If you are looking for the best things to do in Denton, TX for fun, then you will find this guide useful. While some know Denton as the 27th-most populous city in Texas, some know it as a place worth visiting.
Denton is a bustling town known for a blend of history, culture, and profound musical heritage. From its gorgeous courthouse square and lively nightlife to its two major universities, Denton is a place to visit.
Best & Fun Things to Do in Denton, TX
Below is an outline of the things to do in Denton, TX:
1. Pay a Visit to the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum
The Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum is probably the best place to start a fantastic tour in Denton, as you’ll be able to see pieces of stuff that reflects Denton’s profound history.
The Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum is a unique museum with several exhibits, special collections, and historical documents that meet you with an overview of its ancient citizens who are remembered for their patriotic contribution to the county’s rich heritage.
Here, you can find sculptures that sit as remains of Denton’s historic agricultural proficiency.
It also houses a nice collection of antique guns to reflect technological advancements. The staff here are lovely and instrumental in ensuring that you are well entertained as you immerse yourself in Denton’s background. Interestingly, admission here is free. So what is stopping you?
Address: 110 W Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201-4116
2. Pay a Visit to the Little Chapel in the Woods
Whether you’re religious or not, the euphoria of the Little Chapel will leave you stunned. Despite being built as far back as 1939, it is rising through the list of Texas’ top 20 most outstanding architectural achievements.
The Little Chapel is one big piece of art from the stained glass windows that stand about 6 meters tall depicting the theme “Woman Ministering to Human Needs” to the globe-shaped lamps that make a solemn atmosphere.
It was built by the late O’Neil Ford during his most depression periods and has stood as a neat historical church since then. It is also a wonderful chapel for weddings, communions, or other religious ceremonies.
Beautiful water logs almost covered with fresh leaves and a large ballroom are other exciting things you meet at the Little Chapel. Interestingly, this amazing place is open to the public at no cost. So feel free to park within, walk around or head straight to the altar to say your vows.
Address: 415 Chapel Drive Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX 76204
3. Explore the Bayless-Selby House Museum
Are you in for a fantastic way to learn the great history of Denton? Bayless-Selby House Museum is highly recommended. It sits in the Denton historical park and houses tons of antiques, most of which reflect the history of life in Denton at the turn of the century.
It has an Eastlake-style adult bedroom suite, one room dedicated to medical equipment, and an elegantly set dining room table. From the point of your arrival where you’ll see the garden ground to the end of your tour in this Victorian-style house museum will leave you with pleasant memories.
Bayless-Selby House Museum tells the history of Denton County before 1908 through the music room with the E. Gabler and Bro. Grand piano. Apart from the majestic walls, you’ll find many exciting furnishings and exhibits as you stroll through this beautiful old home.
The staffs are very knowledgeable and friendly; they’ll tell you interesting things about the area. Everything here is free of charge, from the convenient parking lots to the admission protocols. However, donations are accepted.
Address: 317 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201-6062
4. Ride the A-train (Denton County Transit Authority)
Whether you’ve got a place to go or not, a fantastic train ride like what you’ll get here would prove why slow and steady is better. At A-train, you’ll have that rare privilege to sit on a comfortable train and journey through beautiful terrains. The ride is exciting and entirely fun
Over the years, A-train has been known for safe trips, so don’t bother about accidents. All you’ll get is a group of hospital conductors attending to you in an acoustic train being driven by professional engineers!
Address: 604 E Hickory St, Denton, TX 76205-4355
5. Get Yourself Entertained at the Campus Theatre
Leaving Denton without getting a taste of its culture through music from the Campus Theatre doesn’t sound pleasant. Campus Theatre is a 300 compact arts theatre refurbished in the 1990s from a movie house sitting in downtown Denton.
It is an incredible blend of ancient architecture and outstanding musical presentations and an excellent venue for live theatre with comfortable seats and a holistic atmosphere.
It is home to many events, including Shrek the Musical Shakespeare at the Campus Theatre. Campus Theatre features lots of local talent, some from the University of North Texas, and professional actors and actresses who you can meet for a selfie after each show.
An added benefit is the confection stand which offers tons of soft drinks, wines, and beer at very affordable prices. Hop in anytime to partake in any musical and theatrical performances hosted each year!
Address: 214 W Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201-4118
6. Enjoy a Cool and Relaxing Evening at the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center
Have you been in search of a quiet park where you could have a fantastic time walking, biking, fishing, or just relaxing? The Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center is the best answer you can get.
It is parked with a beautiful forest, creek, meadows, marshlands, and estuary. It has a good number of trails for hiking and biking. If you’re a fan of nature, then it is even a fuller option since you’ll come to discover a park full of birds, critters, flowers, raptors, and other of Denton’s native plants.
You can bring a chair and sit out on the earthen dam with a cup of coffee and feel nature’s breeze while having long discussions with that particular person.
Many events and classes are held here, making it an opportunity for education. A bonus is the small outbuilding that you could use for picnics and restrooms.
