5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Fort Worth Summer 2020
These days, it’s easy to feel disappointed about what’s on your summer calendar. COVID-19 social distancing guidelines are affecting Fort Worth’s outdoor activities—and many of our beloved summer festivals have been canceled. While we’re all sad to miss this year’s Concerts in the Garden, Food + Wine Festival, and Plano Balloon Festival, there are still plenty of socially distanced activities for you and your family to enjoy while staying safe.
1. A newfangled 4th of July
Organizers opted to cancel this year’s Fort Worth July 4th Festival to keep our community safe, but we will still be able to take in the gorgeous fireworks show online or from our homes. The show will take place at the Panther Island Pavilion around 9:20 p.m., which you can watch via a live stream online. If you live near the Pavilion, you may be able to catch the show from your backyard or balcony.
You can complement fireworks viewing with your own fun at home. Have a barbeque with a small “pod” of family and friends in the backyard where you have room to enjoy company with lower risk. Pick up a few sparklers for the kids, hook up the sprinkler, and have a great time leading up to the fireworks. Just be sure to observe social distancing rules and have anyone outside your household bring their own food and beverages to avoid any need to share items or be in close quarters.
2. Explore our local art scene (and keep cool while you’re at it)
The Amon Carter Museum reopened its doors on June 19th. You can see the mixed medium exhibition, The Perilous Texas Adventures of Mark Dion, and the internationally-celebrated photography exhibit, Eliot Porter’s Birds. All visitors must adhere to their COVID safety guidelines, allowing for everyone to enjoy their trip safely.
The Kimbell Art Museum reopened on June 20th featuring an extension of their exhibit Flesh and Blood: Italian Masterpieces from the Capodimonte Museum.
The Modern reopened July 1st with an extension of the exhibition Mark Bradford: End Papers. In addition, Red Groom’s Ruckus Rodeo will be on view through Aug. 16. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, there are currently no docent-led tours—but you can keep your phone on hand and look up artist information as you guide yourself through the exhibit. The Modern is requesting all visitors adhere to these guidelines.
3. The drive-in makes a comeback
Miss going to the movies? Taking in an afternoon show has always been a great way to get the family out of the house even when it’s oppressively hot, but theaters come with a host of risks. Lucky for you, Fort Worth’s Coyote Drive-In offers a safe way to take in a movie—and relive the bygone times of drive-in movie theaters. Check out their movie line-up here.
To comply with social distancing guidelines, the theater is limiting car capacity and asking patrons to park between numbered signs, so reserve your spot early. It’s easy to order tickets online, and once the film is ready to roll, you can also use the app to order concessions—employees (wearing masks) will deliver food directly to your car. Don’t forget to bring along your masks too: face coverings are required for all people entering the Coyote premises over the age of 10.
4. Social distancing is easy in the great outdoors
There’s nothing better for your mental and physical health than being outdoors. Fort Worth’s parks and trails are open, but keep in mind that all residents are encouraged to comply with the recommended six-foot social distancing barrier and must wear face coverings. Please note: due to the challenge in sanitizing them regularly, playgrounds are not open at this time. (Refer to this regularly updated list of city programs and services impacted by COVID-19 and related emergency declarations.)
5. Take advantage of naturally social-distanced activities
Whether you create your own fun at home or schedule an outing that naturally allows for social distance, there are near limitless options for summer fun if you put your mind to it. Here are a few ideas to start:
- Grab a blanket, order some of the best take-out in Fort Worth, and have a picnic.
- Bust out the tent and camp out in your backyard.
- Play one of these 21 socially distanced and safe games for kids.
- Hop on your bike! Check out Bike DFW’s list of trails here.
- Get on the water at Forth Worth’s Nature Center and Refuge Paddling Trail.
- If you’re interested in trying golf, fishing, or tennis, this summer go for it! These are great sports for maintaining social distance.
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is open! Before you go, read their rules and regulations regarding COVID-19.
- Fort Worth Museum for Science and History is scheduled to reopen its doors on July 14th and will be featuring five exciting new touch-free experiences in Innovation Studios, live demonstrations in their new Science Theater, and hands-on STEAM activities (with just your family)!
We look forward to virtually enjoying the Fort Worth fireworks with you all and hope you have a great summer!
