Known as the place “Where the West Begins” as well as “Cowtown” , this thriving community of over 500,000 retains its rich history, adventurous thinking, and western feel.  This is a town where you can enjoy some of the nation’s most exquisite cuisine, followed by a ride on a bucking Bronco; all within walking distance of each other. 

Originally founded as a fort, the city has transfigured itself over time into one of the most exciting and enriching cities in the country.  Its colorful history includes the days of cowboys and Indians, the arrival of the railroad, cattle drives, and, in later years, and still continuing today, the oil industry.

Whether it’s a great meal at a fine restaurant, followed by a relaxing night at the symphony or ballet, or a day  of thrills at  one of the many local attractions, or watching one of your favorite sports, and, like most things in Texas, has it “Big”.

While visiting, there are many things to see and do.  Many visitors make it a point to visit Stockyard Station. Up and down its narrow streets you'll find storefronts from the late 1800s,

Wild West performances are staged frequently at the Cowtown Coliseum, while Billy Bob's Texas offers other entertainment options.  A small children's amusement park features a lovely old carousel and several other rides. Through the middle of it all runs the Tarantula Train, which shuttles passengers on a nostalgic round trip to and from the nearby city of Grapevine. It’s the Home of the Fort Worth Herd – the only daily Longhorn Cattle Drive in the U.S. and the home of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame – includes the John Justin Trail of Fame, and the Sterquell Wagon Collection.

Another worthy attraction is the Log Cabin Village. Located in a very woodsy section of Trinity Park, this 19th-century grouping of log cabins is a true delight. The seven fully restored cabins originated in the 1850s. Volunteers who run the operation are adept at giving demonstrations of everyday activities from days gone by including corn grinding, candle dipping, spinning and weaving.

For those interesting in taking a little history home with them, be sure to visit the Montgomery Street Antique Mall. Hundreds of dealers showcase their prized possessions from all over the world. There are antique books, magazines, dish and kitchenware collections, handmade quilts and depression-era glass pieces. Cookie jars, salt and pepper shakers, iron cooking utensils and old metal signs grace almost every stall. You won’t want to miss it.

Just a short drive from Fort Worth are many nationally known attractions as well as professional sports teams.  The NFL Dallas Cowboys,  the NMA Dallas Mavericks, and baseball’s Texas Rangers all host home games nearby.  Six Flags Over Texas, one of the most recognizable names in theme park attractions is also only a 30 minute drive away. 

Temperatures throughout the year vary greatly.  In the Spring (March-early May) and throughout the fall (mid September-mid November) are the best times to visit. Generally comfortable humidity and daytime temperatures of 65-87 F are normal and make it a wonderful time to enjoy many of the numerous outdoor activities.

Thunderstorms bring heavy rain, hail and sometimes tornadoes. It is always advisable to check the local weather before venturing out for the day. Summer highs average in the mid 90s F. July and August are the hottest months, and it’s not unusual for temperatures to top 100 F—sometimes for several days in a row. During this time, why not enjoy some of the many museums, restaurants, and other indoor, air conditioned activities.  In addition to the heat, humidity can be quite high in the summer, and the combination can be uncomfortable, so be sure to dress accordingly.

Winters are typically mild with lows in the mid 30s F and highs in the 50s F.  Fort Worth does get some  occasional snow but it is usually light and quickly disappears.  While it’s there, however, it does make the area quite beautiful.  Be careful driving during this time as the roads do get quite slippery. 

The old west still exists in this city where a cowboy tips his hat to a passing lady, cows are herded daily, and bucking Broncos thrive.  It is also a town of eloquence where opera and ballet are visible, fine dining is abundant, shopping is plentiful and unique, and a place where there is so much to see and do and just not enough time to do it.  Have fun y’all!

Population:             540,391

Elevation:             612 feet above sea level

Land area:             292.5 square miles

Time Zone       Central Time Zone. (When it’s noon in Fort Worth, it’s 1:00pm in New York City and 10:00am in Los Angeles).  Fort Worth observes  Daylight Savings Time from April – October.

Location:        Fort Worth location: in North Central Texas, approximately 30 miles West of Dallas.

Weather:

Climate:

Local Seasons:

In the Spring (March-early May) and throughout the fall (mid September-mid November) are the best times to visit. Generally comfortable humidity and daytime temperatures of 65-87 F are normal and make it a wonderful time to enjoy many of the numerous outdoor activities.  Thunderstorms bring heavy rain, hail and sometimes tornadoes in spring, especially in late afternoon. It is always advisable to check the local weather before venturing out for the day. Summer highs average in the mid 90s . July and August are the hottest months, and it’s not unusual for temperatures to top 100, sometimes for several days in a row. During this time, why not enjoy some of the many museums, restaurants, and other indoor, air conditioned activities.  In addition to the heat, humidity can be quite high in the summer, so be sure to dress accordingly.

