Bethesda Gardens Fort Worth features many on-site amenities, including a game room and enriching activities, but planning outings in the Fort Worth area can also be fun. Seniors have a variety of exciting opportunities in the surrounding areas, from interactive museums to nature-based activities. Explore these options when you want to get away for the day.
Wander through 23 specialty gardens around the 120-acre campus of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden when you want an escape. Some of the areas include a water conservation garden, forest boardwalk, Japanese garden, rose garden and tropical conservatory.
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden offers senior discounts — you'll get the cheapest ticket options regardless of age online, but you can also get the senior discount if you buy your tickets in person. If you have mobility issues, you can use one of the complimentary wheelchairs the facility has if there's one available, or you can rent an electric scooter. These items are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District feels like taking a trip back in time. Complete with wooden corrals and original brick walkways, this historic area is full of activities, including two cattle drives per day. The area is full of restaurants, saloons and entertainment venues. You can learn more about the area through walking tours and museums, including the Stockyards Museum and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
The M-Line Trolley is a fun way to explore the Dallas-Fort Worth area when you don't have a specific agenda in mind. The trolley runs every day, and you can ride the entire route in about an hour. You can also hop off on one of the many stops close to many attractions like the Dallas World Aquarium, Moody Performance Hall and Dallas Museum of Art. The service is based on donations, with a fare box available on the trolley so you can drop in however much you want to pay. Because this option uses older trolley vehicles, accessibility can be difficult if you use a wheelchair or other mobility aids.
Head to the Fort Worth Zoo — with your grandchildren or on your own — to see animals from all over the world, with over 540 species available. The zoo has extra experiences for additional fees, including a train, carousel, giraffe feeding and shooting gallery.
The Fort Worth Zoo is open every day, year-round, so it's a great way to stay active when it's cold or enjoy beautiful summer days. You can get a senior discount, or you can go on Wednesdays for half price to save money. The zoo offers a limited number of wheelchairs for complimentary use, and you can rent motorized scooters if you need a little help getting around the zoo.
You can view art in lots of spots in the Dallas and Fort Worth area, with a variety of art museums focusing on different types of creative works. The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is a nearby option. It offers senior discounts, or you can visit on Fridays for free or on Sundays for half price. It has wheelchair-accessible entrances, and the museum offers complimentary wheelchairs, portable stools and assistive-listening devices, all on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Kimbell Art Museum is another Fort Worth option known for a wide range of artwork from many well-known artists. The building is also recognized for its unique architecture. You can visit the Kimbell collection for free. Special exhibits have an additional charge, but you can get a senior discount.
For seniors who prefer history over art, Fort Worth offers several options. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is a popular choice, with everything from a space gallery to dinosaur skeletons on display. If you're visiting with your grandchildren, the Children's Museum gallery with the museum is a good option. You can get a senior discount, and the building is wheelchair-accessible if you have mobility issues.
The Fort Worth Aviation Museum features several historical warbird planes on display outdoors as well as indoor displays with flight simulators and other exhibits. The planes are displayed outdoors on various surfaces, so keep this in mind if you have mobility issues.
If you like to spend time in nature, Fort Worth has several options for seniors. Experience water in the heart of the city at the Fort Worth Water Gardens near the Fort Worth Convention Center. The water features offer a relaxing way to spend a little time outdoors.
If you enjoy walking, explore the Trinity Trails. They run along the Trinity River, and the trails are paved with a relatively flat design, so they're easy to use regardless of your fitness level. The city has many other parks, trails and nature areas you can also explore on foot.
The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge features a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands and prairies. You can wander the trails that take you to the different habitats and explore the Hardwicke Interpretive Center. The area has over 20 miles of trails.
