Summer's here and, as Martha and the Vandellas say, the time is right for dancing in the streets. Not the footloose type? Fear not. Fort Worth and surrounding areas offer fun and adventure aplenty as the days grow longer and the temps climb higher.
From America's pastime to discovering Cowtown via foot, bike, train or boat to kicking back and cooling off Fort Worth has no shortage of something for everyone.
Seventh-inning stretch
Few sounds signal summer like the crack of the bat. Get your Texas Rangers' baseball fix at Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, home of baseball, concerts and other events.
The winners of seven American League West Division titles, the Rangers have been a Metroplex mainstay since 1972.
mlb.com/rangers/ballpark.
Treasure hunt
Hidden treasures, historic sites and scenic views along the 100-plus miles of Trinity River trails await adventuress geocachers be they beginners, seasoned vets families or individuals. Not to mention exercise and the chance to win swell prizes. The daily, free adventure of 30 hidden geocaches starts at 800 E. Northside Dr.
trwdgeocaching.com.
Dive in
Burger's Lake, 1200 Meandering Road, offers respite from summer's swelter courtesy cool, spring-fed and chlorinated water, sandy beaches, six diving boards, a trapeze over water, inner tube rentals and a 20-foot slide.
Volleyball courts, picnic tables and other amenities fill out the 30-acre park.
Burgerslake.com
Join together with the band
From country to rock to soul, Panther Island's Rockin' the River series brings 30 bands in six weeks to the Coors Light Waterfront Stage. All shows are free.
Relax on shore with a cold one or float, tube rentals available, about while enjoying fireworks and a stellar downtown view.
Rockintheriverfw.com
Back to nature
The tropical, rose and Japanese gardens are must see. But the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Texas' oldest, also offers 2,500 plant species over 109 acres. Founded in 1934, the center, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., strives to inform and engage through plants, landscapes and nature.
Fwbg.org.
Throw a disc
Z Boaz Park, 5250 Old Benbrook Road, offers challenging fun to disc golfers thanks the the 18-hole course's mix of elevation and abundance of trees. Tight and open spaces figure into the 6,649 foot course length as does a creek on four holes.
Pdga.com.
Happy Trails
Miles of trails await cyclists at Gateway and Marion Sansom Park. Seven miles of beginner and intermediate trails on either side of the Trinity River wind through Gateway Park. Sansom Park offers intermediate and expert trails as well as beautiful views of Lake Worth. Bike helmets are required.
Fwmba.orb.
Close encounters
Don't worry. They're little — 2 to 4 feet — and docile. Visitors to the Fort Worth Zoo's Stingray Cove can experience the thrills of petting a shark and hand feeding a stingray. Three species of shark and two of stingray, 50 animals in all, inhabit the cove.
Fortworthzoo.org.
Whodunit on the tracks
The twin passions of mystery lovers and railway enthusiasts combine on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad Ride, which transports passengers along the Cotton Belt Route from Grapevine to the Stockyards and back. Along the way, riders work with detectives to unravel the train robbery mystery.
Grapevinetexasusa.com
Gone fishin'
White crappie, catfish and several species of bass swim Lake Worth there for the catching. The lake of 3,489 surface acres and three islands offers numerous prime fishing spots from shore, by boat, by dock and by pier. The waters range from 6 feet to a maximum of 22 feet.
Tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/worth.
Snow good
Overheated Funky Towners need look no further than Funky Monkey Shaved Ice Cowtown, 4449 Camp Bowie Blvd., to chill out.
From classics (coconut and lime) to exotics (Pumpkin Pie, Pineapple Upside Down Cake) Funky Monkey caters to all snow cone needs all available with a plethora of extra toppings.
Funkymonkeyshavedice.com
Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Over Texas' Batman the Ride delivers 10-story drops, corkscrew descents and high-speed loops. It's one of several thrill rides at the 212-acre park, which also offers more kid-friendly rides, dining, concerts and other events throughout the year including 4th of July festivities.
Sixflags.com/overtexas.