Winters are typically mild with lows in the mid 30s  and highs in the 50s .  Fort Worth does get some  occasional snow but it is usually light and quickly disappears.  While it’s there, however, it does make the area quite beautiful

Getting There:

By Air

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

3200 East Airfield Drive
DFW Airport, TX 75261

972-574-8888

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the nation's largest airports. While travelers comment that the airport is user-friendly in many ways, the sheer size and the 18 baggage claims scattered around the many terminals can make for confusion. Yet the airport is clean, and employees are friendly. Downtown Fort Worth is 23 miles away, a 30-minute drive under normal traffic conditions.

Most visitors arrive at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), located east of town, halfway to Dallas. Shuttles, taxis and buses are available for people who prefer not to tackle the Metroplex’s traffic on their own in a rental car.

By Car:

The main routes into Fort Worth are I-35W from the north (Oklahoma City) and southwest (San Antonio or Austin); I-30 from the east (Dallas) and west (Abilene); and I-45 from the south (Houston).  Fort Worth is circled by the I-820 loop as well, making it easy to get around.

By Bus:

Greyhound

901 COMMERCE ST
Ft Worth TX 76102

817-429-3089
Hours:  Station open daily, 24 hour/day

By Train:

Amtrak

1001 Jones Street

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

800-USA-RAIL

Hours: 10:30am – 6:00pm daily

Getting Around:

By Trolley

Longhorn Trolley

817-215-8600 or 817-334-0092

Call for schedules or pick up at the any of the Visitor Information Centers

Hours: 11am-11pm between downtown and the Stockyards national Historic District

11am-6pm between downtown's Sundance Square and the Cultural District/Fort Worth Zoo

Fare Charged

Within the city, the only public transportation most visitors need is the Trolley, green buses dressed up like trolleys that run every 20 minutes among the three major districts, from the Fort Worth Zoo all the way to the Stockyards, making stops downtown on the way. However, virtually every museum and attraction in Fort Worth gives out free gold trolley tokens, which allow visitors to ride the Longhorn Trolley for free.

By Car

You can quite easily manage to get around Fort Worth without a car. However, if you want to spend time in Dallas or Arlington, you will be better off with an automobile.  Getting around downtown Fort Worth is easy, as long as you pay attention to the one-way street signs.

Parking on the street can sometimes be hard to find during the day, but public parking garages abound (fee charged). After 6 pm, metered spaces are free.

By Bus

Fort Worth Transportation Authority (the T)

817-871-6200

Downtown fare—no charge; elsewhere, fare charged. It offers service up and down Throckmorton in the downtown area every five minutes.

Trinity Railway Express (TRE)

817-215-8600

No service on Sunday or most holidays

Call for route and schedule information

Fares Charged

The Trinity Railway Express  is the most convenient and hassle-free way to travel to Dallas without having to worry about traffic. It's an express commuter train connecting the two cities, traveling to DFW Airport, Irving, Dallas' American Airlines Center (for Mavericks and Stars games), and Dallas Union Station ($4 round-trip). Pickup and drop-off points are the Texas & Pacific Station and the Intermodal Transportation Center downtown.

Taxi

Yellow Cab

 817-534-5555

Checker Cab

817-469-1111
You can call for a taxi by phone or find them in front of major hotels. Drivers are not accustomed to being hailed on the street and may not stop. Sharing a taxi is acceptable.

National Holidays:

New Year's Day: Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day: 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day:  3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day: last Mon. in May

Independence Day: July 4

Labor Day: 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day:  4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve: Dec. 31

Fort Worth Nature Center

9601 Fossil Ridge Road

Fort Worth, Texas
817-237-1111

Hours:  Open daily (except major holidays) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturdays, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Refuge gates open at 7 a.m. The Hardwicke Interpretive Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Interpretive Center is closed on Monday.

Admission Free

Explore the Texas wilderness that greeted the first pioneers at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. You'll see native wildlife and plants — including buffalo, white-tailed deer and Texas wildflowers — as you discover 25 miles of trails. The 3,500-acre sanctuary is located just 10 miles from downtown Fort Worth. The Hardwicke Interpretive Center includes nature programs, exhibits, and a library.

Stockyards National Historic District

130 E. Exchange Ave.

Fort Worth, Texas

817-624-4741

Guided walking tours daily 1-4 pm

Daily longhorn cattle drive 11:30am and 4pm, weather permitting.

Admission Free, charge for certain attractions
This historic area encompasses 125 acres/50 hectares of cattle pens and renovated buildings once used during Fort Worth's cattle-boom era. A lot of the original complex remains, and you'll still occasionally see horses tied to the hitching posts that line Exchange Avenue. The 10-block district is crammed with galleries, restaurants, saloons and western shops. The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame showcases history's top cowboys and cowgirls. Visitors can also get a taste of the past when a herd of legendary longhorns—descendants of cattle Christopher Columbus brought over from Spain—are driven through each day at 11:30 am and 4 pm, weather permitting. Horseback and carriage rides are available.

Cattle Raiser Museum

1301 West Seventh Street

Fort Worth, Texas

817-332-8551
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission Charged

Discover the true story of the cattle and ranching industry in the Southwest. Talking mannequins, interactive exhibits, and authentic artifacts give you an up-close look at cattlemen, cowboys, ranch hands, and rustlers. The museum is also home to the largest documented branding iron collection in the world. It's an entertaining experience for the entire family.

