Things To Do in Kaufman County
From world-class fishing lakes to Texas's largest flea market — there's more to do here than most people expect.
🌿 Outdoors & Nature
Lake Ray Hubbard
Top PickOne of the largest lakes in the DFW area at 22,745 acres, Lake Ray Hubbard forms the northwest boundary of Kaufman County. It's a major destination for boating, fishing (bass, crappie, catfish), kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterfront dining. The communities of Heath and Rowlett sit right on its shores.
- 📍 Northwest Kaufman County / Rockwall County border
- 🎣 World-class bass fishing
- ⛵ Multiple public boat ramps
- 🌅 Stunning sunset views from Heath
Cedar Creek Reservoir
Fishing HotspotLocated in southern Kaufman County, Cedar Creek Reservoir is 33,750 acres of prime freshwater fishing. It's consistently rated among the top bass fishing lakes in Texas, with largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, and catfish. Multiple marinas and boat ramps serve the lake.
- 📍 Southern Kaufman County near Eustace
- 🎣 Top-rated largemouth bass lake
- 🏕️ Camping available nearby
- 🚤 Boat rentals available at marinas
Lake Tawakoni State Park
State ParkJust about an hour east of Forney in neighboring Van Zandt County, Lake Tawakoni State Park offers 376 acres of campsites, swimming areas, hiking trails, and fishing along one of Texas's most beautiful lakes. A favorite weekend destination for Kaufman County families.
- 📍 ~1 hour east of Forney on SH-276
- 🏊 Designated swimming area
- ⛺ Tent and RV camping
- 🥾 Hiking trails through oak forest
Forney Community Park
Local FavoriteThe heart of community recreation in Forney, this park features youth baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, playgrounds, walking trails, and the Forney Aquatic Center. Home to many city leagues and youth sports programs throughout the year.
- 📍 Forney, TX (near US-80)
- ⚽ Multiple sports fields
- 🏊 Aquatic center (seasonal)
- 🚶 Walking and jogging trails
🛍️ Shopping & Retail
Tanger Outlets — Terrell
Major DestinationOne of the region's most popular outlet shopping destinations, Tanger Outlets Terrell is located right on I-20 and features 60+ name-brand outlet stores. Shoppers come from across DFW for deals on Nike, Coach, Gap, Polo Ralph Lauren, and dozens more brands.
- 📍 I-20 & FM 2932, Terrell TX
- 🏪 60+ outlet stores
- 🅿️ Free parking, easy highway access
- 🛍️ Major sales events throughout the year
Forney Antique District
HistoricForney holds the historic designation as the "Antique Capital of Texas." The downtown area and surrounding shops feature dozens of antique dealers, vintage boutiques, and collectibles stores. A Saturday afternoon treasure hunt through Forney's antique scene is a beloved local pastime.
- 📍 Downtown Forney along US-80
- 🏺 Dozens of antique dealers
- 🎨 Vintage furniture, art, collectibles
- ☕ Local cafes nearby
Canton First Monday Trade Days
Regional IconJust 45 minutes east of Forney, Canton's First Monday Trade Days is the world's largest flea market. Held over the weekend before the first Monday of each month, it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to browse thousands of vendors selling antiques, crafts, clothing, food, and everything imaginable.
- 📍 Canton, TX (~45 min from Forney)
- 📅 Monthly event (weekend before 1st Monday)
- 🛒 Thousands of vendors, 100+ acres
- 🍽️ Food vendors and local restaurants
🎉 Annual Events & Festivals
Forney Farmers Market
Seasonal outdoor farmers market featuring local produce, handmade goods, baked goods, and crafts. Usually runs spring through fall in downtown Forney.
Forney 4th of July Celebration
Annual Independence Day festivities with fireworks, live music, food vendors, and family activities. One of the largest community gatherings of the year.
Kaufman County Fair
The county's premier annual event featuring carnival rides, livestock shows, 4-H competitions, live entertainment, and traditional fair food. Held at the fairgrounds in Kaufman.
Terrell Heritage Jubilee
Terrell's major annual festival celebrating the city's heritage with live music, food, arts and crafts vendors, and family entertainment in historic downtown Terrell.
Forney Heritage Day
A community celebration of Forney's history and growth, with historical exhibits, local vendor booths, and family-friendly activities throughout downtown.
Christmas on Main Street — Forney
Holiday lighting, Santa appearances, caroling, and Christmas market vendors transform downtown Forney into a festive community gathering spot each December.
🚗 Day Trips from Kaufman County
Downtown Dallas
Museums, arts district, sports venues, world-class dining, Deep Ellum entertainment, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
Canton First Monday
World's largest flea market, monthly event drawing visitors from across the country.
Tyler, TX
The "Rose Capital of America" with beautiful parks, the Tyler Rose Garden, and charming downtown shopping.
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Swimming, camping, hiking, and fishing at one of East Texas's most scenic lakes.
Fort Worth Cultural District
Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Fort Worth Stockyards, and excellent dining.
Waco, TX
Magnolia Market (Chip and Joanna Gaines), Baylor University campus, Waco Mammoth National Monument.
⚽ Sports & Recreation
Youth Sports Leagues
Kaufman County has robust youth sports programs through the City of Forney Parks & Recreation, HOA recreation centers, and private leagues. Soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, swimming, and more are all available year-round.
High School Athletics
Friday Night Lights are a real thing here. Forney High School and North Forney High School Jackrabbits have passionate followings, with state-of-the-art facilities built to accommodate the rapidly growing student population.
Golf Courses
Several golf courses are located in and around Kaufman County, including The Tribute (Lake Dallas area) and multiple courses in the greater DFW area accessible within 30–45 minutes.
Texas Motorplex (Ennis)
One of the premier NHRA-sanctioned drag racing facilities in the South, located just 45 minutes from Forney in Ennis, TX. Hosts major racing events including the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals.