How To Stay Cool This Summer in Fort Worth

The Texas summer is as legendary as the Lone Star state itself. From scoring temperatures in the 90s to seemingly endless sunny days, it’s a challenge to keep cool. Take advantage of these tips and stay refreshed this season in Fort Worth.

Go Museum Hopping

Destinations like the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame beckon residents with their air-conditioned halls. Some institutions even offer free admission on Sundays and loads of perks for members.

Browse galleries filled with exhibitions showcasing works of art, such as the extraordinary range of bronze, ceramic, and metalwork pieces you’ll find in Rockefeller’s Asia society collection on display at Kimbell. Learn all about cowgirls and wild west shows when you take a trip to the Cowgirl Museum. Consider visiting one museum a week all summer. If you need ideas, pick from this list of premier institutions:

• Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
• Fort Worth Aviation Museum
• Amon Carter Museum of American Art
• Sid Richardson Museum
• Stockyards Museum

Play Video Games

Many of us enjoy loads of free time over the summer, and there’s something about warm weather that makes us all feel young again. Why not climb aboard a virtual time machine and while the night away at an old school arcade?

In addition to cool games and a relaxed atmosphere, Free Play Arcade in Fort Worth is a hip hangout that offers retro arcade games, pinball machines, and a menu filled with delicious grub. Order a craft beer and take a trip back in time at this industrial-style pub where the whole family is welcome to sip an icy beverage and rack up the points on the leader board.

Tornado Terry’s in nearby Keller is another place for all-you-can-play family-fun for just $15. It touts video games, air hockey, and billiard tables.

Splash Around

Don’t let the heat stop you from enjoying the outdoors. Some of the best activities to dive into during a Fort Worth summer are on the water. Take a dip in the chilly waters of the Trinity River. Grab a tube and something icy to drink, then float your cares away under a bright blue sky.

If sharing the water with fish isn’t your style, an urban setting may be more up your alley. Grab the kids and head to the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Located near the convention center, it’s one of the city’s most notable attractions. This calm and refreshing oasis descends below street level and serves as a serene sanctuary from the scorching world around it. Designed by  Philip Johnson, this impressive structure is an architectural marvel featuring three shady pools of water.

If a neighborhood splash pad sounds like heaven on a hot summer day, head to Sycamore Water Park. It’s open daily between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. You don’t have to be under 4 feet tall to enjoy its many amenities. Slather on the sunscreen and add to the giggles as you and the kids splash under a variety of fountains.

Dance the Night Away

If you love country music and line dancing, get out of the heat at Billy Bob’s Texas. This beloved venue offers free lessons most Thursday nights, or head to Guitars and Cadillacs. It’s one of Fort Worth’s top dance halls with a modern nightclub vibe, loads of lights, four bars, and nightly drink specials. Order a frozen margarita to help cool you down after two-stepping across the dance floor.

Consider taking a class at Dance With Me. Champion and celebrity performers founded this Fort Worth studio and gives residents a choice of private or group dance lessons designed for beginners and above. Learn practically any style of dance you choose, from a waltz to hip hop, and stay out of the sun.

Sign up for a Workshop

How can you fill up those days with cool moments and not break the bank? Bass Pro Shops offers its customers free workshops every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday all summer long. Families can learn how to cast a reel or complete various craft projects inside their climate-controlled stores. Sign up for these fun activities on their website.

You’re never too old to learn something new. Adults can sign up for workshops, too. Art and Seek offers plenty of ways to stay comfortable in the classroom, with topics like photography, drawing, lettering, and even performing arts, such as comedy improv. If you don’t want to brave a ride to class in your stuffy car, never fear. This school touts a catalog of virtual programs you can do from the comfort of your home.

Have you always dreamed of learning to play a musical instrument? Creative Soul Music School is the perfect way to spend those sultry summer days. Pick up the guitar, violin, or drums at the largest music school in the area.

Catch a Flick

Your new Mazda’s A/C system will keep you cool at the movies. Snuggle up with your sweetheart at Fort Worth’s Coyote Drive-In. Catch a double feature while you munch on snacks and sip a local brew, or head indoors to the AMC located in Clearfork shopping complex.

Escape the heat at this unique dine-in movie theater. It provides guests with reclining chairs, and restaurant-quality meals all rolled into one cool experience. Watch your favorite flicks on the big screen at this modern movie house and enjoy handcrafted food such as artisan flatbread pizzas, chicken finger bowls with fries, and hearty burgers.

Combine learning, movies, and crisp temperatures, and what do you get? The Omni Theater at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Have a seat in front of an eight-story tall screen and experience a breathtaking iMax show.

There you go! Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth just provided you with a long list of ways to stay cool this summer in Fort Worth. How do you and your family combat summer temperatures in Texas each year? Let us know! We would love to share your recommendations with other residents.