Address: 3310 Collins Rd., Denton, TX 76208
7. Explore Denton Firefighters Museum
An excellent way to show patriotism to past heroes who risked their lives to fight fire is to visit the Denton Firefighters Museum. It is a fantastic collection of historical firefighting items that reflects Denton’s fascinating firefighting history.
It was opened by some of Denton’s local firefighters in 2005 and holds tons of firefighting artifacts from the 1800s to the present.
There are many interactive exhibits to see, including fireman suits that may even be older than you. There is a good selection of fire truck toys for children to see. Probably an excellent way for your kids to learn about the job of a firefighter.
During your tour here, you’ll be escorted around by a nice fireman who will share old stories to spice up your fun. There are also several restaurants where you could grab an affordable lunch. The museum is free, but donations are accepted.
Address: 332 E Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201-4272
8. Explore the Denton County African American Museum
Denton County African American Museum is the best place to learn about local African American history.
From being home to families that lived in the African American community of Quakertown in Denton, Texas, to being a humble abode to artifacts that tell the stories of those families, Denton County African American Museum is a fantastic place to visit.
The photographs and documents here hold a memory of the African American families from 1875 when they first came from Dallas searching for a better life. Interestingly, this superb museum is free of charge. So feel free to spend an hour or two here!
Address: 317 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201-6062
9. Pay Your Last Respect at the Confederate Memorial
The Confederate Memorial is built to keep memories of old soldiers who fought during the civil war. Whether you like it or not, a person who puts his life at risk to keep our world safe deserves our homage and respect.
There is a statue at the entrance which reads;
“Daughters of the federation in memory of our federal soldiers who in heroic self-sacrifice and devoted loyalty gave their manhood and lives to the south in her hour of need.”
Aside from that, you’ll find other military sculptures that reflect the civil war’s happenings. You can take a stroll within the area and catch a glimpse of history.
Address: 110 W Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201-4116
10. A Creative Art Studio
Ever wondered which is the best place to see unique artworks in Denton? A Creative Art Studio is the best answer you can find. It is an art gallery that sits just off the historic square in Denton and features tons of artworks from a pool of over 45 Local artists.
Over here, you’ll feed your eyes with contemporary paintings in watercolor, oil, acrylic, and mixed media. The art here goes beyond just paintings; you’ll also find handmade jewelry of silver, glass, metals, and other materials. Probably an excellent opportunity to change your spouse’s look!
It doesn’t stop there; visiting A Creative Art Studio offers you the opportunity to experience local music while featuring live music from local artists. That is more than enough to give you an artistic treat.
They also offer various classes and workshops, including drawings in stained glass, watercolor acrylic, jewelry making, yoga, etc. It sounds like an excellent place to kick-start your art career!
Address: 227 W Oak suite 101, Denton, TX 76201-4172
11. Buy and Sell at the Denton Community Market
Even if you have nothing to buy, the euphoria in the Denton Community Market will make you want to buy one. The Denton Community Market meets you with various vendors to buy beautiful homemade baby toys, lollypops, crafts, landscaping plants, and other tangible items.
To add to the charm and warmth of the goods sold in this market, you’ll come across a cultural mecca of food trucks parked on one side of the market where you could grab delicious meals and step it down with a homemade ginger beer.
Denton Community Market also has a pavilion near its center where different musicians play incredible music at a stretch.
Address: 317 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201-6062
12. Check Out these Recycled Books
If you choose to make your tour in Denton an opportunity to read or want to stock your library with top-notch literature pieces with a tight budget, this is the place.
Its name implies a vast supply of used and new books, including music books, comic books, art books, etc. They also have board games, music tapes, video games, action figures, etc.
Even if you don’t enter inside the hall, the awesomeness of the surroundings will keep you entertained like a child.
Also, it is managed by a crew of well-trained staff who will direct you to the section where you’ll find your most exciting titles. If the faintest pen is better than giant brains, it is worth spending an hour or two here.
Address: 200 N Locust St, Denton, TX 76201-4125
13. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at the Atomic Candy
Atomic Candy offers British chocolates, nuts, vanilla, taffy, tropical, honey sticks, sweets, jelly beans, gummy candies, etc.
To add to the flock of candy, there are also old toys and accessories to keep your eyes and hands busy.
Credit: SimpleViewIncFrom the entry point, where you’ll see fantastic wall arts, to the interiors, the entire shop reminds you of the pleasant times you had as a child.
It is managed by a group of friendly and interactive staff. This place has a variety of unique gift items at affordable prices. You could buy one for that particular person!
Address: 105 W Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201-4115
14. Explore the Quandary Escape Adventures
Imagine seeing yourself in a tight, tricky corner with little or no clue how to leave. You’ll have to brainstorm a possible escape route while the clock ticks. The fun an escape room like those in the Quandary Escape Adventures offers makes it better done than said.
You will be filled with excitement as you play escape adventures in totally new terrain.
