Fort Worth, Texas the nickname “Cowtown.”
The Wild West was said to begin in Fort Worth, and it was here during the mid-to-late 1800s that millions of heads of cattle were traded.
The Fort Worth Stockyards, located on the famed Chisholm Trail, is a true slice of Texas history.
You can watch the twice-daily cattle drive dubbed the Fort Worth Herd during your visit to the Stockyards.
The drive takes rain, sleet, or shine down the heart of the Stockyards Main Street, Exchange Avenue.
While exploring the Fort Worth Stockyards, be sure to pop into all the fun stores in the area. There are some great Texas souvenirs to be found here!
You will also find many restaurants, bars, and clubs in the Stockyards National Historic District.
Pop into the White Elephant Saloon, a famous bar that has been around since the 1800s, or visit the world-famous Billy Bob’s for a night of boot-scootin’ fun!
Hanging out in the Stockyards is one of the fun things to do in Fort Worth, TX!
15. Sundance Square
A visit to the Sundance Square area of Fort Worth is a must-do during your time in the city.
The Sundance Square is a 37-block area with shops, restaurants, bars, live performance venues, and more.
The area centers around Sundance Square Plaza and is also highly walkable!
A crowd favorite in this area is Sundance Square Plaza. The Sundance Square Plaza is an open-air area that has a fun fountain area, numerous shade structures, and a permanent stage that houses performances throughout the year.
All around Sundance Square, you will find delicious restaurants, great shopping, and tons of fun nightlife.
16. Bass Performance Hall
The Bass Performance Hall, located in Sundance Square, is the perfect place to enjoy one of the many live performances happening on any given night in Fort Worth, TX.
Considered one of the best performance halls in Texas, the Bass Performance Hall welcomes all sorts of live performers.
The gorgeous Bass Performance Hall building showcases 45-foot sculptured angels and beautiful European architecture.
The Bass Performance Hall was made possible by the generous donations of the Bass family, a prominent Fort Worth family.
A few noteworthy acts that perform at the Bass Performance Hall are the Texas Ballet Theater, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Cliburn, and the Fort Worth Opera.
The hall also hosts national entertainers, including big-name comedians, singers, and more.
This is one of the fun things to do in Fort Worth, Texas!
17. Fort Worth Water Gardens
The Fort Worth Water Gardens are a true oasis in downtown Fort Worth, across from the Convention Center!
Unlike most urban parks centered around greenspace, the Fort Worth Water Gardens revolves around thousands of gallons of water and numerous, beautiful water features.
The main waterfall area allows you to walk inside the water feature until you are surrounded by water.
There is also a meditation pool and several other fountains throughout the park.
A visit to Fort Worth, TX, is incomplete without a visit to the Fort Worth Water Gardens!
18. Trinity Park
Another jewel in Fort Worth, Texas, is Fort Worth’s Trinity Park.
Believe it or not, Trinity Park dates all the back to 1892!
Granted, the park has changed dramatically since then, but this shows what a staple this park is to the Fort Worth community.
The 252-acre park is the perfect place to enjoy some outdoor activities while visiting Fort Worth, TX.
Visitors can enjoy miles of walking/biking paths along the river and through the park. The paths, called the Trinity Trails, can be followed to Dallas!
There is ample greenspace available in the perfect spot for a picnic or just lounging around under one of the tall oak trees.
Trinity Park also has a large playground, a duck pond, and basketball courts.
There are also picnic pavilions, restrooms, drinking fountains, grills, and benches for visitors to enjoy while visiting.
19. Texas Motor Speedway
Car lovers won’t want to miss a visit to the Texas Motor Speedway during their visit to Fort Worth, TX.
Located in North Fort Worth, the Texas Motor Speedway is home to one of the area’s best racecar tracks.
The oval-shaped track measures 1.5 miles and hosts numerous car races yearly.
Visitors love watching cars race around the track while hugging the 24-degree turns. It’s truly an adrenaline-pumping experience!
Two NASCAR Spring Cup races, the Duck Commander 500 and the AA Texas 500, are held here annually.
Even if there isn’t a race happening during your time in Fort Worth, the Texas Motor Speedway is still fun to visit and tour the facilities.
20. Billy Bob’s
Known as “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk,” Billy Bob’s is the perfect place to go if you want to spend the evening listening to some live country music while dancing the night away.
In addition to hosting numerous concerts, Billy Bob’s also has a rodeo facility where you can watch real-life bull riding!
If you’re feeling inspired after watching the rodeo, try being a cowboy by riding the mechanical bull housed at the venue.
21. JFK Tribute
During his visit to Texas, President John F. Kennedy stayed in downtown Fort Worth just before he died in Dallas.
After leaving his Fort Worth hotel, which is now the Fort Worth Hilton, President Kennedy spoke to a crowd outside the hotel.
