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There’s A Hidden Water Garden Near Downtown Fort Worth And You Gotta See It

Surprise your senses, because the Fort Worth Water Gardens is such an awesome place to go any time of the year! I discovered this urban oasis a few summers ago when my kids were little and now it’s one of my favorite things to do in Fort Worth. Bring the kids, family, friends or your special someone and check out what makes this place so great!

Be sure to also check out our Ultimate List of Date Night Ideas In and Around Dallas Fort Worth.

The Fort Worth Water Gardens is a modern, refreshing oasis located in Downtown Fort Worth, right next to the Fort Worth Convention Center. The Water Gardens is an architectural and engineering marvel designed by Phillip Johnson who also designed the Amon Carter Museum of American Art.

No matter the time of year, you’ll be able to enjoy this tranquil Fort Worth tourist spot. You can experience a variety of water features as they wander through this relaxing urban plaza. The park features three pools of water you can visit: the aerating, the quiet, and the active pool.

Escape to a shady sanctuary where the serene quiet pool is the perfect spot to take in the beautiful outdoor nature and relax in Fort Worth. Here’s everything you need to know about the Fort Worth Water Gardens:

Things To Do In Fort Worth

Built in 1974, the Fort Worth Water Gardens is located on the south end of Downtown Fort Worth between Houston and Commerce Streets. It is right next to the Fort Worth Convention Center. This urban park located on the west side of the metroplex is frequently referred to as a “cooling oasis in the concrete jungle.”

The focal points of the Water Gardens are three pools of water and a terraced knoll, which helps to hide the park from the rest of the city.

Top Fort Worth Tourist Spot

Be sure to visit all three pools at the Water Gardens. You’ll enjoy the quiet, blue meditation pool that is shaded with cypress trees and towering walls. A thin plane of water cascades almost 90 degrees down to the sunken blue water feature below. The meditation pool is a relaxing water feature that will capture all your senses.

Take a moment and visit the aerating pool which features multiple illuminated spray fountains. Stay awhile and take everything in before you head over the main water attraction.

The main attraction of the Water Gardens is the active pool. Keep your eyes on the path below because the flowing water can make you unbalanced. The active pool features water cascading 38 feet down concrete terraces and steps into a small pool at the bottom.

The active pool experience was built for people to be able to walk down the terraced steps to be surrounded by and experience the power, sounds and motion of water crashing around them.

Hotels Near Fort Worth Water Gardens

There are several hotels near the Water Gardens. The two closest hotels are the Omni Fort Worth Hotel and the Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown. Because this popular Fort Worth tourist spot is so close to Sundance Square, there are several other hotel options within walking distance.

Image credit: Google Maps

Fort Worth Water Gardens Parking

There’s plenty of parking around the Water Gardens. Be sure to hide any valuables, take them with you or don’t bring them at all. Most public public parking lots will require payment and you can pay with a credit or bank card.

Of course, you can always stay at one of several downtown Fort Worth hotels and make a weekend of it exploring the Water Gardens, Sundance Square, and several nearby shops and restaurants. This is the perfect Fort Worth staycation idea!

Fort Worth Water Gardens Date Spot

The water gardens in Fort Worth make a unique date spot! Tour this modern wonder in the heart of Fort Worth and then walk the few blocks to Sundance Square for lunch or dinner. If you’re coming in from out of town, there are several hotel options you can choose from which are covered elsewhere in this article.

Image credit TJ and Tanya Gilmore, Lewisville, TX

Everything You Need to Know About Fort Worth Water Gardens

Escape the concrete jungle and explore the Fort Worth Water Gardens! It’s one of our favorite free things to do in Fort Worth and is a popular tourist spot.

Have you ever been to the water gardens? What did you think? Where should we go next? Let us know in the comments below!