In the great Lone Star State, we know a thing or two about cowboys—from cowboy museums and stockyards to the Rangers and Cowboys playing their hearts out on the field, here are 14 experiences where your kids can let their inner cowboy (or cowgirl) out.
Cowboy Museums & Attractions
1. Nothing screams “cowboy” like the Fort Worth Stockyards. And there’s so much to do here. One event you should make time for is the Fort Worth herd cattle drive that takes place twice a day. There’s also the fun Legends of Texas Gunfight shows that take place each weekend. Make sure to check the website for each month’s whole list of events. Fort Worth; 1-800/433-5747
2. Celebrate the women (past and present) who helped shape the west at the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame. Some of the iconic women you’ll see and learn more about here include Sacagawea, Georgia O’Keefe, Laura Ingalls Wilder and Annie Oakley. Fort Worth; 817/336-4475
3. At the National Multicultural Wester Heritage Museum, kids can learn about the contributions from Hispanic, Native, European, Asian and African individuals who helped settle the western frontier. Make sure to visit the Hall of Fame where you can see exhibits that highlight the Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen, the Vaquero and Native American Indian Chiefs. Fort Worth; 817/534-8801
4. Do your kids love the rodeo? Check out the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame which has a massive display of rodeo mementos. Along with learning about over 100 men and women who excelled in rodeo, you can also see the Sterquell Wagon collection, a 1933 Cadillac owned by Amon G. Carter, take pictures in the “old-tyme” photo parlor and more. Fort Worth; 817/626-7131
5. Did you ever watch the show Dallas? If so, you might be familiar with Southfork Ranch. But the ranch has much more going for it than just being a set for a popular TV show. Trail rides, tours and more are available to reserve. Plus, you can even stay here and book one of the ranch’s fun packages available if you’re trying to plan a staycation. Parker; 972/442-7800
Dude Ranches
6. Take a trip to the Flying L Ranch Resort where the whole family can take part in fun activities from horseshoes, basketball and ping pong to campfire s’mores, wagon rides, horseback rides and fishing. Bandera; 830/796-7745
7. Get a little western feel thrown in with some luxury at Rough Creek Lodge. While staying at the resort, there is so much to do, we doubt you’ll have time for everything. A few recreational options to keep on your to-do list here: zipline and climbing wall, petting corral, a kid’s ranch, s’mores, fossil hunting, tomahawk throwing, horseback riding, hiking, hayrides and canoeing. Glen Rose; 800/864-4705
8. Right around the corner from Possum Kingdom lake is Wildcatter Ranch. Your kids will feel like real cowboys and cowgirls as they ride horse, throw tomahawks, shoot arrows, learn to rope and more. Graham; 940/549-3500
9. Stay at a working cattle ranch at Beaumont Ranch. Learn to rope and ride with real cowboys and feel like you’ve really gotten the family away (even though you’re only 35 minutes south of Fort Worth). Grandview; 817/866-4000
Men of the Law – Texas Rangers
10. The next time you find yourself in the Hill Country, stop by the Texas Rangers Heritage Center memorial that highlights the service of Texas Rangers. You can take a walking tour to learn and all about the site and past and present Rangers. Fredericksburg; 830/997-2698
11. The Texas Rangers aren’t just a baseball team. At the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum, learn about the famed law enforcement agency through artifacts, artwork and archives that highlight the work and service of Texas Rangers over the years. Waco; 254/750-8631
The Other Cowboys and Rangers
12. For a behind the scenes look at America’s favorite team, visit The Star, Dallas Cowboys’ headquarters in Frisco. On a tour, your family will be able to walk through the team’s massive practice and athletic facility, see the War Room where the NFL draft is conducted, Super Bowl memorabilia and more. Frisco; 972/497-4800
13. Take a tour of the massive AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys. Step on the field to throw the ball around, learn about the stadium itself, walk through the media press box and locker rooms and more. There are four types of tours available to book. While you’re there, book a tour to view the Dallas Cowboys Art Collection with over 20 works by artists such as Mel Bochner and Ellsworth Kelly. Arlington; 817/892-TOUR
14. Take a tour of Globe Life Field, the Texas Rangers’ new stadium in Arlington. There are three tours to choose from (a ballpark tour, premium tour and gameday tour). Each tour will take you through the stadium to get a behind-the-scenes look, take great pictures and learn some history about the club. With the premium tour, you even get to have some time in the outfield to play catch. Home run! Arlington; 817/533-1833
Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Stockyards.