Today, there is a memorial to the former President in this very spot.
Quotes and photographs of Mr. Kennedy surround the bronze statue of the JFK.
22. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
One of the many free things to do in Fort Worth is to visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
Over half of the nation’s money is printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s Fort Worth site.
Yep, you read that correctly. Over half of the currency for the United States of America is printed right here in Fort Worth, TX!
You can take a self-guided tour of the facilities to see exactly how the nation’s currency was created.
It’s truly one of the coolest things to do in Fort Worth, Texas!
Be sure to visit their website for more information.
23. Burger’s Lake
If you visit Fort Worth, Texas, during the summer months, be sure to plan a visit to Burger’s Lake.
This 30-acre lake park offers fun in the sun for the whole family.
When visiting Burger’s Lake, you can enjoy two sandy beaches, access to over 300 picnic tables, and grills.
Of course, it’s the water activities that keep people coming back to this Fort Worth staple.
Burger’s Lake has six diving boards, a 20-foot water slide, and a 25-foot trapeze; now that is a lot of summertime fun!
24. Panther Island Pavilion
Panther Island Pavilion is an awesome place to visit in Fort Worth, Texas.
The venue at Panther Island is over 40 acres and houses the city’s only waterfront stage. It is on the banks of the Trinity River, across from Trinity Park.
There is also a public beach area where you can fish, swim, or tube on the river.
One of Panther Island Pavilion’s most popular events is the summer ‘Rockin’ the River. ‘ This annual event allows participants to enjoy a free concert while floating in a tube on the Trinity River.
One of the most fun things to do in Fort Worth, for sure!
25. Casa Manana Theatre
If you are looking for a fun date night in Fort Worth, check out Casa Manana Theatre.
Casa Manana has been entertaining the Fort Worth, TX community since 1936. While it originally opened as an outdoor theatre, it is now an enclosed professional musical theater.
Casa Manana produces Broadway-style shows that are perfect for a fun night out on the town!
26. Coyote Drive-In
Another fun date idea is to visit the Coyote Drive-In.
Whether you are catching a classic film or a new box office release, nothing beats watching a film on the big screen under the stars.
Grab your sweetie and a blanket, and have an “old-fashioned” date night.
Imagine enjoying a bucket of popcorn and some sodas from the concession stand while you cuddle up on a blanket for your movie.
Check the Coyote Drive-In’s website for the most up-to-date information on current prices and showings.
27. C.R. Smith Museum
The C.R. Smith Museum is one of the hidden gems in Fort Worth, Texas.
As the hub for American Airlines, it makes sense that there is an entire museum in the Dallas-Fort Worth area dedicated to showcasing the company’s history.
Of course, the museum has numerous exhibits that tell the story of aviation history, but it also highlights the complexities involved in running an international airline.
The museum’s permanent exhibits include a flight simulator, a baggage loader, an evacuation slide, and an airline command center, to name a few.
Of course, there are airplanes that you can get up close and personal with, in addition to the vast displays outlining American Airlines’ history.
The C.R. Smith Museum is also committed to providing aviation education to the community’s young people by offering several educational programs.
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About the Author:
Michelle Snell-Founder/Writer
Born and raised in Texas, Michelle Snell graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master’s Degree from Texas Wesleyan University. Her passion for travel has taken her all over the world. She has received multiple awards for her writing. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Travel Awaits, Fort Worth Magazine, Fort Worth Weekly, NewsBreak, Voyage Dallas, Ella Inspires Magazine, and more. You can view her complete profile on MuckRacks.
Danik the Explorer
Monday 7th of October 2024
There seems to be a lot of museums in Fort Worth! Wouldn't mind checking out a few, but for me the outdoor gardens look lush and really nice for a city.
texasonly
Monday 7th of October 2024
There really are! Fort Worth is full of cultural and historical attractions along with some great parks, restaurants, and bars. It really has everything!
Agnes
Friday 21st of October 2022
I haven't been to Fort Worth, Texas, yet, but it's on my list as I plan a Texas road trip. It's a great list with top things to do and lots of valuable tips! The list of museums is such impressive! I would like to visit the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Kimbell Art Museum. The vintage Flying Museum seems to be a great place as well. I need to stay there for more than a day, as I want to enjoy those activities. It's a great list!
Sage Scott
Wednesday 19th of October 2022
I have yet to visit the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. That will be at the top of my list the next time I'm in the DFW area!
Dania
Tuesday 18th of October 2022
I used to live in Forth Worth and did lots of these activities. Kimball Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum are 2 of my favorites on the list!
ildiko
Monday 3rd of October 2022
Great post, Michelle. I lived in Dallas and actually did a few of these activities, but certainly not all. I love the Kimbell Art Museum. I wasn't aware that there is a Michelangelo piece there. Very nice!