Day Trips from Fort Worth, Texas

Location:

Grapevine, TX

Highlights:

Planning a day trip that’s fun for both grown-ups and kids? You’ll love Grapevine—a charming town that mixes wine country vibes with family-friendly attractions.

We Recommend This For:

Families, wine lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a fun outing near Dallas-Fort Worth.

What we Love:

Urban Wine Trail tastings, the annual Grapefest, and top-notch kid-friendly attractions like SEA LIFE and Legoland.

• Explore the Urban Wine Trail, featuring seven winery tasting rooms offering local pours right in town.
• Visit Nash Farm for hands-on pioneer life experiences that kids will remember.
• Ride the historic Grapevine Vintage Railroad, perfect for a touch of old-time Texas charm.
• Entertain little ones at Peppa Pig World of Play, Legoland Discovery Center, and SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium.

Distance from Fort Worth:

About 25 minutes by car, traffic depending.

How to Get to Grapevine:

From Fort Worth, head east on TX-121 N or TX-114 E toward Grapevine. It’s a straight and easy drive right into town.

Location:

Abilene, TX

Highlights:

Want to dive into Texas history with wide-open skies all around? Head to Abilene—a small city packed with rich stories and engaging museums just a short drive from Fort Worth.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, museum lovers, families, and travelers interested in Texas heritage and culture.

What we Love:

Immersive storytelling at Frontier Texas, beautifully preserved historic buildings, and kid-friendly fun at the Abilene Zoo.

• Visit Frontier Texas, where holographic tech brings the state’s frontier history vividly to life.
• Explore the Taylor County History Center with 15+ restored buildings filled with period artifacts.
• See the iconic ruins of Fort Phantom Hill and learn about 19th-century military life on the Texas frontier.
• Enjoy family time at the Abilene Zoo or browse regional artwork at The Grace Museum.

Distance from Fort Worth:

Around 2 hours and 30 minutes west by car.

How to Get to Abilene:

Take I-20 W from Fort Worth straight into Abilene. The drive is scenic and simple, following the interstate nearly the entire way.

Location:

Addison, TX

Highlights:

Looking for a quick getaway packed with great eats, cool art, and aviation fun? Addison is just the spot—easy to reach and full of surprises.

We Recommend This For:

Families, foodies, art lovers, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone craving a casual day trip with variety.

What we Love:

Public art all over town, endless dining options, and unique experiences like helicopter tours and aviation museums.

• Admire dozens of public art installations while exploring Addison on foot.
• Dine at top-rated restaurants, cafés, and coffee shops—many conveniently located in Galleria Dallas and Village on Parkway.
• Visit the Cavanaugh Flight Museum to see vintage aircraft and aviation exhibits up close.
• Experience breathtaking views on a family-friendly helicopter tour with Epic Helicopters.

Distance from Fort Worth:

About 45 minutes northeast by car, depending on traffic.

How to Get to Addison:

From Fort Worth, take TX-121 N or I-635 E toward Addison. Follow signs to Galleria Dallas or Belt Line Road for the heart of the action.

Location:

Athens, TX

Highlights:

Want to shake things up with a unique Texas day trip? Athens delivers freshwater fun, scenic beauty, and unexpected adventures—just 90 minutes from Fort Worth.

We Recommend This For:

Families, scuba enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and anyone curious about East Texas charm with a twist.

What we Love:

Feeding fish at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, diving in a lake of sunken treasures, and ziplining through East Texas hills.

• Tour the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and watch divers hand-feed native fish in giant tanks.
• Dive into adventure at Athens Scuba Park, a spring-fed lake filled with sunken boats, aircraft, and cool underwater challenges.
• Stroll through the East Texas Arboretum, home to walking trails, native plants, and peaceful gardens.
• Zip across the treetops with New York Texas Zipline Adventures, or enjoy a tasting at Tara Vineyard and Winery.

Distance from Fort Worth:

About 1 hour and 30 minutes southwest by car.

How to Get to Athens:

Take US-287 S from Fort Worth, then merge onto TX-19 S toward Athens. The drive is smooth and scenic through rolling countryside.

Location:

Canton, TX

Highlights:

If treasure hunting sounds like your kind of fun, Canton is the place to be—especially during its legendary First Monday Trade Days. You’ll want to arrive early and bring comfy shoes for this massive, can’t-miss flea market experience.

We Recommend This For:

Antique lovers, bargain hunters, families, and anyone who enjoys small-town charm with big weekend energy.

What we Love:

The sprawling First Monday Trade Days, peaceful lakeside fishing, and waterpark fun that keeps everyone smiling.

• Shop thousands of vendor stalls at the famous First Monday Trade Days—held the weekend before the first Monday each month.
• Browse antiques, home décor, vintage treasures, handcrafted furniture, artwork, and more from vendors across Texas and beyond.
• Relax with fishing at Mill Creek Reservoir and Old City Lake, both great for casting a line or picnicking.
• Play at Splash Kingdom Waterpark or hit the green for a casual round of golf when the markets are quiet.

Distance from Fort Worth:

Around 1 hour and 45 minutes east by car.

How to Get to Canton:

Take I-20 E from Fort Worth toward Canton. Exit at TX-64 or TX-19 depending on where you'd like to start your adventure.

