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The city of Fort Worth is located near Dallas in the state of Texas. With a population of a little over 500,000, it is known as “the city where the West begins”. Fort Worth is the home of Radioshack, Pier 1 Imports, and American Airlines. This city moves ahead into the future as a business hub while embracing the history and culture of the American West.
Each year the city hosts the Fort Worth Arts Festival and a variety of free things and also major sporting events. The summers are hot and the winters are mild and occasionally chilly. The city is a mix of sports, live music and entertainment venues, business, history, world-class museums, and modern art galleries, giving it a unique style and making it a great place for a vacation.
If you wish to visit the downtown area, here is a list of the best things to do in Fort Worth and the best places you might want to do and see while you are there.
Amon Carter Museum Of American Art Is The Perfect Place To Start
Location: 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth
This museum is located on Camp Bowie Boulevard in Fort Worth. The Amon Carter features 19th and 20th-century artworks that reflect the lifestyle and history of the southwestern United States. Here you will find paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and photographs.
This museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibits, special events, and workshops. They have books, stationery, posters, and souvenirs in their gift shop.
Fort Worth Botanical Gardens For A Great Time
Location: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd Fort Worth
This 109-acre spread is the oldest of its kind in Fort Worth Texas. Here you will find 2,500 species of plants and flowers. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden have 21 different gardens including the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Perennial Garden, and the Fragrance Garden.
They also have the Four Seasons Garden and the Water Conservatory Garden. The Fort Worth Botanical Gardens can be toured alone or with a guide. They have a restaurant, a gift shop, and special activities for the kids.
Log Cabin Village
Location: 2100 Log Cabin Village Ln, Fort Wort
This attraction is located on Log Cabin Lane and University Drive in Fort Worth. Here you will get to experience what life was like for the early settlers of Texas. They have log cabins that were built around the year 1850. Each is outfitted with authentic artifacts and some reproductions.
There is also a gristmill, schoolhouse, herb garden, candle dipping, and a blacksmith’s shop. They have a gift shop and volunteers to guide you through this site.
Texas Cowboy Hall Of Fame Is So Much Fun
Location: 2515 Rodeo Plz, Fort Worth
This museum is located on Exchange Street and pays tribute to the cowboys and cowgirls of Texas. This museum features the Sterquell Wagon Collection and the John Justin Trail of Fame. They offer a western-themed gift shop. Here you can also have your picture taken in true old-west fashion.
The pictures are taken in front of your choice of four Western-style backgrounds. You also have different costumes and props from which to choose. These photos are printed in a sepia tone to mimic pictures from long ago.
Oscar E. Monnig Meteorite Gallery
Location: 2950 W Bowie St, Fort Worth
This gallery is host to Oscar E. Monnig’s meteorite collection. About 10 percent of this 1000-piece collection is on exhibit. These meteors have been found in countries all over the world. The gallery is located on West Bowie Street and is self-guided. Groups of ten or more can arrange for a guided tour if desired.
Dinosaur Valley State Park Is Filled With Fun Things To Do
This 1,500-acre park is located in Glen Rose. Here you will find preserved dinosaur tracks and a fiberglass replica of an Apatosaurus and a Tyrannosaurus Rex. They also offer camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing.
They also have biking trails, horseback riding areas, and picnic areas. You can take relaxing hikes here while you explore the native terrain and plant life. Their gift shop has dinosaur souvenirs and other gifts.
Joe Pool Lake
This lake is surrounded by parks that each offer something different. Britton Park has a boat launch for boating and fishing. Cedar Hills State Park offers a marina, boating, fishing, and swimming. They also have camping areas, miles of trails that you can hike, bike riding trails, and a picnic area with picnic tables.
Lynn Creek Park has picnic areas, a marina, a beach, swimming, boat ramps, restrooms, and a Jet Ski area. If you go to the Visitors Outlook you will enjoy a fantastic view of the lake.
Cattle Raisers Museum
Location: 1600 Gendy St, Fort Worth
This museum is located on West Seventh Street and is dedicated to the cattle ranchers of Texas. Various artifacts and theater presentations pay tribute to this hard-working way of life. Guided tours are available for groups of ten or more.
They also have special events and a gift shop. The Kimbell Art Museum located in Fort Worth’s Cultural District is a work of art in itself and deserves its renown for multiple reasons.
The Kimbell opened in 1972 and was designed by famed architect Louis I. Kahn. It is widely regarded as one of the best examples of classic modern architecture anywhere and his crown jewel of design.
