This is a great way to experience Fort Worth's history. Fort Worth Stockyards was once the second-largest cattle market in the world. Renovated for tourism in 1976, the district brims with entertainment, including restaurants, shopping and Wild West performances. Events include the Chishold Trail Round-up, held annually in June, and the Fort Worth Stockshow and Rodeo, held annually beginning in January. Visit Stockyards Station, where there is even a small children's amusement park.
As its name implies, Scat Jazz Lounge is a live music venue specializing in jazz performances. This 1920's speakeasy style lounge features an interior combination of swank and retro decor, making it easy to imagine you really are drinking at a Prohibition Era joint. The place is literally underground; you have to take an elevator down below ground level to get in. Once inside, the jazzy performances, stiff drinks and classy, retro elegance make this a juice joint worth coming back to.
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, Burger'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. Slide down the 20-foot (6-meter) waterslide or check out the trapeze for "swinging" and "dropping." This is the perfect spot on a summer day!
This delightful collection of tactile displays encourages learning for children and adults alike. A ferocious dinosaur offers greetings in the front walkway; 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 kid space, specifically designed for younger children. One of the most popular attractions is the Omni Theater, an IMAX theater that shows 70mm films on a huge screen. The noble planetarium presents programs on astrology.
Rodeo Exchange has been in business since 1986, which makes it somewhat of an institution around these parts. Come on Tuesday nights for free dance lessons — just don't forget your cowboy hat. Famous for their low-price drinks, Rodeo Exchange offers a number of drink specials, including happy hour until 8p and Friday Ladies Nights. Fridays and Saturdays feature live music, mostly country, from acts ranging from local favorites to national stars like Trace Adkins. Fun times, cheap drinks and good old fashioned country tunes make this club a hoot.
Often referred to as "The Entertainment Capital of Texas," Six Flags offers 200 acres (809,371 square meters) of rides, shows and attractions. For many years, this family amusement park has delighted Texans and others from around the world. Favorites include the 109-foot-tall (33 meters) "Batman the Ride," which travels up to 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour) and exciting re-creations of the Wild West complete with gunslingers in an action-filled street shootout. Rates and seasonal hours vary, especially in winter.