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Fort Worth, Texas is the fifth-biggest city in the state of Texas and the United States’ 12th largest city. Fort Worth portrays itself as the “City of Cowboys and Culture,” drawing on its frontier western heritage and a history of strong local arts patronage.

Fort Worth is home to the world’s first and largest indoor rodeo, as well as world-class museums, a festival calendar, and a vibrant local arts scene suited for visitors of all ages.

15. iFLY Indoor Skydiving

an instructor holds a person hovering over a giant fan in an indoor skydiving center

(image via Visit Fort Worth)

The exciting sensation of a free fall is recreated at iFLY Indoor Skydiving in a safe and controllable environment.

You can enjoy the thrill of skydiving without having to jump out of an airplane—no falling, no parachutes, just you floating on a cushion of air with a skilled instructor behind you. iFLY is suitable for children aged three and above and can be a fun family experience.

Packages start at $59.95 per person and include two flights, with family packages priced up to $272.40. (5 people). The price includes the duration of the flight, coach training, and a post-flight DVD or video to remember the experience.

14. Texas Motor Speedway

the infield of the texas motor speedway with many vehicles and people watching a NASCAR race

(image via Texas Motor Speedway)

Texas Motor Speedway is the fastest track on the NASCAR circuit currently, with speeds reaching 200 mph. Texas Motor Speedway, nicknamed “The Great American Speedway,” contains 144 luxury suites, as well as the Lone Star, a members-only speedway club with a restaurant, gym center, and the Time Warner Cable Broadcast Center.

In addition to an Indy Racing League-IndyCar Series race, the stadium hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series, and Camping World Truck Series races each year.

Adult tickets are $49 and $10 for children’s tickets.

13. National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

the exterior of the building of the national cowgirl museum and hall of fame

(image via Michael Barera)

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is the world’s only museum dedicated to honoring and highlighting women from around the world who have shown courage and grit in their trailblazing efforts.

The museum features interactive exhibit galleries with permanent collection artifacts, a traveling exhibit gallery, two theaters, a gift shop, a research library, and archives, as well as a research library and archives.

Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, $9 for military (with ID), and $6 for children ages 4 to 12. Children under the age of 3 can enter for free.

12. Burger’s Lake

a portion of burger's lake with water slides and fountains and people swimming

(image via Visit Fort Worth)

Burger’s Lake is a 30-acre park with a one-acre spring-fed lake where visitors can swim. There are two sandy beaches for sunbathing, large trees for shade, 6 diving boards, and a 20-foot slide in the area. There are also licensed lifeguards on duty, over 300 picnic tables, sand and grass volleyball courts, and charcoal grills for cooking at the park.

11. Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge

a boardwalk jutting out into the trinity river surround by greenery at the fort worth nature center and refuge

Prairies, forests, and wetlands make up the 3,621-acre Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. The nature area comprises over 20 miles of hiking trails and gives visitors a view of how the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area looked in the early 20th century.

The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge is home to a variety of native ecosystems and hosts a variety of programs throughout the year that educate visitors about the natural world. The Hardwicke Interpretation Center is a structure within the nature center that serves as the center’s educational core.

Admission into the Hardwicke Interpretation Center is $6 for adults ages 13 to 64, $2 for children ages 3 to 12, and $3 for seniors 65 and older. Also, $1 is for military (active or retired) and $1 for dogs. Children under the age of 3 can visit for free.

10. Lost Oak Winery

wine being poured into a glass at lost oak winery

(image via Lost Oak Winery)

Along the banks of Village Creek, the Lost Oak Winery is home to beautifully cultivated vineyards, huge oak trees, and winding walking paths.

There are five different types of wines to choose from at the Lost Oak Winery, ranging from sweet white wines like Sweet Moscato to big bold dry red wines like Tempranillo, a Texas favorite.

A glass of wine is included in the $15 admission for those aged 21 and older. Also, admission is $10 for people under the age of 21.

9. Kimbell Art Museum

a bird's eye view down at the roof of the kimbell art museum on its property

(image via Kimbell Art Museum)

The Kimbell Art Museum has a small but outstanding collection, as well as traveling art exhibitions, educational programs, and a major research library. From ancient to modern art, the museum’s collection contains works from several regions and time periods.

Sculpture, ceramics, and scrolls are among the Asian art pieces in the museum’s collection. The majority of the pieces in the extensive European collection are French, Italian, English, and Spanish. The museum’s vaulted gallery ceilings are distinguished by a wash of silvery natural light. The Kimbell collection is open to the public for free.

8. NRH2O Family Waterpark

a season pass is held up in front of the entrance sign to NRH2O family water park

The NRH2O Water Park is a 17-acre park with 23 attractions, including the Green Extreme, the park’s most popular attraction. At 1,100 feet, the Green Extreme is the country’s longest uphill water roller coaster. The attraction combines the rush of a roller coaster with the unique experience of being driven by water jets.

Weekend admission is $24.99 for anyone over 48 inches, $19.99 for anyone under 48″. $19.99 for military, and seniors. Children under the age of 2 are allowed for free.

