Looking for free things to do in Fort Worth with kids? As parents who’ve spent the past seven years raising little ones in this city, we’ve tried it all. From cowtown charm to hands-on fun, these seven kid-approved activities are totally free and perfect for making memories without spending a dime.
When traveling with young kids kids sometimes you need some activities that won’t break the bank but still ensure that everyone is having a fun time. Fort Worth is known as “the Texas you want,” which has made it a growing tourist destination for travelers.
Brimming with Western charm, the city blends history and culture in an unforgettable way. It is a great city to visit as a family with a wide array of attractions that cater to all ages such as the nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo, the worldwide famous Stockyards, and the Museum of Science and History. Whenever we visit a new city we like to look up some low cost activities to keep our little ones engaged (and give our wallets a break). We've lived and raised our young children in Fort Worth over the past seven years. So we have thoroughly exhausted all the free entertainment the city has to offer. That’s why we put together this list of our favorite Seven Free Things To Do In Fort Worth With Kids
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1. Fort Worth Dream Park
Your kids will absolutely love this colorful and inventive playpark, filled with attractions that are fun for all ages and caters to wheelchair users. The ground is covered in a spongy rubber surface to keep the children safe if they fall. We’ve been taking our kids since they were toddlers and it’s always been a wonderful place for them to explore and let their imaginations run wild.
Tip: There are no nearby bathrooms other than a few portacabins.
2. The Stockyards and the Longhorn Cattle Drive
Any visit to Fort Worth must include the Stockyards. Your little one will get to experience what it feels like to walk through a real-life Cowtown. While there are of lot of things to do for kids including the Cowtown Cattle-maze and a petting zoo, the famous Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive is totally free. Twice a day, at 11:30am and 4:00pm, the Drovers guide a herd of magnificent Longhorns through the heart of the Stockyards. Whenever we have guests from out-of-town, we always take them to the Stockyards and watch the Cattle Drive and our kids love it every time. The iconic Stockyards is one of the most popular free things to do in Fort Worth with kids.
3. Fort Worth Water Gardens
When visiting downtown be sure to visit the Fort Worth Water Gardens. This post-modern urban park is nearly 50 years old. Our kids loved exploring this one-of-kind concrete oasis which contains plenty of spaces to run and climb. The highlight for our kids was the Active Pool which features a vast staircase down into the pit of the monolithic structure. If you are looking for a more calming moment there are also some more tranquil water features to enjoy.
TIP: This is not somewhere to let your little ones roam free. You will likely need to hold their hand to climb through certain parts. They have definitely made the park a lot safer after some tragic accidents several decades ago.
4. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Our 8-year-old son loves to learn how the world works. He loved visiting the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. There are only 2 places in the US that engrave and print money (the other is in Washington D.C.), and this was a really fun and educational activity for our kids. So if your child is of a similar nature then you must take advantage of the free tour. Also the tour is self-guided so you can take your time!
5. Sundance Square Fountains
Sundance Square is the perfect place for the kids to cool off on those hot Texas afternoons. The plaza has over 200 ground level water jets that are programmed to jet up at various heights. The designated play hours are from 11am to 5pm. Our kiddos have always loved playing in the fountains. It’s a great way to kill an hour and sit back and grab a coffee or a bite from a surrounding restaurant.
TIP: The operators of Sundance used to be more laissez faire, but the current management is much stricter. Children need to be be potty-trained, diapers are not permitted, and no swimsuits or toys or allowed.
6. Kimbell Studio A
For those who have children aged 5-and-younger Studio A at the Kimbell Art Museum contains a Free drop-in play that is full of imaginative toys and activities.
The Kimbell itself is a world class art gallery. The permanent collection is also completely free. So this is a great attraction for those looking for something to do that won’t stretch the budget.
7. Airfield Falls Trailhead & Conservation Park
Did you know there is a waterfall in the center of Fort Worth?! When visiting a city we always look for spaces that contain some nature to get a respite from urban life. We love the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. But when looking for free things to do in Fort Worth with kids Airfield Falls Trailhead & Conservation Park is a hidden gem. It is just a short 10 minute walk from the Trailhead, a perfect hike for little legs. On the path our two children loved observing the flowers, butterflies, and honeybees. They could wade in the water at the bottom of the trail. A great place to experience nature and get fresh air.
