Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Ft. Worth - 2021
2021 Best Places for Kids in the Ft. Worth region!
The best places to take kids in and around Fort Worth, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. But there is LOTS more to do in Ft. Worth, TX! Get great ideas here! Of course, this year's Top 20 winners are far from the only opportunities for family fun and learning; click around KidsOutAndAbout.com for lots more!
1. Fort Worth Zoo
Home to more than 500 animal species and a world-famous reptile collection, the Zoo supports wildlife conservation projects in more than 30 countries around the world. The institution’s focus on education and conservation is second to none, enhancing the lives of more than 1 million visitors a year.
2. Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Botanical Research Institute of Texas
Explore, Discover, Engage
Enjoy the captivating beauty of this 120-acre treasure, one of the largest centers for botanical exploration and discovery in the United States. Located in the heart of the Fort Worth Cultural District, just minutes from downtown, we offer stunning garden views, exciting exhibits, gift shops, a cafe and more. Spend the day strolling through the Japanese Garden with its koi-filled pools, sculpted hillsides, crafted stonework and dramatic waterfalls. Nearby, visit the iconic Rose Garden.
3. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Dedicated to lifelong learning and anchored by rich collections, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History engages the community through creative, vibrant programs and interactive exhibits. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History houses a variety of traveling and permanent exhibitions. Permanent exhibits include DinoLabs & DinoDig, Energy Blast, the Fort Worth Children’s Museum and the Cattle Raisers Museum. Innovation Studios— a five glass-walled studio that houses Inventor, Doodler, Designer, Imaginer and Explorer—is where imagination, curiosity and creativity are encouraged and nurtured. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is also home to the Noble Planetarium and the Omni Theater, which is currently under renovation.
4. My Local Library
Of course, the libraries in the Ft. Worth area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication.
5. Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
Epic Waters is TX's Largest Indoor Waterpark! Located in Grand Prairie, TX, the park showcases 80,000 sq. ft. of year-round weatherproof family fun. Epic Waters is home to thrills from mild to wild, including 12 waterslides, the longest indoor action river in Texas, an outdoor wavepool, a children’s play area that’s equipped with an aquatic fort, a double FlowRider® surfing simulator, an arcade, a café, a full-service bar, private cabanas, and much more!
6. Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Botanical Research Institute of Texas
Explore, Discover, Engage
Enjoy the captivating beauty of this 120-acre treasure, one of the largest centers for botanical exploration and discovery in the United States. Located in the heart of the Fort Worth Cultural District, just minutes from downtown, we offer stunning garden views, exciting exhibits, gift shops, a cafe and more. Spend the day strolling through the Japanese Garden with its koi-filled pools, sculpted hillsides, crafted stonework and dramatic waterfalls. Nearby, visit the iconic Rose Garden
7. Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park
Urban Air Adventure Park is more than just a trampoline park- it's an adventure park with attractions for kids of all ages! We’re known for fantastic birthday parties, corporate outings and community fundraisers!
8. Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (FWNC&R) is a 3,621 acre Refuge comprised of forests, prairies, and wetlands. Over 20 miles of trails guide you through these habitats and allow you to see native wildlife and plants. The West Fork of the Trinity River winds through the Refuge offering scenic paddling opportunities. Outdoor recreation and education programs are offered year round. Best practices in land management are performed in order to maintain and improve the health of the land. The FWNC&R is a registered National Landmark through the Department of the Interior and a recipient of the Outstanding Lone Star Land Steward Award from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.
9. Hawaiian Falls
Hawaiian Falls is built with the family in mind. We are passionate about serving our guests by creating a clean, safe and fun Hawaiian themed environment for the whole family. You can play with the kids in the Wave Pool, float down the Lazy River, or watch as they go down their favorite rides like the Hawaiian Halfpipe. Whether you're looking for a way to relax or looking to entertain the kids on a hot summer day, Hawaiian Falls has you covered!
10. Altitude Trampoline Park Fort Worth
Altitude Trampoline Park is a 35,000 square foot, indoor trampoline park with jumping activities including sports and fitness programs, competitive jumping, and just plain, old-fashioned jumping fun. We're located in the North Ft Worth & Keller area and easily accessible to Southlake, Colleyville, Watauga, North Richland Hills, Saginaw and more!
