Fun Things to do at the Fort Worth Stockyards UPDATED 21

From Longhorns to cowboys to unique shops, the Fort Worth Stockyards is your place to visit for family fun! Here are fun things to do at the Fort Worth Stockyards for the family.
This is an old post that has been updated for 2020.

I first wrote this post when my son was four years old. We would visit the Stockyards often for lunches with friends and to stroll down E. Exchange for something to do. He is now almost 11 years old, and staying here never gets old. The below information has been updated for 2020.

Fun Things to do at the Fort Worth Stockyards

It was another fun time in Fort Worth for Brody and me. This time after having lunch with a dear friend at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant off Main Street, I decided to take Brody to see the Longhorns at the Stockyards. Take a look at what else we found to do!

Related: BEST Family Dining And Destinations in Fort Worth(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Fort Worth Stockyards is a place you want to put on your bucket list so you can see how the west was won! Be sure to pick up a cowboy hat and take a picture by the steers. They make great photos to send to friends and family that don’t live in Texas!

Texas Cowboy Hall Of Fame

Check out their new location at 2515 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth (still in the Stockyards and across from Billy Bob’s, Texas.

The below photo is an old one, but I good one. I’m leaving it here even though they have moved.

Fun Things to do at the Fort Worth Stockyards, FTW, TX

Where To Find Information About Fort Worth Stockyards

Unfortunately, the Stockyard Information Center has closed indefinitely, I love the below photo with my son, so I’m keeping it here.

The photo below is on the wall as you walk into the Stockyard Information Center. There is always someone there who can help you get around and answer questions.

All information for Fort Worth can be obtained at Visit Fort Worth at 111 W 4th St #200, FTW, TX 76102. 817-336-8791.

Related: Another Fun Day At The Fort Worth Stockyards(Opens in a new browser tab)

Longhorns at the Fort Worth Stockyards

When the Longhorns aren’t out and about, you’ll find them lying around down a small street in their pasture. You can walk up close to see them. Brody didn’t want to spot each one on the chart, but hey, he’s only 4, but he did find a petting zoo instead. So off we go to pet the animals – only to find the petting zoo was closed for some reason – oops!

The petting zoo has always been opened every time we visit the Stockyards – so don’t worry. Not sure why it wasn’t opened that day years ago.

Related: 7 Family-Fun Things To Do Across Texas(Opens in a new browser tab)

There are so many things to do in this area of Fort Worth – from restaurants to bars to gift shops of all kinds to action-packed fun for the family. You could stay all day in the Fort Worth Stockyards and not see it all.

A lot is happening just on E. Exchange Ave. Local shops are up and down the street and on side streets also. Your entire family will have a blast. It can get a little hectic late at night, though. That’s when all the parties come out to go to the bars.

Something fun for the entire family is watching the herd of cattle walk down E. Exchange with cowboy wranglers riding them. Every day, promptly at 11:30 a.m. and again at 4 p.m., you can watch them walking down the street. It makes a great video!

That’s a real cowboy standing on that steer!

Things to do at the Fort Worth Stockyards

Billy Bob’s
Cowtown Coliseum
Fort Worth Cattle Drive – every day at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad – runs from Grapevine to Stockyards and back.
The famous Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant (cash only) is down the street and very popular.
Livestock Exchange Building
FTW Stockyards Stables
Historic Walking Tours
Ghost Tours (starts at the Cowtown Winery)
Stockyards Museum
Stockyards Station
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame (see above new address)
Carriage Rides*
Mule Alley (new shops and restaurants, including the Biscuit Bar)
Hotel Drover (new hotel at the end of Mule Alley)
And much more!

For an extended version on the Fort Worth Stockyards, visit my article I wrote here in 2020 – TravelAwaits: 8 Fun Things To Do At The Fort Worth Stockyards.

Historical Tours and Carriage Rides

*Historical tours and carriage rides are available throughout the day. It’s a 12 to 13-minute ride around E. Exchange Ave and Main Street and the side streets.

Willie Nelson had his annual 4th Of July picnic there in 2014. (Old photo, but a good one!) It’s staying too!! Who doesn’t love the iconic Willie!!

Have you ever visited Fort Worth? If so, what was your favorite part of your visit? I hope you find fun things to do at the Fort Worth Stockyards with your family soon! Need a place to stay? Check out vacation rentals for Texas: https://www.alltherooms.com/texas.