Things to Do in Azle

Shingled peaks and a lofty white balcony greet visitors as they stroll up to the Texas Civil War Museum, where more than 15,000 square feet of exhibits and collections work together to educate present generations on The War Between the States. The museum's themed sections weave a visual trek through time with artifacts preserved from both sides of the conflict, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery remnants. Medical relics and musical instruments supply additional glimpses into the war zone, and a collection of more than 300 Victorian dresses, which rotate on exhibit, showcases the style of women and celebrity cannons from that era . In addition to escorting guests through history, the museum also plays host to frequent events, such as monument ceremonies and live musical acts.

At Let's Jump's indoor facility, kids bounce across 12,000 square feet packed with inflatable houses and rides. Sock-footed jumpers bound over to 13 inflatable attractions and defy gravity better than Buzz Aldrin's pogo stick. Parents kick back as their miniature versions glide down slides, overcome obstacle courses, and spring from the walls of the facility’s bounce houses. Combo bounce houses beckon kids to multitask their fun with multiple activities such as dunking basketball shots while dodging obstacles, and a separate toddler room grants smaller kids a safe place to jump. For kids who want to keep bouncing at home, Let’s Jump also provides party rentals for backyard celebrations.

Though you'd never guess it based on its white, soot-free façade, an unassuming bungalow in East Forth Worth has seen fire from every angle. The structure began its life in 1928 as a fire station to protect the area's growing population from faulty toaster ovens, and today it serves as a gallery and workspace for flame-taming potters.

Firehouse Pottery's community-driven studio enables local artists to create new work in classes for all age groups classes and then display their proudest pieces in exhibitions or among a rotating selection of paintings, drawings, and pottery on display.

Resident artist Keith Thomson creates hand-made pottery and other clay artwork under tudor half timbered gables, welcoming audiences and protégés as they enter under a gabled portico held up by thick stucco columns. The intimate space also hosts events, which range from gallery exhibitions and BYOB gatherings to book signings at which only quill pens are allowed.

Blanketing more than 100 acres, Fort Worth Botanic Garden houses several disparate gardens that welcome locals and tourists whether they want quiet reflection or a social stroll amid arboreal beauty. The Fragrance Garden lives up to its name by engaging olfactory zones with a dozen uniquely scented plants. In the 7-acre Japanese Garden, visitors commune with plants and animals, including the pond's koi fish and their pet minnows.