Before your adventure, you will be grouped with other players worldwide, making it a perfect opportunity to make new friends during the epic challenge. You’ll then be addressed by an instructor who will give you and other group members a glimpse of your room.
During the challenge, you and all other group members need to turn your thinking caps on as you’ll be doing a lot of puzzles to find your way out.
Address: 5800 I35N Suite 506, Denton, TX 76207
15. Pay a Visit to the Cinemark 14 Cinema
Whether you’ve been to a cinema before or not, you haven’t seen it all until you get to Cinemark 14. Over time, it has become a great place to see a movie and probably the best in the entire Denton.
At Cinemark 14, you’ll get to experience a rare blend of surrounding bass sound and a big HD screen. But that’s not all; what makes Cinemark 14 stand out is its recliner chairs that will give you more comfort than you deserve.
As you fix your eyes on the broad picture, I bet not even your seat partner can afford to get you distracted. However, there is only one thing that can get you distracted: the scent of the fresh, tasty popcorn booming from the concession stand.
I’m sure you won’t wait to get yours. The staff here are always friendly and ensure you get the best treatment.
Address: 2825 Wind River Ln, Denton, TX 76210-0100
16. Explore the Oak St. Draft house
When drinking beer and getting some light food comes to your mind, Oak St. Draft house should come next. It is a local beer park that offers a full bar and creative cocktails.
They have a vast collection of local and foreign draft beers from most of Texas’ renowned breweries. But more interesting is the fact that you’ll get to watch some college football while you fill your bowels.
Indoors, you’ll get the feeling of a Victorian-era house, but the true gem is the colossal backyard beer garden where you’ll get to see other people sitting around small tables having fun.
Don’t bother about the cold in the backyard garden; there are many outdoor heaters for cool evenings. However, you don’t need coolers for warm days; the natural breeze here would serve you right. Don’t hesitate to bring your girlfriends here on a date to vibe and relax!
Address: 308 E Oak St, Denton, TX 76201-4244
17. Shop at the Sleeping Lizards
Sleeping Lizard sits a couple of poles down from the downtown courthouse square in Denton and has a great selection of magical items and items like jewelry, Knick-knacks, candles, trinkets, artworks, clothing, books, etc.
This place has almost anything that you can ever think of, so rush here and get your taste when next you want something rare.
Most interestingly, the jewelry and other tangibles are handmade by local artists and unique, so you can’t see someone else wearing the same stuff. It is managed by pleasant staff who will help you roam around at your leisure even if you aren’t buying anything.
Prices of things here are surprisingly low so that you would spend less on a good gift for your loved one!
Address: 424 N Elm St, Denton, TX 76201-4100
18. Party at the Paschall Bar
If you want to get a nice treat at a world-class bar, rush to the Paschall Bar and get more than you ever wanted. It is a fantastic bar with an excellent selection of classic drinks, cocktails, handcrafted drinks, whiskey, and many other categories.
After reading or hearing a lot about this place, you’ll discover that it is one of Denton’s hidden gems when you visit. It is an excellent place to relax, have one or two drinks, and overlook the town square.
Aside from drinking, you could get maximum entertainment from those playing card and board games. You could participate too. The atmosphere is quiet, personal, and relaxed—no wonder why people spend more than double the time they planned to spend here.
Address: 122 N Locust St, Denton, TX 76201-4173
19. Explore a Variety of Books and Artifacts at the Blagg-Huey Library
Blagg-Huey Library is a library that strengthens the Texas Woman’s University education by making available information and library services relevant to its goals in an acoustic building.
It is situated on the campus of Texas Woman’s University. It houses artifacts, documents, trainee handbooks, reports, and military records, bringing alive the memories of when women were trained and enlisted in the Armed Forces of America (between 1942 and 1944).
Even if you don’t want to read, Blagg-Huey Library is worth visiting to have fun. It has a Starbucks close to the front door, so you won’t bother coming out to grab something, a bench for rest, solid Wi-Fi, and a children’s library section to keep the kids busy.
Aside from the display on the work and life of Florence Nightingale, throughout the library, you’ll find exhibits that reflect the role women have played in history both as nurses and military personnel making it a fantastic place for lovely touristy photos.
Address: 307 Administration Dr. Texas Womans University, Denton, TX 76204
20. Go and Have Fun at the Lone Star Indoor Sports & Event Center
It isn’t just enough to have fun in Denton and not do physical fitness exercises to make you more young and flexible. Lone Star Indoor Sports & Event Center has for years offered a charming taste of sports to its visitors.
They offer Hockey and roller skating/derby in an ultra-modern field. It also has Nice party rooms as well as private rooms.
Both the bathroom and every other place here are clean and welcoming. Interestingly, the prices here are reasonable, but I’m sure you’ll want to pay more with its very accommodating staff members.
Make this a place to have a birthday party or private event, learn to skate, watch roller derby, join a hockey league, and more!
Address: 222 S Mayhill Rd, Denton, TX 76208-6374.