Free Kids Activities in Tarrant County

Fort Worth Moms mom's list of cheap and free kids activities in Tarrant CountyExcursions and activities with kids can add up — admission fees, food, parking — but free fun abounds in Tarrant County! Take advantage of all the opportunities in our backyard for discovery and exploration that are easy on the budget. Here is our list of the best free kids activities in Tarrant County. 

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Arts & Culture

We are fortunate to live in an area with access to world-class art and culture through music, dance, media, commerce, and architecture. 

Amon Carter Museum of American Art :: Admission is always free at The Carter, which features a renowned American art collection. The family pop-up space on the second floor is ideal for when kids need a break and some space. There are crafts, coloring pages, and plenty of couches. 

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing :: Take a free self-guided tour to see how over half our nation’s money is made. A portion of the tour takes place in an enclosed walkway suspended over the production floor! Tour hours are limited Tuesday through Friday.

Fort Worth Water Gardens :: The iconic Water Gardens in downtown have several different features. The Water Wall and Quiet Pool have serene spots for relaxation and reflection. The Active Pool has water spilling down 38 feet where visitors can descend to the bottom of the pool. 

Kimbell Art Museum :: The Kimbell offers free admission to its permanent collection. Stop by the information desk to get art cards and stickers as well as a family-friendly audio tour. Check out the calendar for Kimbell Kids Drop-In Studio occurring several times a month. These workshops introduce kids 12 and under to art exhibits through hands-on projects.

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth :: The Modern has been named one of the world’s most beautiful art museums, with it’s meticulously designed building and large reflecting pool. Admission is always free for those under 18 years old — and free for all visitors every Friday.

The Stockyards :: Pretend you are a tourist and walk around The Stockyards, especially when the Fort Worth Herd makes its twice-daily parade at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Street parking is free and often abundant on the west side of Main Street.

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Libraries

Local libraries go beyond just story time. Many offer free programming that includes crafting and meet-and-greets with authors. 

Reading incentive programs are great for older children, and they can check out movies and music, too. Make going to the library a half-day outing by walking to your neighborhood library (those little libraries in front of businesses and homes are great, too!), or driving to downtown Fort Worth to the central branch.

Arlington Public Library :: Arlington’s public library system has seven libraries with excellent kids programming, from STEAM activities to Dungeon and Dragons Basics to creative writing for teens.

Fort Worth Public Library :: Fort Worth has 20 libraries, including the standout Reby Cary Youth Library. There is a large indoor play area that is perfect for toddlers to explore, as well as a 3D printer for older kids.

>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Story Times for Kids in the Fort Worth Area <<

Grapevine Public Library :: The Grapevine Library has many events, including STEM Saturdays geared toward elementary kids, game days featuring popular board games, and movie nights.

Hurst Public Library :: With a chess club, yoga story time, and reading challenges, the Hurst Library has plenty of weekly events for kids and adults. 

Mansfield Public Library :: The Mansfield Library has a great family area with toys and activities for families to play and explore together, along with a story time program. 

Southlake Public Library :: Located in a beautiful historic building in downtown, the Southlake Library has weekly musical story times and toddler free play. 

girl on slide at playground

Parks & Playgrounds

Tarrant County has countless parks with walking trails, playgrounds, and even free events. We rounded up some of our family favorites. 

Add something interesting when you go: Bring a picnic; print out or download a scavenger hunt; invite a friend; take a kite; feed the ducks; go on a nature walk. Consider visiting parks you do not usually frequent and make it a cross-town adventure.

Central Market :: The grocery store we all love has playgrounds with ample patio seating at the Fort Worth and Southlake locations. Bonus: Both locations host live music most weekends.

Dream Park :: Centrally located along Trinity Park, the ever-popular Dream Park was built for children of all abilities and ages. It does get busy when the weather is nice, so be prepared!

Fellowship of the Parks Playground :: The North Fort Worth and Haslet campuses of this church have free indoor playgrounds on weekdays. Hours are seasonal, so check the website before you go.

>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Build a Bucket List :: Your Summertime Guide to Family Fun in and Around Fort Worth <<

Fire Station Skate Plaza :: This massive skate park in Near Southside welcomes bikes, scooters, and in-line skates. Mornings are usually calm, making it an ideal time to bring younger kids. 

The Hills Church Playscape :: Located in North Richland Hills, The Hills Church offers a multi-leveled indoor playscape suited for fifth graders and younger. 

Movie Nights in Burnett Park :: Several times a year, Burnett Plaza in downtown Fort Worth hosts family-friendly movie nights at Burnett Park. Guests are encouraged to bring popcorn, blankets, and lawn chairs. 

The REC of Grapevine Indoor Playground :: This free indoor playground features slides, climbing structures, and tunnels. There is also a small play structure outside of The REC. 

Sundance Square :: There is always something happening at Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth. Check the calendar for free concerts, festivals, and other events. Kids will love looking at the fountains — or running through them on warmer days. It’s always enjoyable to watch movies on the big screen. Sundance Square offers a movie Wednesday evenings after dark in the summer. 

child sitting on the concrete next to a sidewalk chalk rainbow

Home

For the times that you can’t muster the energy to pack a bag. Or your toddler refuses to put on his shoes. Or it’s 110 degrees outside in the shade. Or there’s an ice storm. Here are some ideas to do around your home when these days hit. 

Baking :: Throw a baking party and get the kitchen a little messy! Pick one item such as a simple cake, or have a cookie decorating throwdown. Make it a competition for who makes the most creative treats.

Rock Painting :: The little rock hounds in your life will enjoy going on a rock hunt in your yard or a local park. Then paint them! Paint pens seem to work the best, but use whatever you have. Leave the little masterpieces in a park, or use them to decorate your own planters. 

Sidewalk Art :: Break out the sidewalk chalk, and let your kids go to town on all the concrete surfaces. They can write their names, make hopscotch, or draw a picture. It’ll keep them busy for a bit!

Water play :: Another go-to for warmer weather is getting out all things water related. Whether it be a hose, sprinkler, baby pool, water table, water balloons — get it all out and the kids can run wild.  

Sarah
Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sarah met her husband in college where they were both pursuing music degrees. After several fast-paced years in New York City, they settled in the Fort Worth area in 2013. Their greatest adventure began in early 2019 with the birth of their daughter Eleanor. Sarah currently works in the real estate industry. She enjoys practicing yoga, watching "bad" tv, perusing restaurant menus online, and pretending she can cook and host like the Barefoot Contessa.

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