It’s hot in Texas, y’all and Fort Worth is a lucky gem to have just about an endless list of options on how to treat yourself outside as much as inside. Between outdoor adventuring downtown and spending the days in an air-conditioned place, Fort Worth has enough activities to dabble in August as the summer countdown is upon us.
1. Paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking on the Trinity River
It’s a tradition here to soak up the sun while getting your exercise in by the water activities on the Trinity River. There’s paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, or simply people watching and seeing others do it for you. Backwoods Paddlesports, located at Panther Island Pavillion, offers hourly rentals of paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks.
395 Purcey St.
2. Water Sliding at Burger's Lake
Memories are made at Burger’s Lake and sliding down their 20-foot water slide into the 1-acre spring-fed lake is definitely a summer moment. Located inside of a 30-acre park, Burger’s Lake offers sandy beaches, shaded picnic areas and charcoal grills for cooking your own burgers.
1200 Meandering Rd.
3. Bike-riding with Bike Mart
The city is bike-friendly and is ready to supply the next biking outing. They offer rentals and you could bring your own bike for a ride with the bike shop on one of its group rides provided in the morning, afternoon and evenings during the week and weekends. All rides start at the Trailhead and all skill levels are welcome.
4801 Edwards Ranch Rd.
4. Horseback Riding at Benbrook Stables
Saddle up for a scenic trail ride with Benbrook Stables around beautiful Lake Benbrook. Reservations for trail rides are available seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are $50 per hour — just make sure you bring cash. Checks and credit cards are not accepted.
10001 Benbrook Blvd.
5. Hiking at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge
Instead of your usual walk around the block, take a hike around one of the 12 different trails the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge offers. Try the scenic Canyon Ridge Trail, which offers views of ridgetop vistas, shady canyons, and marshes.
9601 Fossil Ridge Rd.
6. Shopping at The Clearfork Farmers Market
Wake up a little earlier than usual on your Saturday morning and head to The Clearfork Farmer's Market. The farmer’s market is year-round but especially enjoyable during the summer months — every Saturday, sample and buy goods from various local farmers, growers, ranchers and artisans.
4801 Edwards Ranch Rd.
7. Goat Yoga
Goat Yoga has become a workout phenomenon and Fort Worth offers a couple of outside classes for you to be a G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time). Imagine working on breathing exercises and challenging yoga poses while goats are cuddling you, jumping on you, and peeing on your mat (yes, that’s happened). But it’s all part of the experience.
3427 Hemphill St.
8. Golfing at Top Golf
This swanky, high-tech golfing range is perfect for a summer evening. The menu includes signature dishes like the Smokehouse Burger, Brisket Grilled Cheese and an extensive alcohol list. Play the signature Top Golf game, or play on teams with Top Scramble — all skill levels are welcome. If anything, go for the food, drinks and views of downtown.
2201 E 4th St.
9. Pedaling (and drinking) with Cowtown Cycle Party
You and a group of friends can pedal around downtown and the Near Southside for two hours. It's fresh air, exercise, drinking, friends and sightseeing all combined in one. You could pedal the whole time, but we recommend making a few stops in air-conditioned bars and restaurants to break up the ride. You bring the alcohol, and they'll provide the driver.
129 W Leuda
