If you’re visiting Texas, a day at Fort Worth Stockyards with kids is something I highly recommend. It is one of the most fun and unique family experiences in Texas.
Here you’ll discover a traditional Texan town that is a perfect day out for all the family to enjoy. We took a day trip from Dallas, and I would absolutely recommend it! Our toddler was just over two years old at the time, and we found it to be such a family-friendly experience.
A little warning, though. This historic town is extremely touristy, but hey, we’re tourists! We visited on a beautiful, sunny Saturday in February. If possible, try to visit mid-week to avoid the crowds.
Here is our full guide on things to do at Fort Worth Stockyards with kids and tips to enjoy it as a family.
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How to Get to Fort Worth Stockyards
We visited Fort Worth Stockyards as a day trip from Dallas, and it was so worth it! If you’re also planning a visit to Dallas, read my full family guide to Dallas here.
Starting at Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station (in Downtown Dallas), we took a TRE train to Fort Worth Central Station. This takes about an hour. A Regional ticket costs $12 per adult and covers the train and the bus. Children under five travel for free. Check the current train schedule and book tickets here.
Then, a 5-minute walk away, you’ll find “FWCS – Bay – E” and take the orange line bus to “Main & Exchange – 24th”. This was roughly another half an hour.
Alternatively, you can book an organised tour from Dallas to Fort Worth, which includes the Stockyards. This isn’t as budget-friendly as taking the train, but it is a convenient option that can be beneficial when travelling as a family.
If you’re visiting Stockyards as a day trip from Fort Worth, you can skip the train and just take the bus! The bus costs $4, and you pay via contactless payment.
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The History of Fort Worth Stockyards
The Fort Worth Stockyards are a true piece of Texas history, and visiting feels like stepping back into time.
In the late 1800s, Fort Worth became a major stop on the Chisholm Trail, where cowboys (also known as drovers) herded millions of cattle north across Texas. With the arrival of the railroad, the city quickly grew into one of the most important livestock trading centres in the country.
From this, the Stockyards were established, earning the nickname “The Wall Street of the West” thanks to the sheer volume of cattle bought and sold here.
Today, the area has been carefully preserved, with its brick streets, wooden boardwalks, saloons, and historic buildings still very much intact. As you wander through, you really get a sense of what life would have been like during the height of the cattle industry!
Things to Do in the Fort Worth Stockyards with Kids
There are plenty of things to do at Fort Worth Stockyards, with many things aimed specifically at kids. Actually, there are more options than you can fit into one day. I will go into more detail on all the options below, but we just let our toddler pick a couple of things he wanted to do (of course, he chose the miniature train)!
Watch the Iconic Stockyards Cattle Drive
One of the absolute highlights of visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards is watching the famous cattle drive, and it’s something you really shouldn’t miss.
Twice a day, real Texas cowboys, or drovers, lead a herd of longhorn cattle down the street, bringing the Old West to life right in front of you. It’s completely free to watch and feels like stepping back in time.
The cattle drive takes place daily at 11:30 am and 4 pm, and only lasts around 10 minutes, so make sure you arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
We found this was such a fun experience for the whole family to enjoy. Some of the bulls are huge and have a horn span of up to 6 feet!
Tip: Stand near the Livestock Exchange Building for one of the best views.
The Stockyards Cattle Drive.
Explore with a Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt
A self-guided, Fort Worth Stockyards scavenger hunt would be a really great way to explore the area as a family. Take part in puzzles and games from your phone, while exploring the town at your own pace.
This activity is recommended for kids aged 7 and above, so we didn’t try it personally, but I wanted to mention it as a fun option for families with older kids. Check availability and book here.
See A Longhorn Up Close
Some of the bulls stand at the edge of the street. For $5, you can sit on/ pet/ pose for a photo with one.
I’m usually against things like this, but the Longhorns looked well looked after. Also, they seemed to work in shifts, so they weren’t standing there for too long.
Longhorn Bulls.
Experience the Fort Worth Stockyards Rodeo
If you’re visiting with older kids, the Fort Worth Stockyards Rodeo is a popular thing to do. Held at the historic Cowtown Coliseum, it’s the world’s first indoor rodeo and still hosts thrilling events like bull riding, barrel racing, and roping. While some parts may be more exciting for older kids and adults, the atmosphere is family-friendly, and it’s a great way to experience authentic cowboy culture in Fort Worth.
It takes place every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). Unfortunately, this was a bit late for us with a toddler, but maybe another time! You can purchase tickets through the Cowtown Colliseum Website if you wish.
