Top Rated Attractions in Ft. Worth

Fragrant and serene, Fort Worth's Botanical Gardens offer beautiful trails and garden exhibits in one of the oldest and largest natural settings in North Texas. An extensive greenhouse area, housed in the garden's conservatory, showcases tropical plants and exotic birds in colorful settings. The Japanese Garden, a popular attraction among visitors, is tranquil and perfect for relaxation or contemplation. Special events abound throughout the year, such as the annual spring butterflies in the garden, with more than 6,000 butterflies adding color to the already magnificent setting.

A mosaic of rolling prairies, scenic woodlands, and green pastures, Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is located 10 miles northwest of downtown Fort Worth. It is a 3,621-acre (1,465 hectares) refuge for animals and indigenous plants. This area has unique trails which delight avid hikers and immersive educational exhibits which make for a fun and informative perusal for all ages. Herds of buffalo and white-tailed deer roam the refuge. Birdwatchers will enjoy identifying the varied bird species flitting about the area. A visit to this refuge is ideal for a day-long outdoor family adventure.

Since 1997, this huge stadium with an oval track 1.5 miles (2.41 kilometers) in circumference and more than 150,000 seats in the Grandstand alone has provided racing lovers with all the thrills they could hope for. This is the second largest racing venue in the United States, behind the Indianapolis 500 Speedway. Events at Texas Motor Speedway include major NASCAR races, car shows and the Thursday Night Stampede, a weekly showcase of local racers. Speedway World offers souvenirs as well as tours of the speedway. The cafeteria is open on racing nights, and the onsite camping grounds can accommodate 6,000 people.

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. On most occasions, visitors are separated from the residents by only a river or a waterfall! Special exhibits include the world of primates, African Savannah, Asian falls and Texas wild. An onsite restaurant serves hamburgers, fries, pizza and BBQ, while a canopy of magnificent oak trees provides shelter from the hot Texas sun.

Founded in 1975 in the small panhandle town of Hereford, National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame was later moved to Fort Worth. It offers a distinct perspective on the role of women in the West. Beginning in the settling days and progressing through the modern times, this collection is solely dedicated to the lives of these exemplary women. More than 100 women are currently honored, while new honorees are added each year. Most notable are artist Georgia O'Keefe, singer Patsy Cline, actress Dale Evans Rogers, hatmaker Sheila Kirkpatrick, and barrel racer Martha Josey.

Located north of Six Flags on Green Oaks Boulevard in Arlington, this park offers something for everyone. There are areas for hiking, biking and inline skating. Four miles of paved trails wind in and out of the playground and greenbelt areas of this 958-acre (388-hectare) park. Eventually, Arlington hopes to connect this park to Dallas and Fort Worth via the Trinity River trail. Each Saturday, the River Legacy Park sponsors a guided trail hike. The River Legacy Living Science Center gives presentations on nature to promote ecological appreciation.