As a mom of twin boys, I know how hard it can be to keep a toddler (or two, in my case) occupied and happy. I’ve always looked for places to go that would educate them, expose them to something new and exciting—and would get their wiggles out too. Fortunately, Fort Worth’s attractions and natural destinations do not disappoint, offering tons of opportunity for toddler-friendly activities. Here are a few of my favorite local options to take your little one when you have a free day together.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Although the entire museum offers many exhibits and interactive fun, the two best areas for the toddler age group are the Children’s Museum and the DinoLabs + DinoDig. When I visited with my kids, they loved pretending to shop in the kid-size market inside the Children’s Museum and digging for fossils at the outdoor sand pit. These hands-on activities kept them engaged for quite a while, which is saying a lot for toddler attention spans.
And the general admission is worth it because it includes access to all special exhibitions, the planetarium and the shaded outdoor playground, so you’re guaranteed several hours of enriching experiences and learning potential. Plus, come back soon for the new and improved Omni Theater, that’s not just a movie theater but an immersive LED dome.
Location: 1600 Gendy Street, Fort Worth
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm; Sunday noon–5pm; closed Monday
Cost: $16 adults; $12 children 3–11; under 3 free
Contact: 817/255-9300
Website: fwmuseum.org
RELATED: Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Museums in Dallas-Fort Worth
Airfield Falls Trailhead & Conservation Park
This trailhead is one of several entry points to 100-plus miles of Trinity Trails throughout the city (see the interactive map here), but for this particular spot, the big draws are the aircraft on display and the waterfall. In fact, it’s Tarrant County’s largest natural waterfall, and the area has stunning scenery. During the warmer months, you and your little one can cool down wading in the water as well (it’s slippery, so don’t forget your water shoes), and regardless of the time of year, you can enjoy nature and the surrounding beauty.
Park at the trailhead and take the paved path (jogging strollers and your toddler’s tricycle) straight to the waterfall—but first take an up-close look at the jet on display, a McDonnell Douglas C-9 aircraft from adjacent Naval Air Station JRB.
Location: Trailhead at Westworth Village, 200 Pumphrey Drive, Fort Worth
Hours: 5am–10pm daily
Cost: Free
Contact: 817/335-2491
Website: trinitytrailsfw.com/airfieldfalls
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
One of the reasons why we keep going back to this nature center—on the outskirts of northwest Fort Worth—is its bison herd, America’s national mammal and a rare sight in North Texas. You can admire them out in the pasture as you arrive, or to see their horns and furry coats up-close, check out the center’s calendar to catch the next bison feeding hayride, or request to book one for your group.
The best come to go with your little ones is during the Preschool Discovery Clubs. You’ll have to sign up for those too, but there’s regularly scheduled twice a month. These often include time to meet the live animal ambassadors, like snakes, from the interpretive center. Or if you need flexibility on the days, and have at least five toddlers in your family or friend group, consider booking the 1-hour Knee High Naturalist tour.
Location: 9601 Fossil Ridge Road, Fort Worth
Hours: 8am–5pm daily October–April; 7am–5pm May–September
Cost: General admission is $6 for adults, $2 for children 3–12; under 3 free; $3 seniors; $1 for leashed dogs. Additional for some programs, such as $8 for Preschool Discovery Club.
Contact: 817/392-7410
Website: fwnaturecenter.org
Altitude Trampoline Park Fort Worth
It seems like trampoline parks pop up everywhere, but this one is especially awesome. At 35,000 square feet, there’s plenty of room for big kids to play a little rougher, allowing toddlers to play comfortably and safely in their own designated area. If your toddler is anything like mine, they’ll be ready for a long nap after an hour or two of jumping and running.
Plus, Altitude offers the Junior Jumpers Jam on weekday mornings for children 6 years old and younger. From 10am–1pm Monday–Friday, you’ll get a discount on regular admission, and though it’s technically open to all ages, this is a great time for your 6 and under kids to play with other kids their age. And all ages are welcome at the glow-in-the-dark jumps on the weekend evenings too.
Location: 4728 Bryant Irvin Road, Fort Worth (Cityview location)
Hours: Monday–Thursday 10am–8pm; Friday 10am–9pm; Saturday 11am–9pm; Sunday 11am–7pm
Cost: General admission for 60-minute jump is $16.25 for kids 7 and older; $12 for children age 6 and younger; $8.75 for parents of children 6 and younger. More options for 90 and 120 minutes.
