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Updated May 2024.
We all have a summer budget, especially with prices ever on the rise. Here are pocket-friendly and free activities to entertain, to make some memories, and to have fun this summer. As always, check websites and call for more information. Days and times may change.
>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Community Calendar of Local Events <<
Activities & Fitness
Kids Bowl Free :: multiple locations :: Kids get two free games of bowling each day during the summer at participating locations (Main Event in Fort Worth and Alley Cats in Arlington). Register to see the locations nearest you. You can purchase a family pass for a one-time fee that is good for up to four adults.
Kids Skate Free :: Fort Worth :: At Rollerland West skating rink, kids receive two passes each week to skate for free. The membership does not include skate rentals.
Planet Fitness :: multiple locations :: Free gym membership for teens ages 14 to 19 starting May 13.
Sigma Swim School/Drowning Prevention :: Burleson :: Sigma is offering free lessons for kids between the ages of three and 10 years old. With 10 locations in Fort Worth, Sigma offers four lessons a week, and each child is eligible for one free week a year.
Big Screen Time
AMC Summer Movie Camp for Kids :: Arlington, Burleson, and Fort Worth :: For three bucks, purchase tickets to family-friendly movies Monday through Wednesday from June to August.
B&B Theatres Summer Kids Series :: North Richland Hills :: Tickets are $5 or $3 for members during the 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. showtimes.
Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse :: multiple locations :: Ten weeks of kid-friendly movies for just $1.75 per ticket from June 10 to August 15. Enjoy $1 off popcorn combos during clubhouse showtimes at select theatres.
Movie Tavern Kids Dream Family Film Series :: Bedford and Fort Worth :: $3 admission from June 9 through August 29. You also have the option to purchase the kids passport to see all 12 movies for $18.
Regal Summer Movie Express :: Fort Worth :: $2 movie tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesday for the Summer Movie Express promotion.
Studio Movie Grill Children’s Summer Series :: Fort Worth :: Get to the Chisholm Trail theater for $6 tickets every Monday through Thursday for the first showing of the day at 11:00 a.m. Tickets include a small popcorn and drink.
>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Extracurricular Activities for Kids in Fort Worth <<
Crafts & Reading
Camp Creatology :: multiple locations :: Michael’s Kids Club hosts $5 crafting camps every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from June 17 – July 12 for kids ages six and up — in-person or online.
DIY-U Kids Workshops by Lowes :: multiple locations :: Offers a free kid’s workshop once a month. Complete 12 workshops and earn a free, kid-sized tool bag.
Fort Worth Public Library :: multiple locations :: Check out your local library for special events and lessons. Library cards are free for Fort Worth residents.
Home Depot :: multiple locations :: Free craft workshops for kids every first Saturday of the month. Register in advance to save a spot.
Let’s Read Fort Worth :: multiple locations :: This year’s mayor’s summer reading challenge is underway. Register online or in person at your local library, and earn prizes and free books all summer long.
Museums
Amon Carter Museum of American Art :: Fort Worth :: Offers free admission for all!
Bureau of Engraving & Printing :: Fort Worth :: See where and how our nation’s money is made during a free, self-guided tour of this currency factory. Open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Dallas Holocaust and Humans Right Museum :: Dallas :: SNAP recipients receive discounted tickets of $3 for up to four people. Bank of America cardholders and employees along with Merrill Lynch employees receive free admission on the first weekend of every month. Active-duty members of the military and teachers also get in free on select days.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden :: Fort Worth :: Children ages five and younger always get in free, but here’s who else: SNAP and WIC recipients, military members (from Memorial Day to Labor Day), and cardholders of the Fort Worth Library can check out a pass for free admission to the garden. The pass admits two adults and children ages 17 and younger.
Fort Worth Cattle Drive :: Fort Worth :: Free for all, you just have to get to the Stockyards on time for the cattle drive twice a day at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
>> LISTEN :: Preparing Your Heart and Home to Say Goodbye to Your College Kid :: Episode 83 <<
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History :: Fort Worth :: SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid recipients receive $3 admission. Veterans and first responders get $2 off, and Bank of America cardholders get one free admission daily.
Fort Worth Water Gardens :: Fort Worth :: Rest and reflect at this iconic oasis near Sundance Square. Free and open to all.
Fort Worth Zoo :: Fort Worth :: Offers half-price tickets every Wednesday.
Kimbell Art Museum :: Fort Worth :: Admission is free daily to the permanent collection, and half off to the special exhibition Tuesday afternoons (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) and Friday evenings (5:00 – 8:00 p.m.). Active-duty military members and teachers get $2 off each ticket. SNAP recipients receive $3 special exhibition admissions.
Log Cabin Village :: Fort Worth :: As a participating museum of Museums for All, Log Cabin Village offers $3 admission for SNAP and WIC recipients for up to four people.
Nasher Sculpture Center :: Dallas :: Free admission every first Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and every third Friday from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. First responders, military, SNAP recipients, and children under 12 years old get in free every day.
>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Guide to Childcare in and Around Fort Worth <<
Perot Museum of Nature and Science :: Dallas :: $1 admission tickets for WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, SSI recipients, and up to seven family members. Admission is free for educators, military, first responders, and passholders to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and The Heard.
Stockyards Museum :: Fort Worth :: Tickets only $2, and free for kids ages 12 and younger. As a participant of the Blue Star program, military members and up to five family members enjoy free admission.
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame :: Fort Worth :: Tickets are $5 per person, and free for kids ages four and younger. Veterans receive free admission.
Food
Central Market :: Southlake :: Every Tuesday, kids ages 12 and younger eat free after 4:00 p.m. with the purchase of an adult meal. Kids meals start at $6 all other days.
Fort Worth ISD :: multiple locations :: Offers free breakfast and lunch for all students from June 5 through July 2. Find a meal pickup site near you online.
Luby’s :: Dallas, Desoto, Forest Hill :: Free kids meal with a purchase of an adult meal every Wednesday and Saturday.
Pizza Hut Camp BOOK IT :: multiple locations :: Set reading goals for your children by minutes, pages, or books read. When they meet their goal, they earn a certificate for a free one-topping personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut.
Something missing? Let us know, and we’ll add it to the list! Email [email protected]
 activities and places to eat this summer. Grab your kiddos and coupons and have fun!){kind=link}