Labor Day is known as the last hurrah of summer, since it’s the last long weekend of the season. This year, Labor Day is Monday, Sept. 7.
A three-day weekend is always a good excuse to get away. Luckily, with vast Texas land, there are dozens of options to take a quick weekend road trip.
Whether it be escaping to a body of water, a new state park, or up into our neighbor Oklahoma, here are some last-minute options for a Labor Day weekend road trip from Fort Worth.
DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar at Universal Kids Resort in Frisco. Universal Destinations & Experiences Day trips from Fort WorthSaddlerock Vineyard and Safari
Where? 137 Olive Branch Road, Brock.
Distance from Fort Worth? 38 miles, an approximately 45-minute drive.
What to do? Both family and adult-only tours. Ninety minutes of wine tasting along a scenic route through vineyards full of animals. The grounds have zebras, water buffalo, bongos, wildebeests, giraffes, emus and more – see a full list of animals here.
Price? $65 per person for both family and adult tours. Private tours start at $1,170.
Kid friendly? Kids are welcome, as there is a separate tour designated for families.
Where? 1 Universal Parkway, Frisco.
Distance from Fort Worth? 50 miles, an approximately 50-minute drive.
What to do? Seven lands featuring characters from “Shrek,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “The Minions,” “Jurassic World,” “Trolls” and “Puss in Boots,” plus an “Isle of Curiosity.” Each land features themed rides and games. The Universal Kids Resort Hotel is also onsite for those who would rather do an overnight stay.
Price? Admission for a general admission one-day pass on Friday the 4th and on Labor Day is $70. Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th is $80.
Kid friendly? Made for families with young children.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Where? 6220 Steinbeck Bend Drive, Waco.
Distance from Fort Worth? 90 miles, an approximately hour-and-a-half drive.
What to do? See fossils of the 14-foot, 20,000-pound mammoths that used to roam around Texas. The 108 acres also feature hiking trails where the mammoths and saber tooth cats and camels used to roam in the “Texas Ice Age.”
Price? Tickets are required for access to the dig site. Children under 3 are free, children 4 to 17 years old are $5, as well as seniors 62 years and older. Adults between 18 and 61 are $6.
Kid friendly? Extremely!
Where? 1200 Meandering Road, Fort Worth.
Distance from Fort Worth? Located in east Fort Worth near Lake Worth.
What to do? A 20-feet deep lake that is spring fed and also chlorinated with white sand beaches, water slides, grills and grassy pavilions. You may bring your own food and drink, but no glass or alcohol is permitted.
Price? Day pass is $20 for Saturday, Sunday and Monday on Labor Day. Closed on Friday. And additional $10 ticket for the Great White Slide. Parking included.
Kid friendly? Yes. Lifeguards on duty. Labor Day is the last weekend of the season to visit.
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, which includes Tucker Lake, opened earlier this year. Amanda McCoy amccoy@star-telegram.com Overnight trips from Fort WorthPalo Pinto State Park
Where? 100 Park Road #77, Strawn.
Distance from Fort Worth? 82 miles, about an hour-and-a-half from Fort Worth.
What to do? Camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, stargazing.
Price? It ranges, from campsites with water for $15 to pavilions for $150. There is limited availability for Labor Day, but there are still tent site openings. Day passes are $7 for those 12 and older. Kids 12 and younger are free.
Kid friendly? Yes.
While Palo Pinto State Park is near the ongoing Ross fire, the area is still open for visitors and remains unaffected as of Sept. 3, 2026.
Where? 21088 State Highway 115, Cache, Oklahoma.
Distance from Fort Worth? 186 miles, about a three-hour road trip.
What to do? Camping, hiking, wildlife spotting, fishing, birding, and kayaking.
Price? Free admission for day visits. Camping fees start at $12 for a walk-in tent site. Plenty of availability for Labor Day weekend.
Kid friendly? Anyone welcome.
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Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.