Some of the following activities include children, but every one of them is geared up for fun loving adventurous adults, whether couples or friends. Fort Worth is a great city full of wonders one would not expect to find in the gateway to America’s Old West!

Fort Worth Water Gardens

The Water Gardens, situated in the heart of Downtown Fort Worth, were a gift from the Amon G. Carter Foundation to the city. The park’s main entrance, located in the northwest corner, features cascading waters that flow into a tranquil pool. Nearby, the Wet Wall and Quiet Pool provide peaceful spots for contemplation. 

Forty nozzles characterize the Aerated Pool that spray water at ground level, while the Active Pool features a dramatic descent of rushing waters into a basin 38 feet below, accessible via broad, table-like steps. At the center of the park lies the Central Square, surrounded by Bradford pear trees. 

To the south, a tiered concrete structure known as the “Mountain” rises 20 feet above the square and leads to the Stage and Lawn, the park’s only grassy area. At night, special lighting transforms the park into an enchanting landscape. The Water Gardens is a great place for a romantic picnic.

  • 1502 Commerce Street, Fort Worth 
  • Drinking fountain
  • Electrical box
  • Park lighting
  • Trash receptacle
  • Water feature
  • Free

Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG)

The FWBG is a beautiful 120-acre campus with famous rose and Japanese gardens, over 2,500 species of plants and of twenty-three specialty gardens, including a tropical conservatory, a forest boardwalk, and a water conservation garden. Perfect for a romantic stroll!

  • 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard, Fort Worth
  • Open 7 Days a Week $12.00-Adult $10.00-Senior $6.00-Child (6 yrs+)
  • The last photography pass is sold two hours before the Garden closes
  • Spring/Summer Schedule March 1 to September 30
    • 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Last entry ticket sold at 2 p.m.
  • Fall/Winter Schedule October 1 to February 28
    • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last ticket sold at 4 p.m.

Fort Worth Stockyards

On what is called the North Side of Fort Worth sit the historic Stockyards that signal the eastern border of West Texas. The Stockyards are famous worldwide. When you visit there, you will hear many languages on its streets, while experiencing the essence of the Old West. 

The Stockyards also offers restaurants and shops, rodeos, historic buildings like the Stockyard Hotel and the White Elephant Saloon, Billy Bob’s Texas, the Stockyard Museum, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and more. The Fort Worth Stockyards historic district comprises approximately 98 acres, but the heart of the Stockyards is at the junction of East Exchange Street and North Main Avenue. 

Billy Bob’s Texas

At Billy Bob’s Texas, known as the “World’s Largest Honky Tonk,” guests are transported straight into the Wild West. This legendary venue buzzes with live country music, encouraging everyone to step onto the dance floor for an authentic Texan experience. The neon-lit atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for a memorable night of dancing and celebration, capturing the vibrant spirit of Texan culture.

2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth

Fort Worth Zoo

A USA Today readers’ poll rated the Fort Worth Zoo No. 2 Zoo in North America. Habitats include an African Savannah, Aviaries, Elephant Springs, Predators of Asia and Africa, and Forests and Jungles of the world. The Fort Worth Zoo currently houses over 540 species, including 72 species of mammals, 148 species of birds, and 172 species of ectotherms, an animal dependent on external sources of body heat. 

1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth

Summer Hours:

  • Monday through Friday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Winter Hours: Start Aug. 31:

  • Monday through Friday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fee:

  • Adults (13+) $20
  • Children (3 to 12) $16
  • Toddlers (2-) Free
  • Seniors (65+) $16
  • Parking (per vehicle) $5

Coyote Drive-In

At the Coyote Drive-In, intimately watch great movies under the Texas stars people from your car, and create a memorable night! Enjoy amazing food like, burgers, chicken tenders, pizzas, bbq sandwiches, wagyu sliders, nachos, giant pretzels, hot dogs, funnel cakes, cotton candy, and fresh hot popcorn. Choose from wine, craft beers, and brand name beers. all served to your window. Live music on weekends before the movies. Bring your pets. 