7. The Stockyards National Historic District

a view down exchange avenue with a sign denoting the fort worth stockyards historic district

(image via Mark Fisher)

The Stockyards National Historic District is one of Texas’ most famous tourist destinations, with historic buildings, restaurants, stores, saloons, and other attractions lining the old brick streets.

At the Fort Worth Herd, you will experience a cattle drive twice a day, see bulls and broncos battle cowboys at the weekly Stockyards Championship Rodeo, or dine on Texan steak at Cattlemen’s Steak House.

The pathways, roads, sidewalks are all free to use. Admission is charged, however, to some venues and events.

6. Fort Worth Botanical Garden

a view of some of the gardens at the fort worth botanical garden

(image via Visit Fort Worth)

The Fort Worth Botanical Garden features beautiful scenery of the gardens, interesting exhibitions, gift shops, a café, and more. The Japanese Garden, with its koi-filled pools, sculptured hillsides, handcrafted stonework, and spectacular waterfalls, is an excellent spot for the entire family to enjoy.

Explore art galleries, libraries, plant collections, and science-related exhibits on the BRIT campus and discover more about plants and botanical research.

Admission is $16 for children ages 6 to 15, $12, for adults ages 16 to 64 and $10 for seniors ages 65 and older.

5. Bass Performance Hall

an exterior view of the Bass Performance Hall building that features large angel sculptures blowing trumpets

(image via Phlyr)

The Bass Performance Hall is a 2,042-seat multipurpose hall notable for its excellent acoustics, sight lines, and ambiance, which places it on par with the world’s great halls.

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera, and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and Cliburn Concerts all perform at the venue.

4. Fort Worth Zoo

a giraffe at the fort worth zoo

(image via Fort Worth Zoo)

The Fort Worth Zoo, which opened in 1909 with one lion, two bear cubs, an alligator, a coyote, a peacock, and a few rabbits, now has over 7000 animals representing over 500 species, including 72 mammalian species like the Black rhino, 148 bird species like the Bald Eagle, and 172 ectotherm species like the King Cobra.

Penguins, World of Primates, the Brand New Elephant Springs, Raptor Canyon, Flamingo Bay, Meerkat Mounds, Australian Outback, African Savanna, Parrot Paradise, Texas Wild, and the Museum of Living Art (MOLA) are among the zoo’s attractions.

Admission is $16 for adults aged 13 and older, $12 for children aged 3 to 12, $12 for seniors aged 65 and older, and free to toddlers under the age of 2.

3. Sundance Square

a view of people milling about sundance square in downtown fort worth

(image via Sundance Square)

Sundance Square is well-known for its entertainment and nightlife. Throughout the year, the area hosts concerts and festivals, and it features a variety of hotels, restaurants, condos, shops, lofts, museums, bars, clubs, a movie theater, performing arts. There are a number of Western-style stores that sell urban apparel, decorative items, gifts, jewelry, toys, sports equipment, and artwork. The Sundance Square is open to the public for free.

2. SeaQuest Fort Worth

a mermaid plays with children at seaquest fort worth

(image via SeaQuest Fort Worth)

The breathtaking wonders of the world, ranging from rainforests and deserts to exotic marine life, are provided to you by SeaQuest. Visitors will take on an epic adventure through an Icelandic Fishing Village, the Great Wall of China, the Amazon River, and beyond as they walk through these exhibits. Hand-feeding sharks, stingrays, birds, and exotic animals are just a few of the ways you can interact with the animals. SeaQuest is home to over 1200 animals representing 300 distinct species.

Admission is $11.95 for children aged 2 to 11, $17.95 for adults aged 12 and older, and $14.95 for military, students, and seniors aged 65+.

1. Fort Worth Water Gardens

cascading water falls at the fort worth water gardens

(image via Steve McKinney)

The Fort Worth Water Gardens is a pleasant and refreshing oasis where you can stroll through the urban plaza and enjoy a variety of aquatic attractions. The park has three water pools: an aerating pool, a quiet pool, and an active pool.

The quiet pool is surrounded by cypress trees and high walls covered in a thin layer of water, and the sound of the water on the walls reminds many of a light rain shower. Under a canopy of big oak trees, the aerating pool features multiple illuminated spray fountains. On the other hand, the active pool has water flowing 38 feet down terraces and the experience allows you to stroll down the terraced stairs, surrounded by the sounds and movement of water crashing around you. The Water Gardens is free to the public.


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Summary

As you can see, Fort Worth has a lot to offer everyone. If you are looking for more things to do in the surrounding area, check out other weekend trips from nearby Fort Worth.

These areas are perfect for a quick day trip or a long weekend getaway. Explore our favorite things to do or peruse some pre-built itineraries.

Jennifer Freehill

Jennifer Freehill

Howdy! I'm a vet and UniDeb graduate who's a passionate reader, writer, and data nerd. I tend to take life with a grain of salt, a lime, and a shot of tequila.