Named after the legendary outlaw the Sundance Kid, Sundance Square is one of Fort Worth’s most vibrant spots for entertainment. The district spans a whole 35 blocks in downtown Fort Worth, with attractions, art galleries, restaurants and shops all packing on the charm, but we sought out the most kid-friendly spots worth roaming with your family, plus where to enjoy a night out with fellow adults.
Explore Sundance Square Plaza
You can’t pass through downtown without at least driving past the plaza, known as the “living room” of Fort Worth, but you’ll want to visit on foot to get a better view of the three-story-tall wall mural painted on the side of a historic, brick building. This mural depicts the cattle drives along the Chisholm Trail, and towers over the plaza’s beautiful, open space that boasts large umbrellas that provide shade and plenty of tables and chairs. These are always out for you plop down and rest, while your kids splash through the spouting fountain. On a sunny day, the enormous, rhinestone cowboy hat sculpture shines even brighter.
Any day is a lovely time to visit. Grab a sweet treat from nearby Funky Town Donuts, or come during one of the special events at the plaza, which range from live concerts, markets and summer movie nights to a tree lighting and Santa visits during the holidays. Check this monthly calendar to find a complete list of upcoming events in the plaza and throughout downtown.
Location: 420 Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: Open daily; playtime hours for the fountain are 11am–5pm
Cost: Free admission and lots of free parking options
Contact: 817/255-5700
Website: sundancesquare.com
Watch Top-Quality Shows at Bass Performance Hall
Want to see a live show? Broadway touring shows, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (FWSO), and more top performing groups all perform on stage here at the Bass Performance Hall, unmistakable with its two stunning angels holding gilded trumpets on the building’s exterior.
One lesser-known tip about the Bass: If you do need to step out of the theater with your child (for a potty emergency or otherwise), you can still hear and see the show by watching it screened live from several television sets placed around the Bass. There are two TVs on the main lobby level, more on either side of the mezzanine, and another in the mother’s breastfeeding room located downstairs in the grand salon.
Also, if you are concerned about your small child being able to see, you can rent a booster seat to give them a better view. (Stop by the cloak room to pick one up.) See here for a full schedule of upcoming shows. Perhaps one of the most kid-friendly performances are the FWSO’s children’s performances each year. Before curtain, kids can come before the show for an instrument petting zoo, holding and playing different musical instruments—from flutes to euphoniums—that they’ll soon see the pros perform on stage.
Location: 525 Commerce Street, Fort Worth
Hours: The box office is open Monday–Friday 9am–5pm; Saturday 10am–4pm
Cost: Ticket price will vary by performance. Booster seat rental: $5, All ages require a ticket, even for kids under 2 years old. Call the box office for tickets for little ones that you’d like to sit on your lap. (You won’t be able to purchase lap seat tickets online.) The Bass will sell you lap tickets for the lowest currently available ticket, so you’ll get the best deal by booking your tickets as far in advance as possible.
Contact: 817/212-4280 for the box office
Website: basshall.com
Discover Western Art at Sid Richardson Museum
Named for the legendary oilman and philanthropist, this Western art museum right across the street from Sundance Square Plaza is always free. On a casual visit, it likely won’t take a lot of time, but while you’re in here, it’s worth stopping by for some enlightenment.
My own kids liked pointing out various animals, such as the horses and skunks, and situations depicted in the paintings, and it started a few interesting and educational conversations about the Old West. Several plaques throughout the museum share ways to stimulate new ways of thinking about the artwork. One prompt suggested viewing the painting from the horse’s point of view, and my kids walked away with funny quotes.
The best time to come is during one of the museum’s story programs, or if you have a child who’s homeschooled, during its special monthly tours. Check the calendar for workshops, hands-on art activities and story times as they’re announced, and keep an eye out for their spring break and summer camps.
Location: 309 Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: Monday–Thursday 10am–5pm; Friday 10am–8pm; Saturday 10am–5pm; Sunday noon–5pm. Closed on major holidays.
Cost: Free museum admission. Parking downtown is free after 6pm and on weekends. Look here to see a map of all the downtown parking options, including nearby lots and garages.
Contact: 817/332-6554; info@sidrichardsonmuseum.org
Website: sidrichardsonmuseum.org
Play at Burk Burnett Park
This refreshing patch of green space is less than a half mile from the plaza, among the stunning skyscrapers and historic buildings. Although this area isn’t large—only about three acres in total—it provides a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the downtown streets.
While you enjoy a little peace, your child can climb on the ropes or on the circle of large boulders to burn off a little extra energy. Walk around the lawn and you’ll land under the shade of the enormous 50-foot sculpture, Man with Briefcase by Jonathan Borofsky. After dark when the park’s Singing Trees flip on for a colorful light show.
Location: 501 W. Seventh Street, Fort Worth
Hours: Open daily 5am–10pm
Cost: Free. Parking downtown is free after 6pm and on weekends. Look here to see a map of all the downtown parking options, including nearby lots and garages.
Contact: 817/392-5700
Website: fortworthtexas.gov
Step into the Fort Worth Water Gardens
On the southern tip of the downtown district, next to the convention center, the Water Gardens is an architecturally stunning fountain that you actually can step down into. The design of the main waterfall allows you to climb down the stairs and become surrounded by moving water. At the bottom, near the whirlpool, the rushing waters create a soft sound that drowns out the busy, downtown traffic above.
Just keep in mind that toddlers and small children will likely need assistance walking from platform to platform without getting into the water. Although many families take professional photos here, it’s a great place to simply walk around. In addition to stunning water features, the gardens have rock walls my kids loved climbing on.
Location: 1502 Commerce Street, Fort Worth
Hours: Open daily, 6am–10pm
Cost: Free
Contact: 817/392-7111; parkreservations@fortworthtexas.gov
Website: fortworth.com
Grab a Bite at Riscky’s Barbecue
Although many restaurants in the Sundance Square area are amazing, Riscky’s catches our attention because of its mouthwatering menu, which includes an impressive list of kid-sized barbecue plates, like the chopped beef brisket sandwich and a pair of pork spare ribs. More favorites for your picky eaters are mac and cheese and a grilled cheese sandwich made with Texas toast. Needless to say, your child is bound to find a lunch or dinner they will gladly eat.
Location: 300 Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: Sunday–Monday 11am–9pm, Tuesday–Thursday 11am–10pm, Friday–Saturday 11am–11pm
Cost: Children’s dishes are currently $5.99, adult meal prices vary
Contact: 817/877-3306
Website: risckys.com
Laugh at Hyena’s Comedy Nightclub
Need a night out sans kids? Sometimes a good, hard laugh is just what you need. Sundance Square has plenty of date night opportunities, but one of our favorites is catching a live show at Hyena’s, the longest-running comedy club in Fort Worth. Big names in the stand-up comedy world, such as Tim Meadows and Lewis Black have performed here.
Most comedians perform several times a night for a few nights, so pick the time slot that works for your schedule. Just remember to tell your babysitter you’ll be home late because you’ll be laughing like, well, a hyena well into the night.
Location: 425 Commerce St., Fort Worth, Texas
Hours: Thursday–Saturday 7pm–2am
Cost: Prices vary by performance or headliner, but you can choose from general admission or preferred seating to get closer to the stage (and more likely for the comedian to call on you during crowd work).
Contact: 817/877-5233
Website: hyenascomedynightclub.com
Top image courtesy of Darah Hubbard
