Things to Do in Ferris, TX | Brick-Town Day Stops

Ferris, Texas works well as a half-day stop for brick history, parks, golf, racing, and nearby Dallas tours.

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For Things to Do in Ferris, TX, plan a half day around the compact downtown, the town’s brick-making past, local parks, Old Brickyard Golf Course, and event-based stops like Xtreme Raceway Park. Ferris is not a packed resort town; the payoff is a slower, local Texas stop just south of Dallas on Interstate 45.

Ferris fits travelers who like small downtowns, family park time, public golf, and community events more than long attraction lines. If you want guided sightseeing, use Ferris as a quiet base or side stop and point the tour part of your day toward Dallas.

What Is Ferris Actually Good For?

Ferris is strongest for a short, low-pressure stop with local history, outdoor space, and one or two scheduled activities. Ferris is a better fit for a half-day detour than a full standalone vacation.

The Ferris Chamber describes the city as roughly 20 miles south of downtown Dallas, which explains the practical rhythm: visit Ferris for the small-town piece, then add Dallas, Waxahachie, Ennis, or Lancaster if you need more museums, restaurants, or nightlife.

Ferris is light on formal guided tours, so nearby Dallas is the better place to compare organized sightseeing before or after your Ferris stop:

Things To Do Around Ferris: What Fits Your Day

Things to do around Ferris fall into four useful groups: downtown history, parks, golf, and event nights. Pick two or three categories, then leave room for food or a nearby side trip.

Ferris grew around the railroad and brick industry, so the town makes the most sense when you connect the downtown blocks with the “Brick Capital of the Nation” story. The Chamber dates the town’s establishment along a rail line to 1874 and its incorporation to 1882, then ties its later identity to brick factories that helped shape the local economy.

Downtown Ferris And Brick History

Downtown Ferris is the easiest first stop because it gives the town context before you move to parks or golf. A short walk works better than trying to turn the downtown into a long museum-style itinerary.

Start near the central blocks, look for older brick storefronts, and connect the street grid to the town’s rail-era origin. Ferris earned brick-related nicknames in the 20th century, and that industrial past still gives the town its identity.

Brick Festival is the event to watch if your dates are flexible. The Ferris Chamber’s 2026 vendor page lists 10-by-10 booth pricing for non-profits, artisans, and food vendors, which signals an active community festival, but travelers should confirm public hours and the exact date before building a trip around it.

Parks, Library Events, And Family Stops

Ferris parks are the most reliable everyday family stops in town. Mutz Memorial Park is the simplest pick for a playground, casual outdoor time, and a short walk.

The City of Ferris lists Mutz Memorial Park with swings, a playground, a sand volleyball court, a walking trail, and a rental pavilion on the City of Ferris Parks & Recreation page. The same city parks section points visitors toward Mutz Memorial Baseball & Softball Park, Jerry Watson Memorial Park, and Earline Jackson Park.

Mutz Memorial Baseball & Softball Park is better for organized sports than casual wandering. The city lists gated fields, evening lighting, a concession stand, restrooms, and field use by rental only, so call ahead if your group wants more than spectator time.

Ferris Public Library is a useful indoor break on hot or rainy days. The city lists the library at 301 E 10th Street with public computers, high-speed internet access, e-books through Libby, and educational programs for different age groups.

How Many Hours Do You Need In Ferris?

Three to five hours is enough for most Ferris visitors who are not playing golf or attending a race. A full day makes sense only if you add Old Brickyard Golf Course, a scheduled event, or a nearby town.

• One hour: Walk downtown, take photos, and get a feel for the brick-era blocks.
• Two to three hours: Add Mutz Memorial Park or the library, then stop for a local meal.
• Half day: Add Old Brickyard Golf Course, a youth sports event, or a longer park visit.
• Full day: Pair Ferris with Dallas, Waxahachie, Ennis, or Lancaster.

Good fit: Ferris works best by car. Local attractions are spread out enough that walking alone will limit the day.

A rental car helps if Ferris is one stop in a wider Dallas-area route, especially with kids, golf clubs, or a race-night schedule:

Golf, Racing, And Events Worth Timing

Old Brickyard Golf Course is the main paid activity that can carry several hours on its own. Xtreme Raceway Park is the main event-based stop, but race schedules change and should be checked before you drive in.

Old Brickyard Golf Course says the course sits on the old Ferris Brick Co. site and was designed around three quarry areas. The course page lists 18 holes, a location at 605 North I-45, public access seven days a week, and a Christmas Day closure.

Golfers should also note the dress rules before booking a tee time. Old Brickyard lists a soft-spike policy and requires collared shirts with proper golf attire; cutoffs, T-shirts, and tank tops are not allowed.

Xtreme Raceway Park sits at 1800 South Interstate 45 Service Road and is a better fit for travelers who like motorsports than for casual drop-ins. The official site identifies the venue as a drag-racing track, while current event calendars can shift, so confirm the live schedule, gate times, and spectator details on the day you plan to go.

Where To Stay For A Ferris Visit

Ferris lodging works best when you compare the town with nearby Dallas-area options. Staying near Ferris makes sense for golf, racing, family visits, or an early I-45 start.

Ferris is small, so hotel inventory may be limited compared with Dallas, Lancaster, Ennis, or Waxahachie. Use the map to see what is actually available around your dates rather than assuming the nearest bed is inside the city limits:

A One-Day Ferris Plan That Fits The Town

A good Ferris day keeps the town’s scale in mind: short downtown time, one outdoor stop, one scheduled activity, and a nearby add-on if you still have energy. Ferris is easier to enjoy when the plan stays simple.

If you only have one hour, choose downtown Ferris and a quick park stop. If you have half a day, add Old Brickyard Golf Course or time your visit around Brick Festival, a library program, a youth sports rental, or a race night.