I’ll never forget the first time I went to the Stockyards in Fort Worth, TX. I was just a kid and my family and I had come to be tourists in our own town (sort of). I remember standing on the side of the tracks clutching a penny, waiting for the signal. That way I could put my penny down on the tracks and wait for the train to roll over it. My very own souvenir of such an incredible place. One that was steeped in the history of the Old West that permeated that whole place. I don’t know what happened to that penny, all these years later. But, that memory has never left. And, while that set-up with the grand old train station may have changed a bit, there is still plenty of other ways to immerse yourself in the history and have a memorable time at the Stockyards. Let me show you around. Here are my Top 10 Family Fun things to do at the Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas.

1. Cattle Drive at the Stockyards

If you want to see some Texas Longhorns up close and personal AND relive some history, look no further! This event happens daily at 11:30am and 4pm. It truly is a sight to behold.

2. Shopping in the Stockyards

While you may not be able to get the same souvenir that I have, there are COUNTLESS stores to find the perfect souvenir. If you head to Stockyards Station, there are several stores to choose from – and even the Candy Bin! Trust me, the kids will love that one.

3. The Stockyards Stables

This is the place that the kids usually rave about (other than the food). Because it has so many things to do like a petting zoo, arena rides for the younger tikes, trail rides along our Trinity River, horse-drawn carriage rides, AND a Stockyard worthy photo op! Ok, ok! I’ll just tell you. It’s a life-size longhorn steer that you can sit on or stand next to for your next Instagram post. It’ll make all your friends wanna join you the next time you come to Fort Worth.

4. Cowtown Cattlepen Maze

Have your kids get out some of their candy-induced sugar high by racing through this maze! It’s super fun to try to figure out all the twists and turns! Currently, it’s $8/person OR half-price with the mention of the word “Cowtown” on Tuesdays.

5. Billy Bob’s Texas

Mama! You can’t come to the Stockyards if you aren’t planning on going to Billy Bob’s. It’s the world’s biggest honky-tonk (yep, everything is bigger in Texas), has arcade games, amazing food, mechanical bull rides, and ALL the country music stars handprints in concrete on the walls. AND it’s only $3/person to get in – totally worth the trip!

6. Stockyards RODEO

Have you ever been to a rodeo? You haven’t until you’ve been to the Fort Worth Stockyards Rodeo. Most notably in the course of the entertainment, the kids can even become a rodeo star for a few minutes in the Mutton-Busting or Calf Scramble, where they can come down and chase a lamb or a calf. It’s included in the price of the ticket and will have you laughin till your sides hurt. Tickets start at $60.

7. Grab a Bite or a Brew

Seriously so much good food. Somethin real quick and easy is available within the Stockyards Station – like Riscky’s Bar-B-Q or Trailboss Burgers. Or you can head to Mule Alley and eat at the Biscuit Bar, Shake Shack Stockyards, Provender Hall, or grab a treat at MELT Ice Creams. Even Love Shack is divine and right next to Mule Alley. OR you can do somethin a bit more fancy and make it a date night situation. Restaurants like Lonesome Dove, H3 Ranch, Cattlemen’s Steak House, or Joe T. Garcia’s. The food is delicious, and the experience won’t disappoint. There are just a couple of saloons that can help you wet your whistle too! Like the Basement Bar, Billy Bob’s Texas, Cowboy Channel Bar, Longhorn Saloon, Pearl’s Saloon, PR’s Saloon, The Thirsty Armadillo, White Elephant Saloon, etc. (ya know…just a couple lol)

8. Museums

Want to get to know the culture and the actual history of the Stockyards and the Cowboys that made this place famous? Then head to one of the several museums in the area. Particularly, the Stockyards Museum, Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, John Wayne – an American Experience, Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, North Fort Worth Historical Society, Fort Worth Stockyards Guided Walking Tour, or The Bull Riding Hall of Fame.

9. Coyote Drive-In Theater

Fort Worth is committed to bringing back the historic Drive-In Theater experience! So, take advantage of the amazing Coyote Drive-In Theater. Playing current box office hits and delivering food from The Canteen straight to your parked car, it’s a vision that entertains local and tourist families alike! General Admission is $8 for ages 12 and over, $4 for children 5 to 11. Children 4 and under are free! OR Wednesdays are $5 admission.

10. Family Pictures AT the Stockyards in Fort Worth Texas

Hire a family photographer and make your background the historic Stockyards here in Fort Worth, Texas! Usually, when you get home from a family vacation, you scroll through your gallery on your phone and see some pics of your family (mostly forced and bored) in between the sights you saw together, right? Instead of moments of YOUR FAMILY enjoying themselves together? Let’s change that for you this time! Additionally, as an added bonus is that I’ve got the wardrobe covered. You can just relax, show up, and I’ll take care of the rest!