The Tarantula Train
Depot locations: Grapevine Cotton Belt Depot, Main St. and Fort Worth Stockyards Station, 140 E. Exchange Ave.

817-625-RAIL or 800-952-5717
Train operates Wednesday – Sunday, call for additional information

Admission Charged

Tracing the trails once used by cowboys and ranch hands to herd cattle, this restored steam train takes passengers on a ride in true-to-the-era style. The name of the train comes from the 1873 railroad map, which showed the city as the central station with routes branching off like the legs of a spider. The train uses an 1896 steam locomotive, nicknamed "Puffy," that pulls four 1925-day coaches. It tours approximately 21 miles of the "Cotton Belt Route," traveling the communities of Grapevine, Colleyville and North Richland Hills before concluding in the Stockyards.

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
111 West 4th St
Fort Worth, TX 76102-3950 

817-336-4475
Hours: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri

Admission Free

The museum is dedicated to honoring women of the American West who have displayed extraordinary courage and pioneer spirit in their trailblazing efforts.

Cowtown Coliseum
121 E. Exchange Ave.

Stockyards National Historic District

Fort Worth, 76106

817-625-1025
Hours:  Box Office: 10am-5pm Mon-Thu; 10am-9pm Fri-Sat; Rodeo, Friday and Saturday at 8pm.

Admission Charged
Located in the Fort Worth Stockyards, the Coliseum has a tremendous history. It was the site of the first indoor rodeo, held in 1918, and the first live radio broadcast, which took place at a rodeo here in 1923.

Fort Worth Zoo

1989 Colonial Parkway (on University Drive south of I-30)
Fort Worth, TX 76110-6640 
817-759-7555
Hours: 10am-5pm Mon-Fri; 10am-6pm Sat-Sun
Admission Charged

The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo is a pioneer in using natural habitats to showcase animals. Exotic animals are kept out of cages and left to freely roam in a natural environment. At most exhibits, visitors are separated from the residents by only a river or a waterfall!

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

1501 Montgomery St
Fort Worth, TX 76107-3017 

817-732-1631
Hours: 9am-5:30pm Mon-Thu; 9am-8pm Fri-Sat; noon-5:30pm Sun
Admission Charged

This delightful collection of tactile displays encourages learning by children and adults alike. A ferocious dinosaur offers greetings in the front walkway; from there, attractive and enticing exhibits branch out in all directions. There are nine permanent galleries with themes ranging from Texas history to computers to fossils. Two of these include Dino Dig and KidSpace, specifically designed for younger children.

 

Log Cabin Village

2100 Log Cabin Village Lane
Fort Worth, TX 76109-1000 

817-926-5881
Hours: 1pm-5pm Sun; 9am-5pm Tues-Fri; 10am-5pm Sat
Admission Charged

Overview of Log Cabin Village

Located in a very woodsy section of Trinity Park, this 19th-century grouping of log cabins is a true delight. The seven fully restored cabins originated in the 1850s. Volunteers who run the operation are adept at giving demonstrations of everyday activities from days gone by including corn grinding, candle dipping, spinning and weaving.

Berger’s Lake

1200 Meandering Road
Fort Worth, TX 76114-2416

817-737-3414
Hours: 9am-8pm Sun-Sat

Admission Charged
Generations of Fort Worth families have sought relief from the hot Texas sun by diving into this cold, clear, spring-fed private lake located in northwest Fort Worth. Once a goldfish hatchery, Berger's Lake is now a one-acre, family-oriented "swimming hole" featuring tall trees, picnic tables, barbecue grills, concession stands, and tennis and volleyball courts, along with occasional sand-castle building contests and related events meant to entertain visitors.

Hurricane Harbor

1800 East Lamar Blvd
Arlington, TX 76006-7304 

Located 15 miles east of Fort Worth

817-265-3356
Hours: 10:30am-6pm daily

Admission Charged
With almost 50 acres of space, Hurricane Harbor gives you a chance to cool off or enjoy the hot Texas sun—whichever you please. The fun includes a variety of slip-sliding twists and turns on wild rides including the SeaWolf, Black Hole, Der Struka and Kamikazee. If you are a true thrill-seeker, drop six stories with the Geronimo; for something a little more sedate, try the Bubba Tub or Lazy River. The entire park is alive with music and interactive activities.

Forrest Park Miniature Train

2100 Colonial Parkway
Fort Worth, TX 76109-1027 

817-336-3328

Admission Charged
Hours: On the hour from 11am-5pm Mon-Fri; may run more frequently Sat-Sun, depending on demand.
This pretty, leisurely five-mile journey takes passengers from Forest Park through the woods, over trestles and under bridges, on to the duck pond at Trinity Park and back.

Six Flags Over Texas
2201 Road to Six Flags
Arlington, TX 76011-5157 

Located 15 miles east of Fort Worth

817-640-8900
Open Hours: Hours vary seasonally. Call the park for specific times.
Admission Charged
This huge amusement park serves up thrills and chills with a distinctly Texan flair.  Sections of the park are named for each of the six nations that have governed Texas. There are more than 100 different rides and attractions, including the new Titan roller coaster, which reaches a speed of 85 miles per hour. Other Texas-themed attractions include the Texas Giant (one of the largest wooden roller coasters in the world), the Texas Chute-Out, the Oil Derrick and the Texas Tornado. Looney Tune Land offers gentler fun for small children, while those wishing to beat the heat can go inside and enjoy one of the many music and magic shows scattered throughout the park.

