The bustling city of Burleson, Texas, is a charming destination right on the southernmost edge of Forth Worth.
Since it sits on the outskirts of the metropolis, the community enjoys the convenience of urban living and the laid-back vibe of small towns.
In the past, the city served as a midway depot for the stations in between Forth Worth and the oldest city in Johnson County, Alvarado.
Naturally, a town started forming around this important railroad stop, eventually becoming the community of Burleson.
The city boasts an endless list of outdoor attractions thanks to its location, with wineries, amusement parks, and green spaces all around.
Aside from these, you’ll find lots of modern destinations like retail establishments, restaurants, and recreational facilities for various interests.
So for an upcoming weekend holiday, why not take a chance and see all this city has in store?
Here are the 20 best things to do in Burleson, TX:
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The scenic Bailey Lake Park is an ideal destination for those who like to be in nature while still staying near civilization.
Located next to the eight-acre Bailey Lake, this green space has many amenities that make for a convenient stay.
There are picnic areas, well-paved nature trails, and a circular walking trail around the lake.
So during your stay, you’ll find people jogging or walking their dogs from the park’s farthest ends.
The lake itself is open for fishing, though you need a license and your own equipment.
Since it’s regularly stocked with channel catfish and perch, the lake offers many opportunities for testing your angling skills.
Just outside the city center lies one of the prime outdoor attractions in the area: Pirates’ Cove.
This seasonal amusement park styles itself as an “Oasis of Water, Sun, and Shade for the Entire Family,” offering thrilling attractions in its expansive area.
And as the name implies, it’s all pirate-themed, so ready yourself for some swashbuckling fun!
There are 11 water slides, one with six lanes where you race with friends—see who’s the quickest to reach the bottom!
For those who simply want a cooling dip as relief from the Texas sun, check out the four activity pools and two artificial waterfalls.
You can also cruise along the 750-foot-long lazy river and forget all about your worries.
Visit the Pirates’ Cove Grill if you’re feeling hungry after swimming and sliding for some energizing snacks!
The expansive Burleson Recreation Center, or BRiCk, has comprehensive facilities for every type of recreational activity you can do in a 24-acre destination.
That’s why it’s one of the favorite attractions of residents.
BRiCk is divided into two sections: the outdoor fields and the building for indoor activities.
Outside, you’ll find several sports fields divided by walking paths and bordered by the unfortunately named Booger Creek.
The swimming pool is also located near the building, and it’s great for a few laps.
Inside, you’ll find even more facilities for athletic and fitness activities.
There are indoor courts for basketball and volleyball, a fitness area with cardio and resistance equipment, and even a natatorium for water aerobics.
For more intense fitness sessions, check out the weight room or the suspended walking track.
Sitting adjacent to Bailey Lake Park is Hidden Creek Golf Course, an expansive facility open to Burleson residents and visitors.
This 18-hole course makes use of the flat terrain in this region of Texas, adding some bunkers and hazards to spice up your gameplay.
So while the layout may be challenging, you’ll still have a great time with friends or family appreciating the views.
And really, all it takes is good iron play and course management skills to hole your ball.
If you’re not confident yet with your skills, visit the practice greens and practice for a bit.
For those who don’t have equipment, check out the well-stocked pro shop for balls, clubs, and other products.
Don’t forget to visit the in-house bar and grill, The Terrace, for some satisfying snacks and alcoholic drinks.
The mild climate on this side of the country makes the ideal conditions for growing grapevines, so many farmers in Burleson have taken advantage of this knowledge.
One of the established grape growers in the city’s outskirts is Lost Oak Winery, a 52-acre attraction sitting next to Village Creek.
The farm has been around since 2006, quickly growing into the well-known Burleson landmark it is today.
Their fame is mostly because of their fine wines, which have won many state, regional, and international awards.
So if you want to get a taste of their sensational drinks, visit their tasting room for a sip of reds, roses, and whites—all paired with a delectable cheeseboard.
To see how the farming and distilling process works, join a winery tour that brings you around the farm.
And if you happen to enjoy one of their bottles, visit their shop and buy one or two to bring home!
A few blocks away from Hidden Creek Golf Course is another green space favored by the suburban residents this side of Burleson: Oak Valley Park North.
This attraction is longer than it is wide, with many modern amenities that the whole family will enjoy.
For those traveling with kids, let them play at the well-maintained and shaded playground in one section of the park.
Those feeling more adventurous can explore the unmarked trails that go into the dense trees covering most of the park.
It’s also a great place for dog-walking, but be sure to clean after your pet to maintain cleanliness in the area.
