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: Fort Worth Zoo + Botanic Garden are next door — combo membership saves money. Cattle drive is twice daily — kids love it.
Top family activities
Fort Worth Zoo
Cost: $16-22
Time: 4-6 hours
All ages
Outdoor
Consistently ranked among top US zoos. 7,000+ animals across 67 acres. New African Savanna, Texas Wild! exhibit. Strollers welcome.
Stockyards cattle drive
Cost: Free
Time: 30 min event
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: $15-18
Time: 3-4 hours
3+
Indoor
Cattle Ranch exhibit, dinosaur paleontology lab, hands-on science. Has Omni Theater (IMAX-style) for additional fee.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Cost: $12-18
Time: 2-3 hours
All ages
Outdoor
Texas's oldest botanic garden — 110 acres including walled Japanese Garden. Stroller-friendly paths.
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
Cost: $10-15
Time: 1-2 hours
5+
Indoor
In the Stockyards. Western heritage exhibits. Pair with cattle drive for full cowboy day.
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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