Fort Worth, Texas, is a vibrant city with a rich Western heritage and a host of family-friendly attractions. From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. If you’re planning a visit to Fort Worth with kids, here’s a comprehensive 48-hour itinerary to make the most of your time in the city:
Day 1:
Morning:
Fort Worth Zoo
Start your day with a wild adventure at the Fort Worth Zoo. Home to over 7,000 animals representing species from around the globe, the zoo offers a thrilling experience for kids and adults alike. Highlights include the Texas Wild! exhibit, featuring native wildlife, and the World of Primates, where you can observe monkeys swinging through the trees.
Lunch:
Sundance Square
After exploring the zoo, head to Sundance Square for lunch. This vibrant downtown area is filled with family-friendly restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. Whether you’re craving pizza, burgers, or Tex-Mex, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your appetite.
Afternoon:
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Spend the afternoon delving into the wonders of science and history at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. With interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and a state-of-the-art planetarium, there’s plenty to keep kids engaged and entertained. Don’t miss the chance to step back in time in the DinoLabs exhibit, where life-sized dinosaur replicas roam the prehistoric landscape.
Evening:
Fort Worth Stockyards
Wrap up your first day in Fort Worth with an authentic cowboy experience at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Watch the Fort Worth Herd cattle drive as skilled cowhands guide longhorns down Exchange Avenue, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich Western heritage. Afterward, explore the shops and attractions in the area, where you can browse for cowboy boots, hats, and Western souvenirs.
Authentic cowboy experience at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards
Dinner
For dinner, indulge in hearty Texas cuisine at a traditional steakhouse or barbecue joint, where you can savor mouthwatering dishes like mesquite-smoked brisket and tender ribs. Check out this list of 10 best family friendly restaurants. Be sure to catch a live music performance at a local venue, where you can kick up your heels and two-step to the sounds of country music. We highly recommend Billy Bob’s Texas.
Day 2:
Morning:
Log Cabin Village
Start your second day with a journey back in time at Log Cabin Village. This living history museum allows families to experience pioneer life in the 19th century through reconstructed log cabins and costumed interpreters. Kids can participate in hands-on activities like candle dipping and blacksmithing, gaining insight into the challenges and triumphs of early settlers.
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
Delve into the inspiring stories of pioneering women at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays, learn about the contributions of cowgirls, ranchers, rodeo stars, and trailblazers who helped shape the American West. Kids can try on cowboy hats and Western attire, ride a bucking bronco simulator, and explore the history of women’s empowerment in the frontier.
Lunch:
Trinity Park
Enjoy a picnic lunch in Trinity Park, a sprawling green space along the Trinity River. Let the kids run and play on the playgrounds or rent bikes and explore the scenic trails. With its lush landscapes and serene atmosphere, Trinity Park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Afternoon:
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Spend the afternoon surrounded by natural beauty at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Spanning 110 acres, this expansive garden features themed areas such as the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and Native Texas Boardwalk. Kids will love exploring the Children’s Garden, where they can splash in water features, climb through tunnels, and discover hidden treasures.
Evening:
Fort Worth Water Gardens
Conclude your visit to Fort Worth with a visit to the Fort Worth Water Gardens. This urban oasis offers a serene escape with its cascading waterfalls, tranquil pools, and lush greenery. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and marvel at the mesmerizing architecture, then gather for a family photo at the iconic Active Pool. As the sun sets, watch the gardens come alive with vibrant lights and reflections, creating a magical end to your 48-hour adventure in Fort Worth.
With this enhanced itinerary, families can immerse themselves in the cowboy culture of the Stockyards, while also exploring other engaging attractions and natural wonders in Fort Worth. From historical museums to serene gardens, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy in this dynamic Texas city.
I’m probably not likely to visit Texas, but there does seem to be quite a lot in Fort Worth to do and keep a family entertained. There seems to be a good range of things too, so it looks like a lot of fun!