Things To Do
in Kennedale
Kennedale is a small, family-oriented city in Tarrant County, Texas, located just southeast of Fort Worth and close to Arlington in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. It offers a quiet residential feel with parks, a community center, and easy access to big-city attractions like stadiums, museums, and theme parks. The landscape is typical North Texas—rolling prairie, pocket lakes, and wide-open skies that produce memorable sunsets and seasonal wildflowers.
Visitors often use Kennedale as a low-key base for exploring Fort Worth and Arlington while enjoying lower accommodation costs and a slower pace.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the beautiful city parks in Kennedale, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll or a peaceful jog. The fresh air and lush greenery will invigorate you, making it the perfect setting to enjoy a cup of coffee. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the picturesque scenery.
Spend the afternoon at the Kennedale Community Center, where you can engage in various activities or join a recreational class. The center often hosts community events that are great for meeting locals and immersing yourself in the town’s vibrant culture. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby café, sampling the local cuisine.
As the sun sets, gather with friends at one of the local restaurants to indulge in a delicious dinner. Afterward, take a stroll around town to soak in the charming atmosphere under the night sky. There may also be special events or live music happening in the area, providing a wonderful way to end your day.
Embark on an exciting adventure at the nearby parks for an engaging morning of nature exploration. Rent a kayak or bike to immerse yourself in the serene environment and appreciate the diverse wildlife. The trails offer well-marked paths suited for all skill levels, making it accessible for everyone.
Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it by the lakeside after your morning activities. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy the natural surroundings, and even meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts. As the afternoon sun shines, take the time to explore more trails or simply sit back and soak in the peaceful ambiance.
Conclude your day by returning to the city, where you can enjoy dinner at a local barbecue joint renowned for its delicious smoked meats. The lively atmosphere is complemented by friendly service, making it a great place to fuel up. After dinner, consider strolling around the neighborhood to admire the charming homes and local shops that light up in the evening.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (on tap) | $4-6 |
| 🚕Local taxi / short rideshare | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, residential feel with lower accommodation costs than city centers
- Close proximity to Fort Worth and Arlington attractions
- Pleasant parks and open skies ideal for outdoor relaxation and photography
- Friendly, small-town community atmosphere
- Car-dependent with limited public transportation options
- Fewer dining and nightlife choices within Kennedale itself
- Hot, humid summers and the risk of severe spring storms
- Limited specialized services and entertainment—requires driving into the metro area
Places to Visit in Kennedale
Visit one of these nice places.
A local favorite for sunrise and sunset shots: water reflections, birds, and open-sky compositions. Trails and docks provide varied vantage points.
In spring, look for bluebonnets and other wildflowers along country roads and in open fields surrounding Kennedale—classic Texas floral scenes.
A short drive yields historic western architecture in the Stockyards and skyline views for golden-hour cityscapes.
Wooded trails, river scenes, and boardwalks ideal for nature photography and wildlife close-ups.
Food in Kennedale
Kennedale Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage are staples—look for smoke-ring brisket served with classic sides like potato salad and coleslaw; nearby Fort Worth and Arlington host several well-regarded BBQ joints.
Must-Try!
Enchiladas, tacos al pastor, and fajitas are widely available; try a combo plate at a local Mexican restaurant for authentic regional flavors.
A Southern/Texan comfort classic—breaded and fried beef steak served with cream gravy—found at diners and country-style eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Kennedale hosts occasional community markets; for a larger selection of produce, vendors and street food check weekend markets and food truck gatherings in nearby Arlington and Fort Worth—try fresh seasonal produce and local pastries.
Look for food truck parks and rotating pop-ups in the metro area for inventive tacos, barbecue sandwiches, and fusion options—popular at weekend events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are generally friendly and casual—polite greetings, saying 'please' and 'thank you,' and small talk are appreciated. You may hear regional phrases like 'howdy' or 'y'all.'
Respect private property and keep to designated trails and parks. Loud or disruptive behavior is frowned upon in residential areas.
While the metro area is diverse, some neighborhoods are more conservative—dress and behavior that are respectful and unassuming are a safe choice.
Safety
Tipping in Kennedale
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or 15–20% for bar tabs, $2–5 for hotel housekeeping per night, and 10–20% or rounding up for taxi/rideshare drivers. Tip well for good service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small vendors, tips, or rural purchases, but most businesses take cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with high temperatures often in the 90s–100s °F (32–40 °C); plan outdoor activities for morning or evening, stay hydrated, and use sun protection. Thunderstorms and occasional severe weather are possible.
Mild and pleasant weather with cooling temperatures and lower humidity—great for outdoor exploration and events. Early fall can still be warm.
Generally mild winters with occasional cold snaps; temperatures usually range from the 30s–60s °F (0–15 °C). Snow is rare but not impossible; dress in layers for variable days.
Warm and variable with wildflowers (bluebonnets) peaking in March–April and frequent thunderstorms—this season also has the highest severe weather and tornado risk, so monitor forecasts.
Kennedale at Night
Hiking in Kennedale
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About a 30–40 minute drive (depending on exact starting point), this Dallas County preserve offers well-marked trails, varied terrain, and native plant displays—good for moderate hikes and nature photography.
A large urban park with multi-use trails along the river, boardwalks, and abundant wildlife—excellent for walking, running, and family outings.
Trails and parks around Eagle Mountain Lake provide lakeside scenery and varied hiking/cycling routes within a reasonable drive.
About an hour’s drive, this state park offers scenic trails, river views, and preserved dinosaur footprints in the riverbed—a popular day-trip destination for hiking and history.
Airports
How to reach Kennedale by plane.
The primary international airport serving the metroplex—about 20–40 minutes by car depending on traffic. Offers extensive domestic and international flights; car rental, rideshares, and shuttles available.
Smaller commercial airport serving domestic flights (Southwest and others), located in Dallas—about 30–45 minutes drive depending on traffic. Convenient for some domestic connections.
Primarily a general aviation and charter airport in Fort Worth—useful for private flights and some regional services; roughly 25–35 minutes from Kennedale.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Kennedale is home to many families and long-term suburban residents attracted to schools, parks, and a quieter lifestyle.
A significant Hispanic/Latino population contributes to the cultural and culinary landscape, including Mexican and Tex‑Mex influences.
Many residents commute to jobs in Fort Worth, Arlington, and throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is extremely popular at all levels—high school Friday-night football is a local cultural staple, and the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys (nearby in Arlington) command huge regional interest.
Baseball is widely followed; the Texas Rangers (in Arlington) and local leagues draw fans during the season.
Rodeo culture and western heritage thrive in the Fort Worth area—events, stockyards shows, and horse-related activities are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kennedale.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited at traditional barbecue and Tex‑Mex spots; many restaurants offer salads, veggie tacos, and grilled vegetable sides—visit chain or independent cafes in Fort Worth for dedicated vegetarian menus.
Vegan choices exist but may require asking for modifications (no cheese, swap sides). Nearby larger cities have vegan-focused restaurants and grocery options; plan ahead for specialty items.
Gluten‑free options are increasingly common—many restaurants can modify dishes (corn tortillas instead of flour, grilled proteins). When in doubt, ask staff about cross-contamination.