Get Lunch at a Honky Tonk or Restaurant at Fort Worth Stockyards
There are a lot of choices of bars and restaurants at Fort Worth Stockyards. As you’re spending the day in a traditional Texan town, I would highly recommend you check out a Honky Tonk for the full experience. Honky Tonk essentially means a bar with music.
We went to Second Rodeo Brewing for a drink and some food, and it was surprisingly child-friendly. There was a live musician playing, and the atmosphere was brilliant. It’s also spacious and has plenty of room for our toddler to run about and dance to the music.
Toddler enjoying live music at a Honkey Tonk in Stockyards.
Enjoy Some of the Fort Worth Stockyards Kids’ Activities
Kids will be spoilt for choice at Stockyards as there are so many activities and things to entertain them! It is unlikely you’ll have time to do them all in a day trip, so we just let our toddler pick a couple of favourite things to do.
Of course, as a transport-loving toddler, he chose the little Stockyards train ride, and it didn’t disappoint! He also had a pony ride.
Some of the other family-friendly things to do at Stockyards include a petting zoo and a corn maze!
There are also free lawn games for everyone (especially kids) to enjoy.
Cute train ride for kids at Fort Worth Stockyards.
Browse the Shops in the Stockyards
This is not exactly a children’s activity, but we like to do something for everyone when we travel.
There are plenty of shops located on a street called Mule Alley to enjoy browsing in. If you’re looking for a Texan souvenir, you’ll definitely find cowboy hats and boots here!
One of my favourite shops at Stockyads was called Flea Style. They have a really cool Hat Bar, where you can customise your own cowgirl-style hat! They also have other clothing and accessories.
The Flea Style store.
Other Great Things to Do at Fort Worth Stockyards as a Family
There are quite a lot more fun things to do at Fort Worth Stockyards with kids that we ran out of time for. These include:
- Look for Celebrities’ names on the Texan Walk of Fame – you’ll see bronze Hollywood-style stars in the sidewalk with famous Fort Worth names.
- Visit the Livestock Exchange – originally where livestock was traded, but has since been changed into a small Stockyards Museum.
- Horseback Riding
- Horse and Cart Rides
Stockyards is a very small place, so it’s easy to explore and pick your favourite things to do!
Enjoying the miniature train.
Tips for Visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards as a Family
- Bring Cash: A lot of the outdoor vendors, for example, the children’s train ride, were cash only. It’s worth bringing some US Dollars with you just in case.
- Go Early (Especially in Summer): Texas heat can be intense, particularly in the middle of the day. Visiting in the morning is much more comfortable for little ones and usually quieter too.
- Time Your Visit Around the Cattle Drive: The daily cattle drives (11:30 am and 4 pm) are the main highlight, so plan your visit around one of these times. Arrive at least 15–20 minutes early to get a good spot, especially with kids.
FAQ’s on Visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards as a Family
Yes, the Fort Worth Stockyards are definitely worth visiting. Taking a day trip here from Dallas was a highlight of our visit. While it is quite touristy, it’s also one of the most memorable and distinctive experiences in Texas, making it well worth adding to your itinerary.
Yes, the Fort Worth Stockyards are very family-friendly and a great place to visit with kids. There’s plenty to keep little ones entertained, including the daily cattle drive, train rides, open spaces to explore, and the overall Wild West atmosphere.
The Fort Worth Stockyards cattle drive takes place twice daily at 11:30 am and 4 pm.
Each drive lasts around 10 minutes, so it’s important to arrive early, especially if you want a good viewing spot with kids. The best places to stand are along Exchange Avenue near the Livestock Exchange Building.
Final Thoughts on a Day at Fort Worth Stockyards with Kids
If you’re planning a trip to Texas, visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards is one of the best family-friendly days out.
It offers something completely different from the city, combining history, entertainment, and that classic Wild West atmosphere in a way that feels both fun and memorable for kids and adults alike. From watching the famous cattle drive to simply wandering the streets, it’s an experience that really brings Texas to life.
If you’re putting together your full itinerary, don’t forget to check out my guide to the best things to do in Dallas with kids for even more family-friendly ideas to help you plan your trip.
Thank you so much for reading our guide to Fort Worth Stockyards. We hope you have the best time in Texas!
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A FAMILY GUIDE TO DALLAS, TEXAS
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WE ALSO HAVE GUIDES ON:
– ATLANTA – NASHVILLE – NEW ORLEANS – NEW YORK – CHARLESTON –
Happy Exploring,
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