Day Trippin' Tips: Plano to Fort Worth

The city's rambunctious Old West spirit and charming modern sensibilities keep history buffs, art lovers and the adventurous types in your crew entertained all day long. Enjoy a big Texas-style welcome when you explore these Fort Worth attractions.

Cowboys and Cattle Drives

Start your trip back in time at the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. The Texas Trail of Fame and historical walking tours begin at the visitor center. It's also the best place to be at 11:30 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. to watch cowhands herd Texas longhorns through the streets in a re-creation of the famous Fort Worth cattle drives. Little buckaroos get to pack saddlebags and stock a chuckwagon at the hands-on, interactive Exploratorium in the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Save time to savor rib-stickin' cowboy cuisine at Billy Bob's Texas Honky Tonk Kitchen before you hit the trail back to Plano.

Worldwide Wildlife

Any day of the year is a good day to explore the Fort Worth Zoo, but Wednesdays are awesome because admission is half price. From lions and tigers to parrots and penguins, you'll see the animals of many continents in their natural habitats. Texas Wild! features creatures from closer to home, including native Texas bobcats, bears and birds. Youngsters get a kick out of the petting corral, a play barn and adventures in the woodsy area set aside for fun outdoor discoveries.

Masterpieces and Museums

Take your pick of modern art, classical antiquities, science and history—or all of these—in Fort Worth's walkable cultural district. Renowned for its architecture and artwork that spans centuries, the Kimbell Art Museum is free, though there is a charge to see special exhibits. If you prefer contemporary works, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth are where you'll want to linger. Dinosaurs and shows in the OMNIMAX—also known as the IMAX Dome—keep kids entertained at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, then you can all relax in the peaceful quiet of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.

Doing Downtown

What to do in Fort Worth is answered with style in the Sundance Square entertainment district. Sparkling skyscrapers and old-fashioned historic buildings stand side by side in the 35-block development anchored by the Sundance Square Plaza. Wander through masterpieces of Western art and purchase a print for your home at the Sid Richardson Museum and Store. After, you can cool off with lunch and drinks in one of the district's dozens of delectably distinctive restaurants. Parking garages are free with validation from stores and restaurants in the district. Free valet parking is also provided at select locations—just keep an eye out for venues that display the big red umbrellas.

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