What can families do in Fort Worth with kids?

Family-friendly activities in Fort Worth include zoos, parks, museums, splash pads, and family restaurants. See our full list with ages and indoor/outdoor tags.

What are free things to do in Fort Worth with kids?

Free family activities in Fort Worth include public parks, library programs, splash pads, and free museum days. Many community events are also free.

What can toddlers do in Fort Worth?

Splash pads, playgrounds, and library story-time work best for toddlers in Fort Worth. Keep visits short with backup activities ready.

What can teens do in Fort Worth?

Outdoor adventure (kayaking, biking, climbing), arts venues, and food tours work well for teens in Fort Worth. Let them help plan.

What are rainy day activities in Fort Worth?

Rainy-day options in Fort Worth include museums, public library children programs, indoor play centers, bowling alleys, and movie theaters.

Fort Worth with Kids — Family Activities Guide

Whether you're visiting Fort Worth with kids or a local parent looking for the next weekend adventure, The Fort Worth has compiled the most family-friendly activities, attractions, and tips. Organized by age range and indoor/outdoor — and we mark the free options.

Parent tip: The Zoo and the Botanic Garden are about 1.3 miles apart, so plan them as two stops rather than one. The Stockyards cattle drive runs twice daily, 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., and is free.

Top family activities

Fort Worth Zoo

Cost: $18-22 Time: 4-6 hours

All ages Outdoor

Consistently ranked among top US zoos. Nearly 7,000 animals across 64 acres. African Savanna (opened 2018) and Texas Wild! exhibits. Strollers welcome.

Stockyards cattle drive

Cost: Free Time: ~8 min drive

All ages Outdoor FREE

Authentic longhorn cattle drive twice daily (11:30 AM + 4 PM) through Exchange Avenue. Iconic + memorable for kids.

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Cost: $12-16 Time: 3-4 hours

3+ Indoor

Cattle Raisers Museum, DinoLabs paleontology gallery, hands-on science. Has the Jane & John Justin Omni Theater (Cosm dome, rebuilt 2024) for an additional fee.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Cost: $8-15 Time: 2-3 hours

All ages Outdoor

Texas's oldest major botanic garden — 120 acres including the Japanese Garden. Stroller-friendly paths.

Trinity River trails (cycling)

Cost: Free Time: 2-4 hours

6+ Outdoor FREE

100+ miles of paved trails along Trinity River. Bike rentals available. Family-friendly sections near downtown.

Modern Art Museum + Kimbell

Cost: $10-16 (Kimbell free!) Time: 2-3 hours

8+ Indoor

Kimbell is free with kid-friendly architecture (Louis Kahn). Modern Art has more challenging works. Both have family programs.

Best for different ages

Toddlers (1-3)

Look for splash pads, playgrounds, and short-attention-span venues. The local library often has free story-time programs for toddlers — check the schedule.

Preschoolers (3-5)

Children's museums, zoos, and farms work best at this age. Keep visits to 2-3 hours and have a backup activity ready.

Elementary (6-10)

Science museums, nature trails, and creative venues hit the sweet spot. This is when kids start absorbing local history and culture.

Tweens & Teens (11+)

Outdoor adventure (kayaking, biking, climbing), arts venues, and food tours work well. Let them help plan the day.

Rainy day activities

Local museums
Public library children's program
Indoor play centers
Bowling alleys
Movie theaters
Recreation center

Free things to do

Public parks and playgrounds
Public library programs
Community pool (residents discount)
Walking trails
Free museum days (check schedule)
Farmers' markets

Family-friendly restaurants

Many Fort Worth restaurants welcome kids — look for those with kids menus, outdoor patios (for active toddlers), and play areas. Brunch spots are often more family-friendly than dinner-only places.

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