  • 223 NE 4th Street, Fort Worth
  • Monday through Thursday: 6:30pm
  • Friday through Sunday: 6:00pm

Cowtown Wineries Wine Tour

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, guided by a master winemaker who will take guests on a journey from grape to glass. Visitors will see the equipment, learn about the various stages of production, discuss the vineyards, and, of course, sample a couple of wines. Each tour includes a souvenir wine glass and two glasses of wine. Tours are currently offered once a month on select Saturdays at 3:00 pm. For groups of 10 or more, contact Cowtown Wineries to make a reservation. All tours take place at their production facility.

  • 2674 Gravel Dr., Building 5, Fort Worth,
  • $25/person-75 minutes. 

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (FWNC&R) is a natural area consisting of forests, prairies, and wetlands, allowing you to step back in time and experience what the Fort Worth/Dallas Metroplex was like in the early 20th century. 

  • 9601 Fossil Ridge Road Fort Worth
  • $6 Adults (13-64)
  • $2 Children (3-12, under 3 FREE)
  • $3 Seniors (65+)
  • $1 Discount per person (with Military ID-Active/Retired)
  • $1 Dogs
  • September to April, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • May-August, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas days
  • No Entry after 4 p.m. to provide suitable and sufficient time on the Refuge

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge Kayaking Launches: 

Visitors will find two kayak launches from the Fort Worth Nature Center. Visitors can take an out and back trip to your chosen start point and exploring on your own throughout the Trinity River marshes and upper Lake Worth reservoir.

Trinity River Kayaking

Launch from the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (see above). Paddle down the Trinity River in Fort Worth for an adventure that blends cityscapes with the peacefulness of nature. As you kayak, you’ll take in views of Fort Worth’s skyline, lush parks, and vibrant energy, providing a distinctive way to appreciate the contrast between urban life and the serenity of the natural environment.

Fort Worth Ghost Bus Tour-Adults Only

Join a ghost tour in Fort Worth and explore the city’s spooky side after dark. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour takes you through historic sites, uncovering Fort Worth’s eerie stories and hidden mysteries. From haunted hotels to eerie saloons, every stop offers thrills and spine-tingling experiences.

  • Acre Distilling Co.
  • 1309 Calhoun St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
  • At Acre, the Ghost Bus sign will be in the window. 
  • Please come into the shop to check in.  
  • Parking behind the building is free.

Sundance Square

Sundance Square is the lively heart of Fort Worth, where historic charm meets contemporary style across 35 blocks. This area offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, with cobblestone streets guiding you through boutique stores that feature upscale fashion and distinctive Texan souvenirs. It’s a place where visitors can dive into local culture and discover something to suit every preference.

Sundance Square is bordered by I-35 on the west, I-30 on the south, and SH 199 on the east, and is adjacent to the downtown area.

Montgomery Street, Fort Worth

Montgomery Street is a paradise for antique lovers. This charming street offers a peek into the past in a variety of shops filled with classic treasures. Step into yesteryear and let each treasure tell you a story. Walking through this area is like stepping into a past world, where each item, from old farm tools to classic books, has its own story to tell. Montgomery Street is on the east side of Fort Worth, with an exit to the north off of I-30. 

SiNaCa Studios School of Glass and Gallery

The ancient craft of glass blowing comes alive in a spectacular show of molten glass is transformed into stunning art in a mix of fire, craftsmanship, and imagination. SiNaCa says, “Oh, yeah, it’s also great for date night too”. SiNaCa host an open studios night on the second Friday of each month, where couples can learn about the magic of glass art.  

1013 West Magnolia Avenue, Fort Worth

Kendall Davis
Author: Kendall Davis

Author: Kendall Davis Company: Lumini Services Kendall currently lives on the shores of Lake Texoma in Texas. She traveled across two-thirds of the U.S. for many years camping at lakes, rivers, and three oceans before motels and hotels if at all possible, and she continuously saw God's presence in nature. Writing for Lakehub allows Kendall to share her experience with God's creations. https://kdavis1836.wixsite.com/luminiwrites

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