When it comes to thinking about what DFW means, Fort Worth stands tall, and for good reason. From family-friendly parks and bike paths to walkable city squares and first-rate museums, there’s more to this thriving city than just cattle drives. A perfect spot for a city staycation, we’ve got the scoop on the best things to do with your crew in Fort Worth. From our go-to guide to our events calendar, we’ve got you covered!
What to Do
Fort Worth Zoo
This zoo competes with the Dallas Zoo for best in the DFW region, and for good reason. The elephant exhibit is undergoing a revamp, but there are a ton of other cool things to check out. There are rock climbing walls, a huge kid-friendly tunnel in the bat cave and rattlesnake area, and a really cool strip that reminds one of an Old West town. Little kids will love the sandbox area, and anyone who thinks big cats are cool will love the Brush Country. There are impressive aquatic areas (be sure to check out the Great Barrier Reef!), tons of trees for shade, a carousel, the Yellow Rose Train, the Playbarn (closed for construction) and more.
1989 Colonial Pkwy.
Fort Worth, TX
Online: fortworthzoo.org
Fort Worth Museum of Science & History
This museum offers not only entertaining, interactive exhibits to inspire an appreciation for science and history in visitors of all ages, but it is home to the only Planetarium in DFW. A popular exhibit is the DinoLabs, where kids can design their own Stegosaurus skin, check out fossil molds from Texas' official dinosaur, the Paluxysaurus Jonesi, and spend time digging around in the outdoor DinoDig® area. Don't miss the innovation lab, and be sure to check out the Cattle Raisers Museum, a 10,000 square-foot exhibition dedicated to preserving and celebrating the vital history of the cattle industry. There's a fun mini cityscape in the Energy Lab that shows how energy can power a whole city, and on the way in or the way out, have the kids try to spot all the Dr. Suess sculptures, which include The Lorax, the Cat in the Hat and more!
1600 Gendy St.
Fort Worth, TX
Online: fwmuseum.org
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Besides the Texas Boardwalk, an outdoor living classroom with whispering tubes, hollow logs, and interactive question boards for kids, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden has 16 exhibits and gardens that are filled with cherry trees, roses, oak trees, sculptures, streams, fountains and more. The indoor garden area, which is near the entrance, has tropical plants and flowers that bloom almost year round. Be sure to buy fish food at the front desk before you make your way to the highlight of the Botanic Garden—The Japanese Garden. There, you'll find 7.5 acres of beautiful Japanese maples, cherry trees, bamboo magnolias, temple-style architecture, and tons of very large Koi fish, who are extremely eager to eat what you've brought. The garden has seasonal activities, which include high tea, holiday in the garden, and Topiaries in the Garden. Check here for more info.
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX
Online: fwbg.org
Trinity Trails Park
Part of a 100-mile green space, Trinity Trails is home to awesome green spaces like Trinity Park (home to Dream Park), the Airfield Falls Trails, the paddling launches, Log Cabin Village, and much more. Dream Park is especially fun with littles. An all-inclusive park, kids of all abilities can climb, zip line, swing and play for hours on end.
Fort Worth Aviation Museum
You can touch more airplanes here than any other museum in Fort Worth with 26 military aircraft on display from a 1943 BT-13 trainer to a Blue Angle F/A-18 Hornet.
3300 Ross Ave.
Fort Worth, TX
Online: fortworthaviationmuseum.com
Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge
This peaceful nature reserve is located just ten miles away from downtown Fort Worth. Amenities and attractions include 20 miles of hiking trails, a resident bison herd and prairie dog colony, a marsh boardwalk and the Hardwicke Interpretive Center. Professional naturalists offer a wide variety of programs, classes and guided hikes each week.
9601 Fossil Ridge Rd.
Fort Worth, TX
Online: fwnaturecenter.org
Sundance Square
Recognized as one of the top downtown developments in the United States, Sundance Square spans 35 blocks in downtown Fort Worth. Choose from over 30 places to eat from steaks to sushi to seafood with lots of choices for patio dining. Check out the cool collection of stores and enjoy great entertainment: live music, live theatre, comedy and the magnificence of Bass Performance Hall.
420 Main St.
Fort Worth, TX
Online: sundancesquare.com
JFK Tribute
Within walking distance of Sundance Square is the JFK Tribute. At its center is a heroic scale bronze sculpture of President Kennedy, created by the late Lawrence Ludtke. The sculpture is placed within an elegant granite plaza featuring photographic displays and selected quotes from a number of JFK’s historic speeches.
916 Main St.
Corner E 8th St.
Fort Worth, TX
Online: jfktribute.com
Where to Eat
There are plenty of popular chain restaurants in Forth Worth, but if you are looking for something different, we've got a few spots to recommend.
Fort Brewery
From the yummy pizza and pretzels to the awesome patio space and video games, this is a great place for families. Kids will love playing Mortal Combat and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and you'll love the fresh brews and food.
Online: fortbrewery.com
Game Theory
A newer concept, this board game lounge offers over 500 board games that you can check out. The skill level ranges from beginner to advanced, and our editor spent three hours playing games with her crew. The menu ranged from potstickers to spicy chicken sandwiches, and while they don't have a kids' menu, there is plenty available for little ones (FYI: the kids in our group LOVED the potstickers and the chicken strips). The service is good, and you'll be given a pager of sorts—when you are ready to order or need something, just press a button and a server will be with you shortly.
Online: gametheorytx.com
Yolk
Located right on Sundance Square, this breakfast/lunch place is a must for anyone who loves good food. From the s'more pancakes to the avocado toast to the signature bloody mary mix, there is something here for every member of the family.
Online: eatyolk.com
Where to Stay
Depending on where you want to be located, there is ample lodging in Fort Worth.
Embassy Suites
If you want to be in the heart of all the action, we recommend the Embassy Suites in Sundance Square. Not only is it the only hotel with suites (put your kids to bed and enjoy adult time in the adjoining living space), but it has an indoor pool and free buffet breakfast.
Online: hilton.com/embassysuites-fort-worth-downtown
Omni Fort Worth
Very close to Fort Worth's downtown area, the Omni is luxurious without being pretentious. They have fun, kid-friendly perks and a great outdoor pool, which makes it an awesome choice for the warmer months. They also have great packages, many of which are catered to families.
Online: omnihotels.com/fortworth
The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Fort Worth
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Fort Worth events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms.
—Gabby with Kate Loweth