One of the most prominent features of this destination is the concrete pathway, which is part of the Oak Valley Trail.
It’s a great place for jogging and running, bringing you all the way to Rigney Way, a street north of Hidden Creek Golf Course.
If you’re looking for a place where you can get unique memorabilia of your Burleson adventures, head to Burleson Antique Mall.
Within the 18,000-square-foot facility, you’ll find more than 150 shops offering old trinkets and rare items that will spark your imagination.
The selections include old furniture, antique jewelry, intricate glassware, one-of-a-kind toys, and other collectibles from the past.
And we’re talking Texas here, so you can expect lots of Western-themed items you won’t find anywhere else.
Just be patient during your search and keep a sharp eye for the objects hidden in shelves or amidst the riot of knickknacks.
You might just find something priceless and truly one-of-a-kind.
The tranquil Wakefield Heights Park is another favorite outdoor attraction lying along the path of Shannon Creek.
Within this green space, you’ll find a few amenities like picnic benches, a playground, and drinking fountains.
But the real appeal of the park is the large forested area, which has trails for exploration and exercise.
One of these trails is called the Coyote Loop, extending beyond the facility’s borders.
This 1.6-mile, beginner-friendly singletrack is mostly used by mountain bikers and is preferred for the easy terrain.
You’re welcome to ride, too, if you have your bike with you during your trip.
If not, you can simply explore the serene trails and the beautiful waterfront lookouts next to Shannon Creek.
Want to feel like a lumberjack and hit the bull’s eye on a slab of wood?
Make a stopover at the thrilling Burleson Axe Factory!
There are a few things as satisfying as sending an ax flying and hearing the “THUNK” as it lands blade first on your target.
But reaching this level of accuracy will take some practice and a bit of technique.
Thankfully, Burleson Axe Factory has AXE-perts on duty, and they will guide you so you’ll know the basics.
Once you’re confident, get to throwing!
There are several packages available, with increasing duration and number of targets available.
And you’re encouraged to bring your own beer, so take a whole cooler with you during your visit!
Ax throwing is not suitable for young kids, so a great alternative for families is the exhilarating Jurassic Zone Mini Golf and Arcade.
As implied by the name, this amusement park houses a mini-golf course and arcade section, amongst other attractions.
The 18-hole course is the perfect place to practice your putting skills and test your precision.
And with the life-size dinosaurs snarling their teeth at you while you play, you’ll surely have a memorable time on the course.
If you want to escape the sun, head inside the well-equipped arcade.
You’ll find colorful machines with the latest video games and old-school ones that will bring a pang of nostalgia.
Play all day to win more than 200 kinds of prizes!
If you want to catch a glimpse of Burleson back in its founding days, check out the historic Russell Farm Art Center.
This complex is composed of buildings and a large plot of land covering 30 acres.
The structures offer a glimpse of the city’s earliest days, with barns, windmills, and wells as some of the most visible features.
Within the buildings, you’ll find various pieces of art like paintings and sculptures, some of which were owned by renowned artist and original farm owner Charlie Boren.
His legacy continues today, inspiring some local artists to work on-site.
Folks can also join the community garden, while visitors and residents can rent the buildings for special events like weddings and birthdays.
While there are many restaurants scattered all around Burleson, some of the most beloved ones are located in busy East Renfro Street.
So if you want to get a taste of Tex-Mex or Southern cuisine, visit the local dining establishments for a spot of lunch or dinner!
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is a counter-service food place that offers tasty, Baja-style tacos and other Mexican staples that will have you craving more.
For the more casual restaurant-goers, head to THE RIM Scratch Craft Eats for brewed beverages and homestyle meals.
Grumps Burgers has a more Western aesthetic, with a saloon-style restaurant offering American staples like burgers and fries.
Check out the Burleson Visitors Center for some essentials before venturing out to the area’s delightful attractions.
Guests may find it at the original interurban depot at 124 W. Ellison St. The City of Burleson owns the facility.
However, the Burleson Heritage Foundation is responsible for its operation.
The current site dates back to 2010.
Items of historical and personal worth contributed to the Burleson Visitors Center by local families and businesses provide an insight into the past of Burleson and Johnson County.
You may find all sorts of travel and heritage information here.
In addition to housing historically significant artifacts and facilitating tours and school field trips, this facility also offers historical souvenirs and related goods.
Owner Kristen Williams welcomes walk-ins to her lovely, no-reservations-needed Art Barn Studio in Old Town Burleson.
The studio is known for its ceramics, ceramic fusion, mosaics, and wooden artwork.
