Fondly known as "Cowtown," Forth Worth, Texas, is a thriving city of pure country bliss. From the famous Fort Worth Stockyards, where you can watch one of two daily cattle drives, to the world's only year-round rodeo (weekends only), Dallas' sister city is sure to excite any family ready for day trips from Fort Worth.
The city is half of the Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) metroplex, which is actually a misnomer from 1971 when the airport of the same name was founded. Whether you are road tripping through the area or live in the city, check out our list of the eight best day trips from Fort Worth for a family-friendly adventure in Texas.
The downtown area features plenty of ways to make it a great day out with the family, from art galleries to outdoor activities along the Trinity River.
8 Family-Friendly Day Trips from Forth Worth
But if you are looking for a weekend getaway or a fun Texan day trip for the family, we have you covered! From small towns to out-of-state adventures to walking in dinosaur footprints to some of the best ice creams ever, these family-friendly escapades are sure to leave you smiling.
1. Endless Fun in Waco
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Located an hour and a half drive south of Fort Worth, Waco is a great selection to spend time with the family. Home for Baylor University and the Dr. Pepper Museum, Waco is also the birthplace of HGTV's Fixer Upper and Chip and Joanna Gaines. Take a tour and shop through the silos at Magnolia Market. Or head to the Waco Mammoth National Monument, a paleontological, historical site where 24 fossils of Columbian mammoths are found.
2. Walk in Dinosaur Footprints in Glen Rose
Did you know that the Lone Star State is home to real-life dinosaur footprints? Located a one-hour drive away from the city in Glen Rose, Dinosaur Valley State Park offers a one-of-a-kind experience for the kids (as well as adults)! In addition to the dinosaur tracks, you can also spend time on the biking and hiking trails in the Paluxy River valley.
3. Fun in the Sun on Lake Granbury
A short drive from the city, Lake Granbury is a dammed lake on the beautiful Brazo River that offers family-friend outdoor fun for all. This north Texas reservoir offers 103 miles of shoreline and is perfect for boating, launching kayaks, or sunbathing. The kids will love the butterfly park at the Action Nature Center.
4. Road Trip to Wichita Falls
RELATED: 7 Family-Friendly Adventures Just Outside of Austin, Texas
Another excellent day trip for the family is 2 hours away in the city of Wichita Falls. There is so much to do in this north Texas town, including Castaway Cove Waterpark, Lake Arrowhead State Park, Maniac's Mansion, and the Museum of North Texas History. Pick a few of these fun attractions and pack up the car!
5. Explore the Piney Woods
For a fabulous escape to nature, drive to the piney woods of east Texas. Plan a camping trip to the beautiful Tyler State Park, which offers an outdoor haven for fishing, hiking, biking, and other recreational activities.
6. Shop & Dine in Grapevine
Just a half-hour drive from Fort Worth is the suburb of Grapevine, which features its' historic downtown strip with over 80 locally-owned businesses. Take the kids on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad or take a tour of Nash Farm. Spend a day boating on Lake Grapevine and make a stop at the famous 200,000 square-foot Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World.
7. Hike to a Waterfall at Turner Falls State Park
A 2-hour road trip north of town leads you to the small town of Davis, Oklahoma, where you can visit the gorgeous Turner Falls State Park. This outdoor oasis boasts refreshing swimming holes, the Arbuckle Mountains, and the largest waterfall in the state of Oklahoma. Adventurous families can take a ride on the 777-foot zip line!
8. A Weekend in the Live Music Capital
The state capital city of Texas, Austin, is an ideal choice for one of the best day trips from Fort Worth. Take the kids to Zilker Park, catch a Texas Longhorns' sports game, eat legendary BBQ, and top it off with some famous Amy's Ice Cream. If you have an extra day or two to spare, take a scenic drive through the Hill Country of central Texas.
Honorable Mentions
Yes, they even make day trips bigger in Texas. Here's a quick list of other possible day trips from Fort Worth that the whole family can enjoy! (And then you can drop the kids off with the grandparents and hit up one of the dozens of nearby wineries or boutiques.)
- Horseback riding at Lake Murray
- Browsing the First Monday Trade Day in Canton
- Diving at the Athens Scuba Park
Have you been on one of these Ft. Worth day trips? Share your journey on our Wide Open Roads Facebook!
