What are the best things to do in Fort Worth, Texas?

When it comes to finding the best things to do in Fort Worth, whether you’re looking to ride through without spending a dime, aiming to plop down the big bucks, or simply searching for great kid-friendly options, we’ve got just the guide for you.

What Locals Say

Residents of Forth Worth often say that the city may not impress you with a single activity or location—there’s no equivalent to the Golden Gate Bridge or Madison Square Gardens—but that’s exactly what makes it a hidden gem. When you experience the sum of its parts, it can really draw you in. Remember, Fort Worth came before Dallas, and it’s the 16th largest city in the country, apart from the population of its partner-in-crime.

Concerning the special charms of the city, John Mahan of Bellhops commented,

“Fort Worth is for people who want the nostalgia of the wild west, (we have that here, both real and fabricated) and a laid-back atmosphere to go along with the usual urban amenities.”

Before we get started, let’s assume you already know the obvious choices, like the Fort Worth Stock Yards, the Kimbell Art Museum, and the Fort Worth Botanical Garden, which is wonderful year-round, by the way. We’re not interested in telling you what you already know, so we’ve curated a list of best things to do in Fort Worth that actually shows you the insider’s guide to fun activities in the city.

Best Free Things To Do in Fort Worth

‘Named after the Trinity River, these well-maintained paths are great for walking, hiking, running, biking, and horseback riding.

This once-monthly event hosts free concerts in Magnolia Village. As of 2018, it’s in its 10th season, which means it’s well-run and full of extras. But you’ll need to get there early with a blanket to reserve a great spot.

While it’s true you may find this option fairly easily, we just had to include it to share these amazing facts about this beautiful location. It used to be known as Hell’s Half Acre because it was home to brothels and sordid saloons. My, how things change. Also, an amazing detail is that the mist sprayed into the air creates the illusion of a water bridge joining one side of the garden to the other.

Best Cheap Things To Do in Fort Worth (Under $15)

Best of the Best Options

We know this is an obvious choice, but since it’s a 35-block, pedestrian-friendly downtown district packed with fun things to do, we want to ensure you know our favorites—the activities not listed on other Top Ten lists.

Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge: “For those who like to kick back and blow smoke.”

Scat Jazz Lounge: Not only does the venue host performances every night (except Mondays when they’re closed), they have a happy hour from 5-8 PM every day. Yes, sir.

Hyena’s Comedy Club: The only venue in Fort Worth that allows you to bring along your pet hyena. (We’re joking, but it’s worth a laugh just to try.)

Off-the-Beaten-Path Options

Who knew that a time machine could cost as little as $5? Granted, this time machine goes specifically to pioneer Texas (1840-1890).

On Mondays and Tuesdays, enjoy free arcade games the whole night. Just buy a beer and you’re all set. Pro tip: Mondays have an all-night happy hour.

Best “Money’s-No-Object Activities” in Fort Worth

7. Excellent Shopping

You may be surprised by this fact: Dallas-Forth Worth has more shopping centers per capita than any other major US city. The collection of nice things is almost like a sport, and the arenas—the shopping malls—are big and beautiful. Here’s a list of highlight places to swipe your credit card with style, specifically within Forth Worth:

Hulen Mall: Classic shopping mall in the heart of downtown with over a hundred stores, plus a movie theater.

University Park Village Shopping Mall: A similar shopping option located across town.

Sundance Square: With 21 brand-name and boutique stores, 34 restaurants and cocktail bars, and 17 cultural locations, Sundance Square can take a week to fully explore.

Beehive: A women’s boutique offering statement pieces and great accessories.

Coyote Urban Boutique: A women’s boutique combining bohemian and Western styles.

Leddy’s Ranch: You’ll think you died and went to cowboy apparel heaven. They offer custom boots, saddles, and stylish Western wear.

8. Fine Dining

The Texas cowboy culture is strong in Fort Worth, and that means people come ready to chow down. But that doesn’t mean you can’t eat delicious Southwestern cuisine without also enjoying an amazing atmosphere as well.

Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine: Upscale-rustic destination known for unique, Texas-style Southwestern cuisine, including wild game.

Lonesome Dove Bistro: Innovative Southwestern fare dished out in an elegant setting accented with cowboy-themed decor.

Spiral Diner & Bakery: Fort Worth’s premier vegetarian- and vegan-friendly dining option (closed on Mondays).

Best Kid-Friendly Things To Do

You already know about the Fort Worth Stock Yards with the Stockyards Championship Rodeo every Friday and Saturday at 8 PM and the Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, so we’re going to share the lesser known-options. These attractions are sure to widen the eyes of your little youngins with excitement and enthusiasm.

This may also surprise you, but the USA Travel Guide considers the Fort Worth Zoo as one of the top five zoos in the country. Just as impressively, the Zagat Survey (they’re preeetty important) ranks the zoo as the best thing to do in Fort Worth and Dallas. We call that good for the whole family.

If you’re anything like us, you think this is just the best idea to come along since camp coffee. Housed in a beautiful, brick building, the museum and hall of fame feature not only cowgirl memorabilia, but art exhibitions—typically painting and photography—from modern-day cowgirls. To top it off, tickets are only $5 for adults and $3.50 for children.

Note: The venue will be undergoing a $5.5 million renovation of its second floor from February 5th, 2018 to Spring 2019.

Well, that’s all, folks. We hope you enjoyed our Top Ten Best Things To Do In Fort Worth. We wish you a wonderful experience. Even if it’s just a brief visit, we have a feeling you’ll be back, maybe even permanently!