Here, you may create pottery that you may bring home.
Everyone, no matter what age, will enjoy themselves at The Studio.
Trips, lessons, and art projects are all on the menu.
Expert guides will show you around and teach you everything you need to know, so there’s no need to brush up on any prerequisite knowledge.
In addition to viewing the spectacle, guests may rent the space for private gatherings.
Are you looking for something entertaining to do in Burleson?
A trip to the movies is always worth it.
There are fourteen screens at AMC Burleson 14, each with cutting-edge projection and sound systems.
Each theater has crystal-clear sound, state-of-the-art 3D projection systems, a spotless design, and plush seats for the ultimate viewing experience.
If you’re looking for low-cost things to do with family and friends in the area, a trip to the movies is a great option.
You’ll have a great time at the film whether you see them in 2D or 3D.
The concessions at AMC Burleson 14 provide hot, delicious popcorn and a variety of refreshing drinks.
The venue also caters to events such as parties and gaming nights.
Head over to Half Price Books in Burleson to get your hands on that hard-to-find book.
It’s a paradise for bibliophiles!
You may acquire all your favorite books at a lower price.
An author may also be available to sign your copy of the book.
For these and other reasons, this charming bookstore has been a favorite of many since it first opened.
The shop also buys gently worn vinyl, LPs, books, and anything else printed for half their price.
The store’s merchandise is neatly arranged in several sections, making it easy for consumers to find what they need.
Marble Slab Creamery is hard to beat for a fun family outing in Burleson.
If you want to try ice cream that’s genuinely Burleson, Marble Slab Creamery is your best bet in the city.
You may have ice cream with a custom taste at this shop, as they will combine a little bit of ice cream with a new mix on demand.
Its ice cream flavors include banana, black cherry, cappuccino, butter pecan, and many more.
Cupcakes and pastries are also available at Marble Slab Creamery.
After your adventures in Burleson, why not visit these other places just a few minutes away?
Loadmaster (David R. Tribble) This image was made by Loadmaster (David R. Tribble) Email the author: David R. Tribble Also see my personal gallery at Google Photos, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A half-hour drive northeast of Burleson will bring you to another amusement park: the exhilarating Hawaiian Falls Mansfield.
This 14-acre facility is another seasonal waterpark with Hawaiian-themed attractions instead of the high seas motif that Pirate’s Cove has.
Within the expansive grounds, there are several rides classified according to difficulty and extremeness.
Loadmaster (David R. Tribble) This image was made by Loadmaster (David R. Tribble) Email the author: David R. Tribble Also see my personal gallery at Google Photos, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
For kids, Turtle Bay offers smaller slides that still provide plenty of fun for young swimmers.
And those who live for the thrill are welcome at the Cliffhanger, the Hawaiian Halfpipe, Hightide Whirlpool, LaLana Peak Slides, and more!
These feature swirling slides, towering tubes, and other extreme rides that will have you screaming your lungs out.
Loadmaster (David R. Tribble) This image was made by Loadmaster (David R. Tribble) Email the author: David R. Tribble Also see my personal gallery at Google Photos, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Dinosaur Science Museum and Research Center is part of the Jurassic Zone facilities (another is the aforementioned Jurassic Zone Mini Golf and Arcade).
It’s located in the city of Keene, less than 20 minutes away from Burleson.
Under the management of Southwestern Adventist University, this education facility has become one of the beloved attractions in the area.
It’s open for tours where you can get up close and personal with some of the largest dinosaur fossils ever found.
There are more than 30,000 dinosaur bones here, and you’re welcome to touch them during your visit—a rare opportunity for budding paleontologists and natural history enthusiasts.
The magnificent Bicentennial Park is a regional park located in the charming city of Crowley.
Since it’s just 10 minutes away from Burleson, you can easily drive to it if you have spare time.
Within its expansive grounds, you’ll find many modern attractions and amenities that the whole family will enjoy.
These include the splash pad and multiple playgrounds where the kids can have the time of their lives.
For those into sports, Bicentennial Park houses a well-maintained 18-hole disc golf course and the fitness spots scattered in various sections.
Exploring the rest of the grounds is also encouraged, as you’d eventually reach the waterfront lookouts offering views of serene Deer Creek.
Burleson is one hidden Texan treasure that most people don’t know exists, overshadowed by the larger city of Forth Worth.
But those who are curious enough to check it out will be rewarded with thrilling amusement parks, grand natural attractions, tranquil green spaces, and an inviting community.
Use this guide when making your itinerary so you won’t miss the top spots!
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