No longer just a university town, Denton gives you the small town feel with the big city amenities. The University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University are located close to the town square. Denton’s live art scene is a fantastic place to attend a festival or have a date night at the speakeasy.
What to Do
Andy B’s // Andy B’s offers bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and more! Perfect for a mid-week happy hour, updated old-school date night, or Friday night out with the family.
Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream // If you are looking to have the best ice cream with the most amazing, soda shop decor – this is your spot! Just off the square in Denton, this local landmark is a must stop in Denton!
Campus Theatre // The Campus Theater is back in action! Be sure and look at their calendar for the latest shows.
Clear Creek Nature Center // Clear Creek Natural Heritage Area includes the confluence of Clear Creek and the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. The trails are open daily and they offer a variety of classes including an organic gardening workshop.
Denton Water Works // Water Works Park offers four giant slides, a lazy river, children’s play pool, sand volleyball, and more! This is the perfect way to spend a day with the family!
Explorium Children’s Museum // The Explorium is designed for kids 12 years and under. Our purpose is to provide opportunities for children and their families to learn and play together.
Gnome Cones // This adorable spot is located just off the square in Denton. It is adorable inside! Kids will love it and it is the perfect spot to grab some perfect pictures for Instagram.
Greenbelt Trail // The Greenbelt Corridor is a trail that runs next to the Elm Fork Branch of the Trinity River. One of the area’s most popular nature trails, it runs north and south from the below the Ray Roberts Dam to the headwaters of Lake Lewisville, offering 12 miles for equestrians and 10 miles for bicyclists and hikers.
Horseback riding // Just outside of Denton, you can find plenty of horseback riding opportunities!
Ironwood Axe Throwing // Ironwood Axe Throwing offers traditional axe throwing experiences.
Mural tour // Denton is widely known for having beautiful outdoor works of art, especially its murals! These spots are as large as a building or as small as a window and are created by a variety of local artists.
Nerf Gun Battlefield // They offer party packages, open play, and summer camps!
Twilight Tunes, Denton free music series // Grab your lawn chair and enjoy live music on the square!
Where to Eat
Barley and Board // Barley & Board is a locally created gastropub, influenced by seasonal and fresh, high-quality ingredients in harmony with handcrafted brews, located in the heart of Downtown Denton.
Best Tacos // Check out Denton’s list of where to eat the best tacos in town!
Denton’s craft beer district // You might be surprised to learn that Denton has an incredible craft beer scene.
Food trucks // If you are looking for a fun time sampling the best food truck food, stop by Denton’s very own food truck park, Austin Street Truck Stop.
Miss Angeline’s // This new bar features craft cocktails and a beautiful patio. It’s owned by the same people who created East Side Denton and Oak Street Drafthouse. It has craft cocktails and a beautiful patio.
Paschall Bar // Denton’s speakeasy is named after the building’s original proprietor. It is a world-class cocktail lounge that serves traditional and original hand-crafted cocktails in a sophisticated classic environment.
Patios + outdoor dining // Denton has plenty of outdoor and rooftop seating for you to enjoy.
Queenie’s Steakhouse // Chef Tim Love has a restaurant here! This restaurant was named for his mom and is the only concept like this. On the weekends they open up the back door to the restaurant for their craft donut concept, Back Dough.
940s Kitchen & Cocktails // Cocktails on tap, eggplant fries, and short rib grilled cheese may just catch your eye as you look over their delicious menu.
Where to Stay
Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center// This AAA Four Diamond hotel is in the heart of Rayzor Ranch, with shops, dining, nightlife, and live music at the door.
The Brownlow House // This is a beautiful and elegant space that can be the backdrop for unique and special days.
Hotels // Whether you are looking for upscale suites, family-friendly or pet-friendly rooms, or budget accommodations, these hotels are conveniently located alongside restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
The Wildwood Inn // This European-inspired boutique hotel is not only a beautiful setting for your special day, but is also the perfect place for a weekend getaway!
Old Irish Bed and Breakfast // The happiest and “funnest” bed and breakfast in the world.
RV parks and camping // If you are looking for a spot to pull up your RVs or Campers and just enjoy the beautiful views, Denton has plenty of choices for you.
For more driving destination ideas, check out Fort Worth Moms “Guide to Road Trips from Fort Worth.”
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Kate Eschbach is the sponsorship coordinator for Fort Worth Moms. She writes a lifestyle legacy blog named Songs Kate Sang and is a professional photographer. She enjoys handwritten correspondence, and may break out into musical numbers at any time. She and her husband Brian are fightin’ Texas Aggie class of ’97 and were married in ’99. They have five children ranging in ages from college age to preschool. She is a Texas girl who recently returned from living in Arizona for 12 wonderful (and hot!) years. Kate writes from the heart about adoption, fostering, and miscarriage. She is passionate about encouraging and serving others.
