If you’re looking for things to do in Fort Worth, Texas this list includes ten family-friendly attractions including museums, culture, and playtime.
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Fort Worth is filled with fun things to do on a family vacation or staycation. I’ve rounded up 10 ideas that are perfect for families with kids of all ages.
This post is part of a series on 10 Things to Do in Texas. Read the others:
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Things to do in Fort Worth
1. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is really like a bunch of little museums put together. There’s the Dinosaur Lab and Dig, Children’s Museum (with play areas for little kids), Innovation Studios (hands-on activities for big kids), and the Cattle Raiser’s Museum.
There are also usually one or two traveling exhibits going on, although those generally have an upcharge. If you want to catch a film, the Omni IMAX screens documentaries on a giant dome screen that you just have to see to understand.
2. Stockyards Station
It might sound a little cheesy, but every Fort Worth visitor or resident has to visit Stockyards Station at least once. It’s packed with everything you can imagine from the old west. Families with kids will enjoy the cattle pen maze, a petting zoo, and watching the daily gunfight shows in the summer.
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad stops here and you can ride, but it’s pretty impressive to see even if you don’t ride. The Stockyards also has a cattle drive that you can watch from the sidewalk every day at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
3. Fort Worth Zoo
When I was a kid, the Fort Worth Zoo was the place to go for school field trips, and at least once every summer. I’m happy to say that it’s just as much fun now that I’m an adult and my kids love it too. This zoo is big (bring a wagon or umbrella stroller for your preschooler) so plan to spend a whole day. You won’t want to miss anything – penguins, meerkats, wallabies, a white tiger, otters… It’s often updated as the zoo is renovating habitats and working on conservation.
If you’re not squeamish about snakes, you have to see the Museum of Living Art (MOLA), which houses some of the most colorful reptiles I’ve ever seen. Wednesdays are half-price, but that also makes them the busiest.
4. Fort Worth Botanic Garden
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a 100+ acre park. Admission is no longer free, but locals can check out passes from the Fort Worth Public Library downtown. I recommend checking out the garden maps and descriptions of each section on their website. Pick a few to visit or you’ll be hiking all day.
The Texas Native Boardwalk and the Children’s Garden are fun for little kids. My kids always love to look for turtles swimming in the pond by the lower rose garden. Don’t forget to bring a camera.
5. Log Cabin Village
Log Cabin Village is a living history museum that is really fun for all ages. There are about ten houses and buildings constructed in the 1800s around the area. You can walk through all of them and see historic artifacts, like furniture, tools, and everyday items that people used. The museum is run by interpreters, who dress in period clothing and talk about what life was like on the Texas frontier 150 years ago. They also do demonstrations, such as blacksmithing and candle-making.
The village has one off-site building, VanZandt Cottage, that you can see separately at 2900 Crestline Rd.
6. Trinity Park
Trinity Park is big – the biggest in Fort Worth around 250 acres – and has something for everyone. There are playgrounds, hiking/biking trails, and tons of green space. The river runs through the middle and there are picnic areas and restrooms. Newly added, the Dream Park includes playground equipment for all ages and abilities.
The park is also one of two stops for the Forest Park Miniature Railroad. It’s a little open-air train that travels a circuit between parks, with a short stop at each. Note that train tickets are cash-only. I believe the train is no longer running.
7. Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge
The Fort Worth Nature Center is located on the far west side of town. The refuge is thousands of acres of native plants and animals, with hiking trails, canoeing, and regular events. There is also a prairie dog town and a herd of bison.
The Nature Center hosts regular events and activities, from canoeing to bird watching to guided hikes. There are outdoor programs most days.
8. Fire Station #1
This little gem is hidden downtown. Fire Station #1 is now a small, free museum that houses an exhibit of 150 years of Fort Worth history. It has artifacts and tons of information on the Clovis people, early settlers and cowboys, and Fort Worth in the 1900s. I believe this has closed.
Parking downtown can be tricky, so I recommend using Fort Worth Parking to find a lot and check prices. Meters and designated lots are free on evenings and weekends.
9. Splash Dayz
This hometown waterpark in White Settlement is fun for all ages. It has a covered splash pad for littles and three slides for bigger kids. There is also a wave pool and a lazy river. Arrive early to snag a table under an umbrella and be sure to bring some sunscreen.
Splash Dayz is open seasonally, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
10. Bass Hall
Bass Hall is a fantastic venue for live shows, including music and theater in various genres. Even if you’re not catching a show, the building itself is a beautiful work of art adorned with giant angel statues.
These are just a few of my family’s favorite things to do in Fort Worth. There are tons of other things to do year-round. Check out the Fort Worth Convention and Visitor’s Bureau for a list of seasonal attractions and events.
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