How To Have Fun In Fort Worth While Remaining COVID Safe
On September 21, 2020, Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) confirmed there have been 21,420 positive COVID tests in Fort Worth so far from a population of 900,000.
According to the Star-Telegram news site, Fort Worth has reported five deaths from coronavirus on September 23, 2020. All of the people who died had underlying conditions.
The deadly virus causes a severe respiratory illness with symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, and fever which can lead to pneumonia and bronchitis.
The lockdowns and social distancing mean the whole population has to sacrifice the typical freedoms that we take for granted. Being cooped up in the house with the family can take its toll.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t have fun while staying safe from the pandemic if you live in Texas. There are still plenty of Fort Worth attractions.
Several attractions are still taking place, but with changes accounting for social distancing so the whole family can enjoy a good time. The following Fort Worth attractions are operating at decreased capacity and require all visitors to wear masks.
Big Tex Photo-Only Drive-Through
The Big Tex state fair is a family-oriented event to promote agriculture, education, and community. The fair lasts for 24 days and is the oldest and largest fair in the US. Typically, over 2 million visitors attend annually.
As the fair was canceled in 2020 the organizers have organized a more COVID-safe event.
This year you can still have a fair experience and have your photo taken professionally with the Texan mascot Big Tex who will be wearing a mask. You can also have a picnic in small groups of people.
Tickets cost $25 per car for up to 8 people. When you have purchased your ticket, reserve a time slot for Saturday or Sunday.
The event takes around an hour to proceed through. When you’ve had your photo taken, they will text you the photo immediately.
It might not feel like a normal Big Tex fair, but at least you get a day out without the crowds and feel safe at the same time.
And, if you get injured along the way, you can visit this Fort Worth business here, but with careful preparation and safe fun, all should be fine in your journeys.
Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Through
The Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Through is a spin-off event from 2020’s canceled Big Tex state fair. This is an event where you drive through the fairground themed grounds in your car. As you drive through, you can pick up various delicious fairground foods.
Choose from different packages such as the Fair Food and Photo package which includes a professional photo, Corn Dogs, French fries, cotton candy, and kettle corn.
When you reach the Big Tex circle, you can get out of the car and have your photo taken with Big Tex by a professional photographer.
The experience lasts for around one and a half hours.
You can purchase your ticket and reserve a time to arrive here making this one of our fav Fort Worth attractions.
State Fair of Texas at Home
The State Fair of Texas has been moved to the virtual world so people can still enjoy the fair experience at home.
This is a free event where people can watch videos of simulated rides on the Texas Star Ferris Wheel and the Top O Texas Tower.
From the September 21, you can watch video cooking demos by concessionaires at the fair.
There are also downloadable “create your own fair” kits where you can make your own:
- Creative arts contest with friends and family
- Livestock contest using pets and stuffed toys
- Midway games
Not only is this safe but it’s fun for the whole family, which is why it’s one of our favorite Forth Worth attractions.
Community Wednesdays at Texas Discovery Gardens
Over 3-year-olds can offer a donation they can afford to explore the organic gardens and see plants native to the area and overseas.
The gardens also feature the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium where you can see hundreds of butterflies.
The Snake Shack houses reptiles as well as snakes.
If you want to visit the gardens on other days, admission is $10 for adults, $8 for over 60s, and $5 for children aged 3-11.
The Crow Museum of Asian Art
This art museum reopened on September 18 and will operate at reduced capacity. Only 25% of typical attendance will be permitted.
The museum is currently featuring two installations by the famous Austin artist Beili Liu called Lure/Dallas and Each and Every Dallas.
Admission is free and the museum will be open from Friday to Sunday at 2010 Flora St, Dallas.
Fort Worth Zoo
You can see a recently born baby giraffe and lesser kudu Fort Worth zoo. The zoo’s exhibits also include:
- World of Primates
- Raptor Canyon
- Meerkat Mounds
- African Savannah
- Texas Wild!
- Museum of Living Art
- Parrot Paradise
- Australian Outback
- Flamingo Bay
In October, Boo At The Zoo is a drive-through event where you can drive through the zoo in your car and see the animals while being entertained with music, characters in costume, and treats.
The zoo is open 365 days a year. Admission is $16 for adults, $12 for children and seniors, while toddlers can enter for free. Parking is $5.
National Videogame Museum
The National Videogame Museum is a quirky museum dedicated to the history of video games. Exhibits include a 1980s-styled bedroom and an old-style arcade with vintage games such as Asteroids, Donkey Kong, and a giant game of Pong fashioned from a 15-foot replica of a TV.
You’ll have to wear a mask when you’re at the museum, and visitor numbers will be kept to a minimum.
Entry is $12 for adults, $10 for children aged 4-10 and seniors, and under-3s can enter for free. The entrance fee includes four free tokens to use with the games.
Epic Waters in Grand Prairie
Why not have a splashing time at Fort Worth’s indoor-outdoor water park? You can gently drift down the lazy river, try your hand at surfing on the FlowRider surf simulator. The Epic Waves pool produces 4-foot waves every 10 minutes so you can keep honing your surfing skills.
Other fun activities include:
- Lasso Loop body slide
- Aquanaut inner tube ride
- Rascal’s roundup for small children
The park is operating at decreased capacity and social distancing measures are in place. Anyone over 10 must wear a mask unless they are swimming, showering, changing or eating, and drinking.
No matter which one of these Fort Worth attractions you pick, you are sure to have a fun and SAFE time!