10 Free Things to Do in Fort Worth

There are tons of free things to do and see in Fort Worth, and many are perfect activities for the whole family to enjoy. From free museum tours to free live events, Fort Worth offers some amazing opportunities to get out and about. Enjoy what our city has to offer with these 10 free things to do in Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden offers a GROW Membership, which gives you free access to the Botanic Garden along with over 300 other public gardens, member events, and educational activities through the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT). The Botanic Garden features more than 2,500 different plant species within 23 specialty garden areas. Stroll through the Japanese garden and enjoy the koi ponds, sculptures, stonework, and waterfalls, or take in the tropical flora within the Botanic Garden’s conservatory.

Monnig Meteorite Museum

Go on a space exploration right in downtown Fort Worth at the Monnig Meteorite Museum and Gallery. This facility houses a meteorite collection featuring over 3,000 samples of 2,300 different kinds of meteorites and hosts several exhibits. The Monnig Meteorite Museum also accepts meteorite samples for analysis, so if you think you have one of these space rocks, the experts at the museum will take a look at your find. The museum also hosts educational events, classes, and group tours, all for free to the public.

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is another one of the unique museums in Fort Worth — and the only one of its kind in the world — that is dedicated to the trailblazing spirit and courage of the historical women who helped pioneer the West. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits, permanent artifact collections, traveling exhibits, and two theaters for educational shows. The museum also houses a research library and archive of more than 4,000 artifacts and records of more than 750 women.

Fort Worth Water Gardens

Image via Pixabay by Tina Shaw

The Fort Worth Water Gardens is a unique urban feature located in Downtown, adjacent to the Fort Worth Convention Center. The Water Gardens are an architectural art form designed by Phillip Johnson and consist of a variety of different water features to create a relaxing urban area. Waterfalls, steps, and fountains blend together for a one-of-a-kind experience. The Gardens also feature three main water pools: the Aerating Pool, Quiet Pool, and the Active Pool. For a truly relaxing experience, visit the shady sanctuary where the Quiet Pool sits, and enjoy the serenity of this unique urban oasis.

River Legacy Parks

River Legacy Parks is a nonprofit organization caring for and maintaining the Trinity River and conservation areas. The River Legacy Park features a collection of 18 miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, lookout areas, playgrounds, and launch areas for canoes and kayaks. The River Legacy Living Science Center features interactive exhibits about the environment and unique ecosystems of the Trinity River, and you can explore the aquariums and terrariums that are home to native Texas species. You can also walk the nature trails and enjoy the pond, both located in the back of the Living Science Center.

Heritage Trails

Heritage Trails is a unique spot in Sundance Square right in the heart of downtown Fort Worth. This free attraction is an educational way to exercise along the walking trails because it features numerous bronze markers placed in different spots throughout Downtown that tell the stories of Fort Worth’s history. Learn about the growth of the city, the people, and the pioneers who were part of making Fort Worth what it is today. Local businesses help fund the maintenance and ongoing care of the trails, which consist of some of the prettiest walking areas in Downtown.

Airfield Falls Trailhead

Located in Westworth Village and minutes from downtown Fort Worth, the Airfield Falls Trailhead features the county’s largest natural waterfall and is home to important native species, including monarch butterflies. You can start your adventure by learning about the historical events of the area, including a view of the remnants of a C-9 aircraft hull. Sit under the shade of the oaks and other tree species, and you can even find areas around the park for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking.

Kimbell Art Museum

The Kimbell Art Museum features a variety of permanent art collections and traveling exhibitions in its two buildings. The museum is home to works of art from all over the world, including historical and period pieces from artists such as Francesco Guardi. The museum also houses sculptures, conservation projects, and modern and contemporary paintings. You can also spot conservation at work with the many antique paintings that museum staff help restore.

Molly the Trolley

Molly the Trolley is an excellent (and free) way to travel conveniently throughout downtown Fort Worth. Molly is a vintage-style trolley car that runs between Sundance Square and the Fort Worth Convention Center, making stops by downtown landmarks, hotels, restaurants, shops, and more. Molly runs on a 15-minute pick-up and drop-off schedule every day of the week. So if you want to enjoy the pleasure of riding in vintage transportation and the sights and sounds of downtown Fort Worth, Molly the Trolley is a great way to do it.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

For a truly unique experience, head to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing where you can see American coins and currency being printed and minted. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is an amazing opportunity for learning about our nation’s currency and minting process, and this free activity is an excellent activity for the entire family.

These 10 free activities list is a great starting point to enjoying everything the Fort Worth locale has to offer. Each activity is completely free of cost, but you may encounter parking meters. If you know of more free activities and events, get in touch with Hiley Mazda so we can add to the list!