NRH20

9001 Grapevine Highway
North Richland Hills, TX 76180-5629 

Located 13 miles northeast of Fort Worth

817-656-6500
Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

A manmade river twists and turns through trees and flowers at this 17-acre water park, a perfect spot for children of all ages. One highlight is Green Extreme, a water roller coaster measuring 65 feet tall and 1,161 feet long. With its myriad twists and turns, this ride—deemed the world's largest uphill water coaster—is everyone's favorite. The Endless River offers the opportunity for a relaxing ride on a lazy summer day, while NRH2Ocean is a 12,000-square-foot wave pool that all will enjoy. On Friday nights, "dive-in" movies are shown on a screen that is readily viewable from anywhere in this pool.

 

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

2155 County Road 2008
Glen Rose, TX 76043-6117 

Located 55 miles southwest of Fort Worth

254-897-2960
Hours: 9am until two hours before sunset daily

Admission Charged
This exotic ranch is a bit like flying to Africa and heading off on safari to see wild animals up close and personal—except you never have to leave Fort Worth. Embark on the 9.5-mile self-guided tour where you will see giraffes, rhinos, tigers, ostriches, zebras, and a variety of other animals roaming savannas, wooded hills and valleys.

Dinosaur Valley State Park
FM 205 & Park Road 59
Glen Rose, TX 76043 

Located 55 miles southwest of Fort Worth

800-792-1112
Hours: 8am-10pm daily
Admission Charged

With some of the best dinosaur tracks in the world, Dinosaur Valley State Park is a great place for fossil enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The 1,500-acre park along the Paluxy River in Glen Rose is a great place to spend the day hiking among the limestone, sandstone, and mudstone deposited nearly 113 million years ago. You will be amazed at the two fiberglass dinosaur replicas—the 70-foot Apatosaurus and the 45-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Arlington Skatium

5515 South Cooper St
Arlington, TX 76017-4403 

Located 15 miles east of Fort Worth

817-784-6222
Hours: 1pm-6pm Mon-Fri; 7pm-11pm Fri; 11am-10pm Sat; 1pm-6pm Sun

Admission Charged
Located in Arlington, midway between Dallas and Fort Worth. Shiny hard wood, maple floors, a video arcade, full concession stand and a variety of fun and exciting music make this a great place to take the entire family for an afternoon of fun. Both traditional four wheeled skates and inline skates are available at this favorite skating venue.

Adventure World

7451 Starnes Road
North Richland Hills, TX 76180-2802 

Located 13 miles northeast of Fort Worth

817-581-5760
Open Hours: Dawn-dusk daily

Admission Free
The park was designed specifically with handicapped children in mind. A wood fiber material that is hard enough for wheelchairs, yet soft enough to minimize the effects of falls is found throughout the park. There are several playground areas for children of different ages and ramps, instead of stairs, lead to the equipment. Access points allow children to climb on the equipment from their wheelchairs.

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
9601 Fossil Ridge Road
Fort Worth, TX 76135-9148 

817-237-1111
Hours: Park hours: 9am-5pm Daily; Building hours: 9am-4:30pm Tue-Sat; noon-5pm Sun

Admission Free
A 3,500-acre refuge for animals and indigenous plants. Part of the Greer Island Nature Center, this area has unique trails, scenic pastures and educational exhibits. Herds of buffalo and white-tailed deer roam the refuge. Other animals residing inside the refuge include a "town" of prairie dogs.

Vintage Flying Museum

505 Northwest 38 St
Fort Worth, TX 76106-4386 

817-624-1935
Hours: 10am-5pm Sat; noon-5pm Sun
Admission Charged

The centerpiece of this fascinating collection of antique warbirds is the B-17 Flying Fortress, nicknamed "Chuckie." The B-17 Flying Fortress was used during World War II against the Nazis; Chuckie is reportedly one of the few surviving planes of its type. 20 or so other airplanes, as well as a jeep and the Texas Air Command's helicopters, share the restored B-29 hangar with Chuckie, while display cases show off model planes and war artifacts.

 

Fort Worth Herd

131 East Exchange
Fort Worth, TX 76106-8212 

817-336-4373
Hours: 11:30am-4pm daily
Admission Free

For a real taste of the Old West, come by the Stockyards area any afternoon and you will be treated to a mini-cattle drive sponsored by the City of Fort Worth. Fort Worth is proud of its Cowtown moniker, and wants to give tourists and locals alike a chance to see real cowboys and cattle in action. The cowboys dress in authentic turn-of-the-century clothing, and use period saddles and equipment. The cattle begin from their pen behind the Livestock Exchange Building at 11:30am daily and travel along Exchange Avenue to Mule Alley. There they graze for a few hours and return to the pen at 4pm.