Contact: 817/984-3773
Website: altitudetrampolinepark.com
RELATED: Trampoline Parks in Dallas-Fort Worth
Amon Carter Museum of American Art
It’s never too early to introduce your child to art and culture, and this museum provides a great setting to bring kids. On any day you visit, ask the staff at the information desk for an ARTivity Tote, a special bag that includes fun and creative tasks that take them throughout the exhibits.
The children’s programming here is really stellar, offering regularly scheduled age-focused playtimes like the monthly Toddler Studio. If you don’t want to bother packing your stroller, you can borrow one from the museum for free during your visit. They’re available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Location: 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth
Hours: Tuesday–Wednesday 10am–5pm; Thursday 10am–8pm; Friday–Saturday 10am–5pm; Sunday noon–5pm; closed Monday
Cost: Free admission and programming are always free
Contact: 817/738-1933
Website: cartermuseum.org
Dream Park
When my twins were toddlers, I often struggled to monitor both at the same time at most parks, but here moms can stress less over children’s safety and simply have fun. And while Fort Worth boasts of tons of amazing parks and playgrounds for toddlers, Dream Park is perhaps the most unique because its design is intentionally inclusive. Not only is there a fence all around, but with features like their wheelchair-accessible swings, this all-abilities playground exceeds ADA regulations, and it’s overall easier for young children to play more independently and safely.
Location: 2001 University Drive, Fort Worth
Hours: 5am–11:30pm daily
Cost: Free
Contact: Fort Worth Parks & Recreation Department 817/392-5700
Website: fortworthtexas.gov
Reby Cary Youth Library
Unlike most libraries that have a children’s section, this Fort Worth library is designed solely for kids. In fact, unless you are accompanied by a child, you won’t be allowed in. Needless to say, it’s OK if your child runs, talks and plays here—because all the other library patrons are doing the same thing. With at least a dozen story times and other activities throughout the week, you’re bound to find a time when you and your little one can enjoy stories, songs, and activities in a toddler-friendly environment.
Location: 3851 E. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth
Hours: Monday noon–8pm; Tuesday–Thursday 10am–8pm; Friday 10am–6pm; Saturday 10am–6pm; closed Sunday
Cost: Free
Contact: 817/392-7260
Website: fortworthtexas.gov
Play Street Museum Fort Worth
Although there are Play Street locations throughout the DFW area and beyond, this place is designed with toddlers and preschoolers in mind. The exhibits are sized for little hands and little imaginations, where your child can pretend, explore, and learn. Keep in mind that, while walk-ins are allowed, you are encouraged to sign up for a playtime reservation for a particular time Monday through Friday to guarantee a spot for your toddler. Walk-ins are accepted if space is available.
Location: 5925 Convair Drive, Suite 533, Fort Worth
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30am–5:30pm; open late on Thursdays until 8pm. Saturdays and Sundays are for private parties, and occasionally for weekend playtime reservations or special events.
Cost: $14 per child ages 1–8 for 90 minutes of playtime. Siblings who are older or younger than the 1–8 age range are free (one per paying child). Free admission for up to two accompanying adults per paying child.
Contact: 817/930-2577
Website: ftworth.playstreetmuseum.com
Fort Worth Zoo
We saved one of the best for last. According to USA Today, the Fort Worth Zoo is ranked the best in the country, and judging by our annual Best for Families survey, our local readers agree too. So it’s definitely worth visiting many times over. In fact, you may want to consider purchasing a membership here because there’s so much to see and do—and it’s rewarding and educational for your kids, too, to see how all the babies born through the zoo’s conservation programs are thriving, like Finn the giraffe and Travis the elephant.
Remember to bring a stroller or wagon while you explore the zoo because your toddler will probably get a little tired of walking by the end of your visit, but if you don’t want to pack yours, you can rent either a single or double stroller for $12 or $14. We have much more to say, so check out our guide to Fort Worth Zoo here for details and for upcoming events too.
Location: 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth
Hours: Monday–Friday 10am–5pm; Saturday–Sunday 10am–6pm
Cost: Wednesdays are half price admission. General admission is $18 for adults, $14 for seniors and for children ages 3–12, and free for children 2 and younger.
Contact: 817/759-7555
Website: fortworthzoo.org
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Top image of the Toddler Studio program courtesy of Amon Carter Museum of American Art
