Fort Worth is where the West begins, and once the fall breeze rolls in, it’s one of the best places in Texas for a family weekend. Where else can you watch longhorns stroll down a brick street in the morning and wander a world-class art museum in the afternoon?
Grab your boots (and your walking shoes). Here’s how to spend a fun-filled weekend in Fort Worth.
Watch the Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive
This is the moment everyone waits for. Twice a day, at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., real cowhands drive a herd of Texas longhorns down Exchange Avenue in the Fort Worth Stockyards. It’s free, it’s quick, and kids absolutely love it.
Good to know: The best viewing spot is in front of the Livestock Exchange Building at 131 East Exchange Avenue. The drives run daily, weather permitting, but take a break on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
Cowhands guide Texas longhorns down Exchange Avenue during the Fort Worth Herd cattle drive. Photo: Lyndi & Jason via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Explore the Stockyards National Historic District
After the cattle drive, stick around and explore. The Stockyards are packed with Western wear shops, historic brick buildings, and plenty of spots to grab a bite. It’s the perfect place to shop for a new cowboy hat or snap a family photo with a longhorn backdrop.
Catch the Stockyards Championship Rodeo
Want to see some real cowboy skills? The Stockyards Championship Rodeo takes place at the historic Cowtown Coliseum on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m., with some matinee shows too. Expect bull riding, barrel racing, and plenty of cheering. Check the schedule and grab tickets before you go.
Spend a Day in the Cultural District
Fort Worth’s Cultural District is home to several outstanding museums, all close to one another.
- Kimbell Art Museum: Designed by architect Louis Kahn, the Kimbell is known for its stunning building and its collection. General admission to the permanent collection is free, though special exhibitions may have a fee.
- Amon Carter Museum of American Art: Another free museum, featuring American art, including works from the American West.
- Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: A hands-on favorite for families, with exhibits that spark curiosity at every age.
- National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame: This museum honors the women who shaped the American West, from ranchers to rodeo stars.
The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth’s Cultural District. Photo: Carol M. Highsmith via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Stroll the Fort Worth Botanic Garden
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a peaceful escape with themed gardens spread across the grounds. Don’t miss the Japanese Garden, with its koi ponds, stone paths, and quiet corners that feel worlds away from the city. Fall is a lovely time to visit as the weather cools.
The dry landscape garden at the Fort Worth Japanese Garden. Photo: Michael Barera via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
More Family Favorites
- Fort Worth Zoo: A family classic with animals from around the world.
- Fort Worth Water Gardens: A striking downtown park with terraced pools and cascading water.
- Sundance Square: Downtown’s lively plaza, surrounded by shops and family-friendly places to eat.
Where to Stay in Fort Worth
Stay near the Stockyards for an easy walk to the cattle drive, or base yourself downtown or near the Cultural District for quick access to the museums. Vacation rentals are a great fit for families who want extra space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Fort Worth Stockyards cattle drive?
The Fort Worth Herd cattle drive takes place daily at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., weather permitting. It does not run on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
Is the cattle drive free?
Yes. Watching the cattle drive is free, and no reservations are needed.
Which Fort Worth museums are free?
The Kimbell Art Museum offers free general admission to its permanent collection, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art is also free. Special exhibitions may have a fee.
Is Fort Worth good for families?
Absolutely. Between the cattle drive, the rodeo, hands-on museums, the zoo, and the gardens, there’s something for every age.
Yeehaw, Y’all
Fort Worth blends cowboy history and big-city culture in a way only Texas can. Pack the family, catch the cattle drive, and make a few memories in Cowtown this fall.
Keep Exploring Texas
- Dig into the Best Outdoor Activities in Fort Worth
- Best Fairs in Texas: A Celebration of Food, Fun, and Everything Bigger
- Urban Adventures for Modern Families: The Best of Uptown Dallas + Splash-Worthy Escapes Nearby
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