Skip the tourist hot spots on your next day trip, and check out these other awesome things to do in Fort Worth.
Home of the Texas Longhorn cattle—and some of the best barbecue in the state—Fort Worth is an iconic Texas city. Where else can you see a twice-daily cattle drive and shop for authentic cowboy boots? (It’s not called Cowtown for nothing, y’all!)
Of course, there are many well-known hotspots here, such as the Fort Worth Stockyards, Billy Bob’s Texas, and the Fort Worth Zoo. But there are also plenty of hidden gems and other wonderful things to do in Fort Worth. From going geocaching in the beautiful Trinity Trails to seeing unique Lego creations placed throughout the Fort Worth Water Gardens, drinking at a local speakeasy or going horseback riding, visiting Fort Worth is so much fun.
If you are looking for a few things to do in Fort Worth that are off the beaten path, we’ve got you covered—all you need is a comfy pair of shoes and a sense of adventure.
1. The Trinity Trails Geocaching Adventure
Location: Various locations around Trinity Trails
Go treasure hunting in Fort Worth with the Trinity Trails Geocaching Adventure. If you’ve never been geocaching before, that’s OK. You’ll use your phone to navigate specific GPS coordinates to find a container with a real-life prize inside, which you can swap with a trinket of your own.
While hunting, you’ll get to see some of the prettiest areas around Trinity Trails, which is made up of over 100 miles of trails and waterways to explore.
2. Benbrook Stables
Location: 10001 Benbrook Boulevard
Speaking of trails, you must go on a trail ride at Benbrook Stables to live out your Western movie dreams. Make a reservation at this family-owned equestrian center to go horseback riding along a variety of areas—along the lake or across a creek, and through rugged terrain.
Even kids at least 8 years old can join the ride, making this a fun activity for the whole fam. (And if you wanted to get a photo showing off your cowboy hat and boots, this is the perfect opportunity!)
3. Fort Worth Water Gardens
Location: 1502 Commerce Street
Imagine stumbling upon a beautiful water oasis in the middle of the desert—that’s what it’s like to visit the Fort Worth Water Gardens in the midst of this Texas heat! Located in the middle of Downtown Fort Worth, this stunning urban park is full of cascading waters, a wet wall, and several pools designed for reflection and peace.
Keep in mind: This is not a place for swimming. This is a cool, architectural area to walk around, sit and enjoy the sounds of rushing water, and write or read away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
4. Twin Points Park
Location: 10000 Open Range Drive
Don’t worry, Fort Worth also has a spot where you can jump into the water—and you won’t believe you’re still in the city. Twin Points Park has a fabulous Swim Beach (open through Labor Day). Swim, kayak, or paddleboard on Eagle Mountain Lake, build sandcastles on the beach, and picnic under shaded pavilions.
5. BBQ and Brewery Tour
Location: Various locations throughout Fort Worth
Working up an appetite? Don’t settle for just one restaurant when you could try several with the BBQ and Brewery Tour. Not only will you get to try some of the best barbecue in Cowtown, including smoked brisket, melt-in-your-mouth ribs, and other meats, but you’ll also get to visit local craft breweries.
This entire tour is more than just good food and drinks—although you’ll get that in spades—but it’s also a way to learn about Fort Worth culture and discover some amazing establishments that you might never have stumbled across on your own.
6. Thompson’s Book Store
Location: 900 Houston Street
Don’t head to Thompson’s Book Store if you are actually looking to buy books. This is actually a (not-so) secret speakeasy! The four-floor establishment includes a cigar lounge, a cool room filled with antique books, and more prohibition-inspired details that make it such a cool place to hang out, drink cocktails, and take a special mixology class for a unique date night.
One happy customer reviewed the place on TripAdvisor, writing, “Drinks were great and the vibe is incredible.” What more could you want out of a bar?
7. Coyote Drive-In
Location: 23 Northeast 4th Street
Head back in time at the Coyote Drive-In, the only place of its kind in Fort Worth. For those unfamiliar (AKA, too young to remember drive-ins), this is a movie theater that shows brand-new films that you watch from the comfort of your own car.
A drive-in is a total experience, from getting cozy with a date to walking around to get high-quality snacks that a regular movie theater could never reciprocate (think wagyu sliders and funnel cakes in addition to popcorn). There is also a playground for energetic kids, a pet-friendly environment, and live music on the weekends.
8. Hunt for Cowtown Murals
Location: Throughout Fort Worth
You don’t have to visit a museum to see fantastic artwork in Fort Worth. That’s because there are so many beautiful murals located throughout Cowtown that are just as exciting to see as they are to search for.
Some of the cool murals you can find—and take photos in front of for your Instagram, obviously—include the “Ground Murals” by Katie Murray, “I’m Going to be Something One of the Days,” by Kyle Steed, and “If you are here, you are awesome,” promoting the city of Fort Worth. Hunting for all these colorful backdrops will show you new spots around Fort Worth and give you plenty of photo mementos.
9. Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! Made with Lego
Location: 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard
OK, so the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens isn’t technically off the beaten path, but Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! Made with Lego exhibit is totally new. Bring the kids to discover the 40+ animal sculptures made entirely of Lego bricks—over 800,000 Legos in all—throughout the pretty gardens.
The colorful panther, fox, mama bear with her cub, and other creatures are on full display throughout the nature areas. This impressive and pretty installation will only be on display through Sept. 7, so don’t wait too long to visit.