Arts and Entertainment

Casa Manana

3101 West Lancaster Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76107-3042 

817-332-2817
Hours: Box office: 9am-5pm Mon-Fri; 10am-4pm Sat

Admission Charged
This historic theater was created by Henry Kaiser, following examples and design principles set by famous architect R. Buckminster Fuller. A large round stage provides the setting for true theater-in-the-round. Entertainers such as Bill Cosby, Johnny Mathis and Barry Manilow have brought their touring shows on stage here. In addition, Broadway touring productions including Cats and Miss Saigon have thrilled visitors with spectacular sets and performances.

Fort Worth Opera

525 Commerce St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102-5440 

817-731-0200 (Box Office)
Hours: Office Hours: 8am-5pm Mon-Fri; Performance times vary
In 1946, three women decided over coffee that it was time for Fort Worth to have an opera company. Seven months later the Fort Worth Civic Opera Association launched its first performance. Today, the Fort Worth Opera performs to the accompaniment of the Fort Worth Symphony in one of the world's top opera houses, the Bass Performance Hall.

Bass Performance Hall

4th and Calhoun Streets (between Commerce and Calhoun)

817-212-4200

Admission Charged

Bass Performance Hall  is one of the top places in the country to see a musical or theater performance. Home to the distinguished Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, its stage has welcomed productions such as The Nutcracker and Handel's Messiah, Broadway shows (like Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk), and pop, jazz, and country big-name concerts. 

Casa Mañana Theater

3101 W. Lancaster at University Drive

Fort Worth, Texas

817-332-2272

The country's first permanent theater designed for the musicals-in-the-round, is an aluminum geodesic dome with an oval stage. Casa, as its known locally, puts on a wide range of dramas, comedies, and musicals, and is home to one of the top children's theater operations in the United States.

The Jubilee Theatre

506 Main St.

Fort Worth, Texas

817-338-4411

Home to intimate African-American theater, staging dramas like Brother Mac (adapted from Shakespeare's Macbeth) and A Raisin in the Sun as well as musicals like Lysistrata Please (a rock version of the Aristophanes classic) and Road Show, an original production.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

Bass Performance Hall

525 Commerce St.

Fort Worth, Texas

817-665-6500

Texas Ballet Theater

Bass Performance Hall

Fourth and Calhoun streets

Fort Worth, Texas

817-763-0207 

Sports

Minor League Baseball

LaGrave Field, 301 N.E. Sixth St.

Fort Worth, Texas

817-226-2287

Games played May through late August
The Fort Worth Cats play regular-season home games at., which is ranked among the top five independent ball fields in the U.S.

Bombardier 500K

Texas Motor Speedway

3545 Lone Star Circle

Justin, Texas (30 miles north of Fort Worth)

817-215-8500

Held early – mid June

A weekend of racing events, culminating in an evening of racing under the stars as the Indy Racing League's nighttime race takes place. Texas Motor Speedway.—

Major-League Baseball

Ballpark in Arlington

1000 Ballpark Way

Arlington, Texas (17 miles east of Fort Worth)

The Texas Rangers play regular-season home games.  Season continues through early October

 

Auto Racing

The Texas Motor Speedway

I-35W at Highway 114, north of Fort Worth

817-215-8500

It's the place to see NASCAR, Indy, and motorcycle racing. Plan on joining a crowd; more than 150,000 people can attend the races here.

Jingle Bell Jog

817-820-0635

Held in late November or early December, call for exact date, location and time
Dashing through downtown Forth Worth, jingling all the way, runners in this annual post-Thanksgiving event will be supporting the Arthritis Foundation while they compete in timed races and just have fun. Participants tie jingle bells (provided by race organizers) to their shoelaces -- and many of them get decked out in costumes -- as they race through Sundance Square competing in the 1-mile Elf Run, which starts at 5PM, and the 5K certified run, with a start time of 5:30PM. Races and related activities are located in downtown Fort Worth at 4th and Main.

Dallas White Rock Marathon

214-372-2068

Held in early December, call for exact date

Not quite up to a 26.2-mile run first thing in the morning? Then the 34th Dallas White Rock Marathon might not be for you. It isn't Boston, or even New York, but White Rock still attracts quality runners from around the world. The marathon course begins and ends at American Airlines Center, passing through Turtle Creek, Highland Park, around White Rock Lake, through Lakewood and down Swiss Avenue. The more serious contenders compete for a share of the total purse of $35,000, but the real winner of the day is the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, which receives the lion's share of the proceeds.

Dallas Cowboys (NFL)

Games played at Texas Stadium

Located 28 miles east of Fort Worth

2401 E. Airport Freeway

Irving, Texas 75062.

972-554-1804

Games played September – January, call for schedule

Fort Worth Brahmas Hockey Club (CHL)
1314 Lake Street, Suite 200
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817-336-4423

Season: October -March

Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC) serves as “home” for the Fort Worth Brahmas.

Dallas Mavericks (NBA)

American Airlines Center

2500 Victory Ave. Dallas, TX 75219

Arena is located 36 miles east of Fort Worth

214-747-MAVS

Dallas Stars Hockey (NHL)

American Airlines Center

2500 Victory Ave

Dallas, Texas 75219

Arena is located 36 miles east of Fort Worth

214-GO-STARS,

Golf Club at Fossil Creek

3401 Club Gate Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76137-2919 

817-847-1900

Call for tee times and additional information
Hours: dawn-dusk daily
Take your best shot on this par-72, 6,875-yard championship public golf course, which was designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. Tee times are accepted.