Romantic Day Trips from Fort Worth:

Location:

Fort Worth, TX

Highlights:

Ready to saddle up and step into true Texas tradition? At Stockyards Stables, you can ride the historic Chisholm Trail with skyline views and cowboy spirit just minutes from downtown.

We Recommend This For:

Families, first-time riders, equestrian fans, and anyone chasing a classic Western adventure in Fort Worth.

What we Love:

Peaceful rides along the Trinity River, adorable petting zoo encounters, and that unforgettable Longhorn photo-op.

• Ride the Old Chisholm Trail on a 30- or 60-minute guided trail ride, perfect for soaking up riverside views and Fort Worth charm.
• Let kids (ages 3+) enjoy their own 10-minute arena ride in a safe, relaxed environment.
• Visit the on-site petting zoo for hands-on animal fun—always a favorite with younger visitors.
• Strike a pose atop a calm, camera-ready Texan Longhorn for a souvenir photo you’ll actually want to keep.

Distance from Fort Worth:

Located right in the heart of Fort Worth—no long drive needed!

How to Get to Stockyards Stables:

Head to the Fort Worth Stockyards Historic District. The stables are at 157 E Exchange Ave. Look for signage near the Livestock Exchange Building.

Location:

Corsicana, TX

Highlights:

Want a day trip that blends Texas history with a bit of nostalgia? Corsicana is an easy drive from Fort Worth and offers a unique peek into the roots of the Texas oil boom.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, curious families, road-trippers, and anyone interested in early Texas industry and pioneer life.

What we Love:

Exploring old oil rigs at Petroleum Park, strolling through pioneer-era buildings, and the relaxed, small-town vibe.

• Learn about the birthplace of Texas’ petroleum industry with a visit to Petroleum Park and its vintage drilling equipment displays.
• Step into the past at the Pioneer Village Historical Museum, which showcases life in Corsicana’s boomtown days.
• Walk through preserved pioneer buildings and artifacts that paint a vivid picture of 19th-century Texan life.

Distance from Fort Worth:

Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes southeast by car.

How to Get to Corsicana:

Take I-35E S from Fort Worth to TX-34 S, then merge onto I-45 S. Exit at Corsicana and follow signs into the town center and local attractions.

Location:

Denton, TX

Highlights:

Need a quick getaway with a little something for everyone? Denton delivers horse country charm, artsy vibes, and great food—just over 30 minutes from Fort Worth.

We Recommend This For:

Horse lovers, art and history enthusiasts, families, and anyone up for a short and scenic day trip.

What we Love:

Scenic drives through Horse Country, guided ranch rides, and the lively historic downtown packed with galleries and shops.

• Drive through Texas Horse Country, home to over 300 picturesque horse farms—perfect for a laid-back scenic tour.
• Join a guided coach tour or book a horseback outing at one of several local ranches that offer public trail rides.
• Explore the Historic Downtown and its iconic Courthouse-on-the-Square, surrounded by museums, boutiques, and local cafés.
• Discover Denton’s creative side in its art galleries, studios, and heritage-rich cultural spots.

Distance from Fort Worth:

Just over 30 minutes by car to the north.

How to Get to Denton:

Take I-35W N directly from Fort Worth and follow signs into Denton’s downtown historic district or surrounding ranch areas.

Family Day Trips from Fort Worth:

Location:

Glen Rose, TX

Highlights:

If your crew loves adventure and dinosaurs, Dinosaur Valley State Park is a must-do. Just an hour from Fort Worth, you can literally walk in the fossilized footsteps of giants!

We Recommend This For:

Families, nature lovers, young dino fans, hikers, and anyone looking for an unforgettable outdoor day trip.

What we Love:

Real dinosaur tracks in the Paluxi River, scenic trails, and family-friendly activities for all ages and energy levels.

• Hunt for ancient dinosaur tracks preserved in the riverbed—call ahead to check visibility, especially after rain.
• Hike or bike miles of scenic trails through forested hills and open plains.
• Swim or wade in the clear waters of the Paluxi River to cool off after your trek.
• Join ranger-led activities like guided walks, wildlife talks, and nature-themed events.

Distance from Fort Worth:

About 1 hour southwest by car.

How to Get to Dinosaur Valley State Park:

Take US-377 S to Glen Rose, then follow Park Rd 59 to the park entrance. Watch for signs after you reach town.

Location:

Garland, TX

Highlights:

Looking for a fun and easy day trip from Fort Worth? Garland mixes outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and family fun just 50 miles to the east.

We Recommend This For:

Families, outdoor lovers, shoppers, and anyone who wants to cool off, gear up, or grab a real Texas cowboy hat.

What we Love:

Splashing at Hawaiian Falls, unique shopping in Historic Downtown, and the behind-the-scenes Resistol Hat Plant tour.

• Cool off at Hawaiian Falls Waterpark or Surf and Swim in Audubon Park—perfect for summer family fun.
• Shop at Bass Pro Shops by Lake Hubbard and check out the impressive saltwater aquarium while you’re there.
• Wander through Historic Downtown Garland’s shops, cafés, and beautifully restored buildings.
• Tour the Resistol Hat Plant and pick out your own authentic Texan cowboy hat to take home.

Distance from Fort Worth:

About 1 hour east by car.

How to Get to Garland:

Take I-30 E from Fort Worth toward Dallas, then merge onto I-635 N and follow signs to Garland. Downtown and local attractions are clearly marked.