The Museum was awarded the American Institute of Architects. The museum has a generous art endowment for art acquisition and new art is being purchased on an ongoing basis.
Use Of Natural Light And Space Enhance The Art
The design of the building incorporates skylights which disperse light down the curvature of the cycloid-shaped vaulted walls, adding a natural luminosity to the museum. The walls of the building inside are lined with travertine. The building’s craftsmanship and airiness create a wonderful place to showcase art and spend an afternoon.
The Museum’s Permanent Collection
The museum’s permanent art collection is small, with less than 350 pieces of art, but the emphasis is on obtaining high-quality pieces and important works of art and not on the size of the collection. The Kimbell’s collection includes antiquities from 3000 B.C. to mid-twentieth century works that include Rembrandt, Monet, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, Goya, Caravaggio, and Velázquez among many others.
The European works are unusually plentiful from the Italian Renaissance period, and it has a distinguished collection of art from the 17th century. A new noteworthy acquisition is what scholars believe to be Michelangelo’s first painting, “The Torment of Saint Anthony.” It’s believed he painted it when he was twelve or thirteen.
American art is not part of the collection as the neighboring Amon Carter Museum focuses on American art, along with its splendid art from Western masters.
Fort Worth Water Gardens Is Great For Those Saturday Night
Location: 1201 Throckmorton Street, Fort Worth
Hidden among the office buildings in downtown Fort Worth, this park offers a great place to cool off during a hot Texas afternoon. Trees and plants surround this unique park. The rest of the park is below street level and made of concrete and rock. The water runs down and over the walls and formations. Here you can take off your shoes, wade in the cool waters, and relax.
Something for the Kids
Many people like to include their kids in the family vacation planning – so here are a few ideas to ask them about!
Six Flags Over Texas
Location: 2201 Road To Six Flags St E, Arlington
Six Flags is twelve miles from Fort Worth. This amusement park has something for just about everyone. They have roller coasters, thrill rides, water rides, a train ride, and a carousel. They also have Looney Tunes USA, a section of the park just for the kids.
This park also hosts a variety of live shows and concerts. This park offers a variety of food and gift shops. They have babysitting, kennel service, and a picnic area as well.
Fort Worth Zoo
Location: 1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth
Kids of all ages will enjoy their time checking out all of the exotic animals at the Fort Worth Zoo. Having 15 permanent exhibits, such as Texas Wild!, the Zoo also hosts trips around the world such as visiting a real-life Safari trip to Kenya. Admission prices are very reasonable with children 2 years old and younger getting in for free. By contacting the zoo, you can find out when discounts such as half-price admission are offered.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Location: 1600 Gendy St, Fort Worth
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History has its own Omni Theater showcasing different interactive exhibits, films and documentaries, and other educational programs with subjects ranging from the deep sea to earthquakes and even the mysteries of Egypt. It also exhibits the Noble Planetarium with state-of-the-art special effects so patrons can learn about and explore the world of outer space.
Stockyard Amusement Park
Location: 131 E. Exchange 113, Fort Worth
Open only from the spring to the fall, the Stockyard Amusement Park for Children displays a Western theme. If you are in the mood for more rides, not too far away is Six Flags Over Texas. This Six Flags, unlike the others around the country, has a central theme of the Wild West.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Fort Worth
Regardless of age and interest, all that is needed to enjoy Fort Worth is an open mind, a love of the arts, and a little bit of interest in the Old West. For more information on the mentioned attractions, as well as others, be sure to contact the Fort Worth Visitor’s Center.
FAQs About Things to Do in Fort Worth
Q: What are some free or low-cost attractions in Fort Worth? A: Fort Worth offers several free or budget-friendly attractions, including the Fort Worth Water Gardens, the Stockyards National Historic District, and the Sundance Square Plaza.
Q: Are there any free cultural activities in Fort Worth? A: Yes, you can explore cultural activities like the Kimbell Art Museum, which offers free admission to its permanent collection, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, which has free admission on Sundays.
Q: Where can I find affordable dining options in Fort Worth? A: For budget-friendly dining, check out local favorites like Taco Heads, Heim Barbecue, or Velvet Taco, where you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.
Q: What are some must-visit parks and outdoor activities in Fort Worth? A: You can explore budget-friendly outdoor activities at places like Trinity Park, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, and the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, which offer scenic beauty and affordable admission fees.
Q: Can you suggest some family-friendly activities that won’t cost a lot? A: Families can enjoy attractions like the Fort Worth Zoo, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, which offer family discounts and special rates for children.