Annual Events

January

Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show
Will Rogers Memorial Center
817-877-2420

Held each year from late January to early February
This truly spectacular showcase of Western heritage features a world-class rodeo, national livestock shows and sales, family entertainment, and more than 20,000 head of the finest animals anywhere.

All Western Parade
Downtown Fort Worth
817-877-2420

March

Cowtown Goes Green Stockyards Parade

Downtown in the National Historic District

817-626-7921

Held on the Saturday of St. Patrick's Day weekend.

Fort Worth celebrates St. Patrick's Day with a parade and festival

.

April

Main St. Arts Festival

817-336-2787

More than 400,000 visitors and 500 artists, dancers, street performers and musicians fill nine blocks of Main Street in one of the U.S.' leading art festivals. A juried fine-art and crafts fair takes place as well, and at least 100 local, regional and national bands give live concerts.

Texas Frontier Forts Muster
Stockyards National Historic District
817-336-8791

The Texas Frontier Forts Muster provides an exciting and historic look at frontier life in Texas. Learn about the many forts along the Texas Forts Trail and elsewhere in Texas, and experience the sights and sounds of this important era. Events also include Quanah Parker Comanche Pow Wow and honor dances and cavalry competitions.

July

Independence Day Fireworks

LaGrave Field

301 N.E. Sixth Street

Fort Worth, Texas

817-226-2287

The minor-league Fort Worth Cats host some of the city's most popular fireworks at the end of a home game. The fireworks go off on the banks of the Trinity River.

Miss Texas Pageant

Will Rogers Memorial Center

3401 W. Lancaster Ave.

Fort Worth, Texas

817-335-9000

The winners of local preliminary pageants compete in several events to qualify for the national Miss America contest and scholarship money.

September

State Fair of Texas

Fair Park

3809 Grand Ave

Dallas, Texas

214-565-9931

The massive three week tradition teems with interactive games, antique cars, a make-believe circus, educational displays, rides and nightly laser shows. Pavilions, vendor booths and 750,000 square feet of Fair Park buildings will offer live music, livestock exhibitions, dance, those legendary corn dogs, a petting zoo, Clydesdale horses, puppet shows, a midway and a host of other activities and special shows.

October

Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing Festival
Stockyards National Historic District
817-336-8791 or 888-COWTOWN
Held in October, this three-day festival promotes the cowboy way of life. You can enjoy Western swing music, ranch rodeo action, cowboy poetry, an authentic chuck wagon competition, horsemanship clinics, kid's events, and a cowboy trading post.

December

Chisolm Trail Round-Up

131 East Exchange, Suite 109
Fort Worth, TX 76106-8213 

817-625-7005
This annual event celebrates Fort Worth history, similar to a county fair and block party rolled into one big festival. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, this event is one of the largest held in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Trail rides commemorate Fort Worth's role as the last stop along the historic Chisholm Trail, and chuck wagon campsites give you a taste of how cowboys lived. Events begin as early as 9 a.m. each day and continue throughout the day with music ending around 10 p.m.

Fort Worth Nature Center

9601 Fossil Ridge Road

Fort Worth, Texas
817-237-1111

Hours:  Open daily (except major holidays) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturdays, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Refuge gates open at 7 a.m. The Hardwicke Interpretive Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Interpretive Center is closed on Monday.

Admission Free

Explore the Texas wilderness that greeted the first pioneers at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. You'll see native wildlife and plants — including buffalo, white-tailed deer and Texas wildflowers — as you discover 25 miles of trails. The 3,500-acre sanctuary is located just 10 miles from downtown Fort Worth. The Hardwicke Interpretive Center includes nature programs, exhibits, and a library.

Stockyards National Historic District

130 E. Exchange Ave.

Fort Worth, Texas

817-624-4741

Guided walking tours daily 1-4 pm

Daily longhorn cattle drive 11:30am and 4pm, weather permitting.

Admission Free, charge for certain attractions
This historic area encompasses 125 acres/50 hectares of cattle pens and renovated buildings once used during Fort Worth's cattle-boom era. A lot of the original complex remains, and you'll still occasionally see horses tied to the hitching posts that line Exchange Avenue. The 10-block district is crammed with galleries, restaurants, saloons and western shops. The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame showcases history's top cowboys and cowgirls. Visitors can also get a taste of the past when a herd of legendary longhorns—descendants of cattle Christopher Columbus brought over from Spain—are driven through each day at 11:30 am and 4 pm, weather permitting. Horseback and carriage rides are available.

Cattle Raiser Museum

1301 West Seventh Street

Fort Worth, Texas

817-332-8551
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission Charged

Discover the true story of the cattle and ranching industry in the Southwest. Talking mannequins, interactive exhibits, and authentic artifacts give you an up-close look at cattlemen, cowboys, ranch hands, and rustlers. The museum is also home to the largest documented branding iron collection in the world. It's an entertaining experience for the entire family.