11. Kimbell Art Museum
Internationally renowned for both its collections and its architecture, the Kimbell Art Museum is home to approximately 350 works of art, and is distinguished by an extraordinary level of artistic quality and importance. Visitors can also enjoy special exhibitions, education programs for kids and families, dining, shopping, and more. Admission to the permanent collection is always free.
12. Putt-Putt Fun Center - South Arlington
Putt-Putt Fun Center of Arlington, TX offers clean, safe, affordable family entertainment in your community.
13. Acton Nature Center
The Acton Nature Center of Hood County promotes a recreational and educational venue for nature enthusiasts of all ages. There are hiking and biking trails through natural settings and even a butterfly garden! Events like Reptile Day, Star Parties, and the Annual Acton Nature Run are held year round for kids and adults alike to learn about and celebrate the nature around us.
14. Amon Carter Museum of American Art
A renowned collection of American art housed in Philip Johnson’s masterpiece at the heart of Fort Worth’s Cultural District. Free admission.
15. Fort Worth Aviation Museum
The Fort Worth Aviation Museum is home to the most touchable warbirds in Texas. Our collection of thirty-one aircraft surround our museum building and are available for close inspection by our visitors. Some are open for even closer inspection. Our museum houses not only exhibits telling the stories of aviation history in North Texas but also has interactive activities, including flight simulators and a T-38 Talon cockpit. Families can enjoy guided tours by our knowledgeable docents who might even share their personal experiences with the aircraft. Guests can watch our restoration crews work on planes while they are having fun in our picnic area. Our museum store is always a fun place for youngsters too. We also offer free wifi to our visitors during their stay. With the airplanes, flight simulators, and interactive activities, we are always a fun place for families to visit and learn about the role of aviation history in North Texas.
16. Rockwood Go-Karts & Golf
The fastest go karts in Fort Worth. Over 30 years in the same location.
Our new 18-hole mini golf course tries to give every player a challenge and more than one way to make the hole.
17. Splash Kingdom
Splash Kingdom Waterpark in Hudson Oaks, TX is the place for families to enjoy themselves in the summer heat. We are a family oriented waterpark with attractions for everyone.
18. The Granbury Theatre Company
The Granbury Theatre Company performs at the beautiful Historic Granbury Opera House, which underwent a 3.5 million dollar renovation in 2012 making it a state of the art venue.
19. Bass Performance Hall
Bass Performance Hall offers a vast array of entertainment, from Broadway productions to live concerts. The Hall is also the permanent home to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera, and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and Cliburn Concerts. Whether you take a tour of the breathtaking building or come to see a performance, you are bound to enjoy your time at Bass Performance Hall.
20. Dave & Buster's- Euless
At Dave & Buster's you can play hundreds of the hottest new arcade games in our Million Dollar Midway and win tickets for epic prizes. Try our mouth-watering, chef-crafted creations in our American restaurant. From wings to steaks, we’ve got whatever suits your appetite.
Winners in Special Categories
In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in three categories. Here were their choices.Top Arts Educator
Fort Worth Music AcademyWe provide fun and engaging music lessons that get you playing along to your favorite songs and creating your own. Private lessons, bands, group classes, and summer camps offered on guitar, piano, drums, voice, and bass. Ages 4+
Top Sports Educator
Benbrook StablesFull service equestrian facility offering boarding, trail rides, weddings, parties, horse sales and leasing, lessons, camps, bon fires, hayrides, family reunions, corporate retreats, team building, anniversaries, horse training, breeding, pony rides.
Top STEM Educator
Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Botanical Research Institute of TexasFWBG | BRIT knows that education is lifelong. We are dedicated to inspiring nature-lovers of all ages to explore the world around them, discover new interests, and engage their communities in positive change. Education at the Botanic Garden features programs for adults, children and families, and schools. We strive to introduce community members to the wonders of plants and ecology, the importance of conservation and sustainability, and social-emotional learning.
