Dallas-Fort Worth is overflowing with attractions. On weekends, school breaks or any day adventures outside the house, local families have plenty to choose from. In our DFWChild’s 2026 Best for Families survey, our readers in Tarrant County weighed in with their favorite destinations and activities. Read on for the winners and why they keep your kids asking to go again and again.
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Reader-Favorite Places for Family Fun
Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or looking to shake up your routine, you’ll want to bookmark these family fun destinations that deliver on what matters most.
Best Museum in Tarrant County
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
There’s something for every age here, especially your littlest learners. The new TCU Children’s Gallery is designed just for kids 0–8, giving them a place to explore, play and discover. Dive into the Noble Planetarium, dig at Dino Dig, and get creative in Innovation Studios. You can also catch a larger-than-life documentary at the Omni Theater. With rotating exhibits, there’s always something new to explore together.
Runner-up: Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth
Best Place to Explore Nature in Tarrant County
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Wander through gardens, cross little bridges, and let the kids explore at their own pace—especially in the Japanese Garden, which families always love (hello koi fish!). There’s often something extra going on, too, from seasonal events to family-friendly programming that gives you a reason to come back.
Runner-up: River Legacy Nature Center, Arlington
Best Park in Tarrant County
Chisholm Park, Hurst
Walk the trails, feed the ducks and spend some time at the playground or splash pad when it’s warm at Hurst’s largest park, home to the Chisolm Aquatics Center. You’ll also find fishing spots, two playgrounds, firepits and pavilions for rent.
Runner-up: Dream Park at Trinity Park, Fort Worth
Best Play Place for Littles in Tarrant County
LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Grapevine
Plan a day here and be ready for nonstop “one more thing!” requests. You can ride, build and explore your way through colorful LEGO worlds—including a North Texas–themed MINILAND that’s fun to spot local landmarks in miniature. Kids love the rides and hands-on build zones, and you might get pulled in too. It’s indoors (a win for Texas weather) and packed with enough to keep everyone busy for hours.
Runner-up: Project Play, Hurst
Best Entertainment for Older Kids in Tarrant County
Main Event, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie and Grapevine
There’s something here to keep everyone happy—bowling, arcade games, laser tag, billiards, and more. Different locations bring their own thrills, from escape rooms to high ropes courses, so you can mix it up depending on where you go. We promise no one in your crew will be bored, and you can grab food and actually stay awhile without having to bounce to another spot.
Runner-up: Malibu Jack’s, North Richland Hills
Best Shopping Center for Families in Tarrant County
Grapevine Mills
Spend a few hours here and it quickly turns into a full-on outing. You can shop if you want, but honestly, families come for everything else—LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Peppa Pig World of Play, even immersive experiences like Meow Wolf all under one roof. With 180+ stores and tons of attractions packed into one giant, climate-controlled space, it’s an easy go-to no matter the weather.
Runner-up: Southlake Town Square
Best Family Golf Course in Tarrant County
Meadowbrook Golf Course, Fort Worth
With the most rolling terrain of the city’s three golf courses, this one keeps things interesting from start to finish. You’ll get elevation changes you don’t always find on a public course, but it still feels approachable and easygoing. Families love that you can play a relaxed round, walk it if you want, and not feel rushed.
Runner-up: Rockwood Park Golf Course, Fort Worth
Best Waterpark in DFW
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, Grand Prairie
At Epic Waters, it feels like summer no matter what time of year it is. You can race down huge slides, float the longest indoor lazy river in North Texas, or even try surfing on the FlowRider. There’s a dedicated kids’ zone (Rascal’s Round Up) that’s basically its own mini water playground—think smaller slides, spray features, and a big tipping bucket that goes off every few minutes.
Runner-up: NRH2O Family Water Park, North Richland Hills
Best Amusement Park in DFW
Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington
Bounce between roller coasters, kid rides, shows and snacks from start to finish. You can chase big thrills or stick to the family-friendly areas, so everyone has something to look forward to. And if you’ve got thrill-seekers in your crew, there’s a huge reason to go: a brand-new coaster, Tormenta Rampaging Run is set to open this year as the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster in the world, climbing over 300 feet before dropping you straight down at a beyond-vertical angle and hitting speeds around 87 mph.
Runner-up: Peppa Pig Theme Park, North Richland Hills
Best Place to See Animals in DFW
Fort Worth Zoo
Always a favorite among our readers, this is one of those places that kids and parents love. You can cool off at Safari Splash, a 14,000-square-foot splash pad with slides, water cannons, and a toddler area that’s a lifesaver in the Texas heat. Families also love spots like Elephant Springs, where you can watch elephants play in the water, and the up-close animal habitats that make it feel more interactive than your typical zoo.
Runner-up: Dallas Zoo
Best Family Road Trip Destination
Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow, OK
Plan a quick getaway and you can be here in about three hours from Dallas—close enough to be easy, but far enough to feel like a true escape. You can spend the day on the lake, hike scenic trails, or mix in some indoor fun like arcades and shopping. DFW families love that it works for any kind of trip, too, with 3,000+ cabins ranging from cozy spots for a weekend away to big group rentals. It’s one of those places you can make exactly what you want.
Runner-up: San Antonio/River Walk
Best Local Staycation in DFW
Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine
Check in and head straight for the water park—that’s how most families kick things off. You can spend hours on slides, in the wave pool or in the kid-friendly splash areas, then take a break for arcade games, story times and all the extra activities built into the resort. Everything’s right there, so you don’t have to leave once you arrive. It’s an easy, all-in-one staycation that keeps everyone busy (and happy).
Runner-up: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine
Best Wild West Experience in DFW
Fort Worth Stockyards
Step into the Stockyards and it really does feel like you’ve gone back in time. You can watch the twice-daily cattle drive, wander the wooden sidewalks, and pop into shops, restaurants and live music spots along the way. Kids love seeing the longhorns up close, and there’s always something happening—from rodeos to little Western moments you just stumble into. It’s fun, a little touristy in the best way.
Runner-up: National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, Fort Worth
RELATED: See all the Best for Families winners across DFW here