The Tarantula Train
Depot locations: Grapevine Cotton Belt Depot, Main St. and Fort Worth Stockyards Station, 140 E. Exchange Ave.

817-625-RAIL or 800-952-5717
Train operates Wednesday – Sunday, call for additional information

Admission Charged

Tracing the trails once used by cowboys and ranch hands to herd cattle, this restored steam train takes passengers on a ride in true-to-the-era style. The name of the train comes from the 1873 railroad map, which showed the city as the central station with routes branching off like the legs of a spider. The train uses an 1896 steam locomotive, nicknamed "Puffy," that pulls four 1925-day coaches. It tours approximately 21 miles of the "Cotton Belt Route," traveling the communities of Grapevine, Colleyville and North Richland Hills before concluding in the Stockyards.

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
111 West 4th St
Fort Worth, TX 76102-3950 

817-336-4475
Hours: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri

Admission Free

The museum is dedicated to honoring women of the American West who have displayed extraordinary courage and pioneer spirit in their trailblazing efforts.

Cowtown Coliseum
121 E. Exchange Ave.

Stockyards National Historic District

Fort Worth, 76106

817-625-1025
Hours:  Box Office: 10am-5pm Mon-Thu; 10am-9pm Fri-Sat; Rodeo, Friday and Saturday at 8pm.

Admission Charged
Located in the Fort Worth Stockyards, the Coliseum has a tremendous history. It was the site of the first indoor rodeo, held in 1918, and the first live radio broadcast, which took place at a rodeo here in 1923.

Fort Worth Zoo

1989 Colonial Parkway (on University Drive south of I-30)
Fort Worth, TX 76110-6640 
817-759-7555
Hours: 10am-5pm Mon-Fri; 10am-6pm Sat-Sun
Admission Charged

The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo is a pioneer in using natural habitats to showcase animals. Exotic animals are kept out of cages and left to freely roam in a natural environment. At most exhibits, visitors are separated from the residents by only a river or a waterfall!

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

1501 Montgomery St
Fort Worth, TX 76107-3017 

817-732-1631
Hours: 9am-5:30pm Mon-Thu; 9am-8pm Fri-Sat; noon-5:30pm Sun
Admission Charged

This delightful collection of tactile displays encourages learning by children and adults alike. A ferocious dinosaur offers greetings in the front walkway; from there, attractive and enticing exhibits branch out in all directions. There are nine permanent galleries with themes ranging from Texas history to computers to fossils. Two of these include Dino Dig and KidSpace, specifically designed for younger children.

 

Log Cabin Village

2100 Log Cabin Village Lane
Fort Worth, TX 76109-1000 

817-926-5881
Hours: 1pm-5pm Sun; 9am-5pm Tues-Fri; 10am-5pm Sat
Admission Charged

Overview of Log Cabin Village

Located in a very woodsy section of Trinity Park, this 19th-century grouping of log cabins is a true delight. The seven fully restored cabins originated in the 1850s. Volunteers who run the operation are adept at giving demonstrations of everyday activities from days gone by including corn grinding, candle dipping, spinning and weaving.

Berger’s Lake

1200 Meandering Road
Fort Worth, TX 76114-2416

817-737-3414
Hours: 9am-8pm Sun-Sat

Admission Charged
Generations of Fort Worth families have sought relief from the hot Texas sun by diving into this cold, clear, spring-fed private lake located in northwest Fort Worth. Once a goldfish hatchery, Berger's Lake is now a one-acre, family-oriented "swimming hole" featuring tall trees, picnic tables, barbecue grills, concession stands, and tennis and volleyball courts, along with occasional sand-castle building contests and related events meant to entertain visitors.

Hurricane Harbor

1800 East Lamar Blvd
Arlington, TX 76006-7304 

Located 15 miles east of Fort Worth

817-265-3356
Hours: 10:30am-6pm daily

Admission Charged
With almost 50 acres of space, Hurricane Harbor gives you a chance to cool off or enjoy the hot Texas sun—whichever you please. The fun includes a variety of slip-sliding twists and turns on wild rides including the SeaWolf, Black Hole, Der Struka and Kamikazee. If you are a true thrill-seeker, drop six stories with the Geronimo; for something a little more sedate, try the Bubba Tub or Lazy River. The entire park is alive with music and interactive activities.

Forrest Park Miniature Train

2100 Colonial Parkway
Fort Worth, TX 76109-1027 

817-336-3328

Admission Charged
Hours: On the hour from 11am-5pm Mon-Fri; may run more frequently Sat-Sun, depending on demand.
This pretty, leisurely five-mile journey takes passengers from Forest Park through the woods, over trestles and under bridges, on to the duck pond at Trinity Park and back.

Six Flags Over Texas
2201 Road to Six Flags
Arlington, TX 76011-5157 

Located 15 miles east of Fort Worth

817-640-8900
Open Hours: Hours vary seasonally. Call the park for specific times.
Admission Charged
This huge amusement park serves up thrills and chills with a distinctly Texan flair.  Sections of the park are named for each of the six nations that have governed Texas. There are more than 100 different rides and attractions, including the new Titan roller coaster, which reaches a speed of 85 miles per hour. Other Texas-themed attractions include the Texas Giant (one of the largest wooden roller coasters in the world), the Texas Chute-Out, the Oil Derrick and the Texas Tornado. Looney Tune Land offers gentler fun for small children, while those wishing to beat the heat can go inside and enjoy one of the many music and magic shows scattered throughout the park.

NRH20

9001 Grapevine Highway
North Richland Hills, TX 76180-5629 

Located 13 miles northeast of Fort Worth

817-656-6500
Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

A manmade river twists and turns through trees and flowers at this 17-acre water park, a perfect spot for children of all ages. One highlight is Green Extreme, a water roller coaster measuring 65 feet tall and 1,161 feet long. With its myriad twists and turns, this ride—deemed the world's largest uphill water coaster—is everyone's favorite. The Endless River offers the opportunity for a relaxing ride on a lazy summer day, while NRH2Ocean is a 12,000-square-foot wave pool that all will enjoy. On Friday nights, "dive-in" movies are shown on a screen that is readily viewable from anywhere in this pool.

 

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

2155 County Road 2008
Glen Rose, TX 76043-6117 

Located 55 miles southwest of Fort Worth

254-897-2960
Hours: 9am until two hours before sunset daily

Admission Charged
This exotic ranch is a bit like flying to Africa and heading off on safari to see wild animals up close and personal—except you never have to leave Fort Worth. Embark on the 9.5-mile self-guided tour where you will see giraffes, rhinos, tigers, ostriches, zebras, and a variety of other animals roaming savannas, wooded hills and valleys.

Dinosaur Valley State Park
FM 205 & Park Road 59
Glen Rose, TX 76043 

Located 55 miles southwest of Fort Worth

800-792-1112
Hours: 8am-10pm daily
Admission Charged

With some of the best dinosaur tracks in the world, Dinosaur Valley State Park is a great place for fossil enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The 1,500-acre park along the Paluxy River in Glen Rose is a great place to spend the day hiking among the limestone, sandstone, and mudstone deposited nearly 113 million years ago. You will be amazed at the two fiberglass dinosaur replicas—the 70-foot Apatosaurus and the 45-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Arlington Skatium

5515 South Cooper St
Arlington, TX 76017-4403 

Located 15 miles east of Fort Worth

817-784-6222
Hours: 1pm-6pm Mon-Fri; 7pm-11pm Fri; 11am-10pm Sat; 1pm-6pm Sun

Admission Charged
Located in Arlington, midway between Dallas and Fort Worth. Shiny hard wood, maple floors, a video arcade, full concession stand and a variety of fun and exciting music make this a great place to take the entire family for an afternoon of fun. Both traditional four wheeled skates and inline skates are available at this favorite skating venue.

Adventure World

7451 Starnes Road
North Richland Hills, TX 76180-2802 

Located 13 miles northeast of Fort Worth

817-581-5760
Open Hours: Dawn-dusk daily

Admission Free
The park was designed specifically with handicapped children in mind. A wood fiber material that is hard enough for wheelchairs, yet soft enough to minimize the effects of falls is found throughout the park. There are several playground areas for children of different ages and ramps, instead of stairs, lead to the equipment. Access points allow children to climb on the equipment from their wheelchairs.

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
9601 Fossil Ridge Road
Fort Worth, TX 76135-9148 

817-237-1111
Hours: Park hours: 9am-5pm Daily; Building hours: 9am-4:30pm Tue-Sat; noon-5pm Sun

Admission Free
A 3,500-acre refuge for animals and indigenous plants. Part of the Greer Island Nature Center, this area has unique trails, scenic pastures and educational exhibits. Herds of buffalo and white-tailed deer roam the refuge. Other animals residing inside the refuge include a "town" of prairie dogs.

Vintage Flying Museum

505 Northwest 38 St
Fort Worth, TX 76106-4386 

817-624-1935
Hours: 10am-5pm Sat; noon-5pm Sun
Admission Charged

The centerpiece of this fascinating collection of antique warbirds is the B-17 Flying Fortress, nicknamed "Chuckie." The B-17 Flying Fortress was used during World War II against the Nazis; Chuckie is reportedly one of the few surviving planes of its type. 20 or so other airplanes, as well as a jeep and the Texas Air Command's helicopters, share the restored B-29 hangar with Chuckie, while display cases show off model planes and war artifacts.

 

Fort Worth Herd

131 East Exchange
Fort Worth, TX 76106-8212 

817-336-4373
Hours: 11:30am-4pm daily
Admission Free

For a real taste of the Old West, come by the Stockyards area any afternoon and you will be treated to a mini-cattle drive sponsored by the City of Fort Worth. Fort Worth is proud of its Cowtown moniker, and wants to give tourists and locals alike a chance to see real cowboys and cattle in action. The cowboys dress in authentic turn-of-the-century clothing, and use period saddles and equipment. The cattle begin from their pen behind the Livestock Exchange Building at 11:30am daily and travel along Exchange Avenue to Mule Alley. There they graze for a few hours and return to the pen at 4pm.