Oohing and aahing at fireworks—aka the candles on America’s birthday cake—is one of the best parts of Independence Day celebrations. And this year for the U.S.’s 250th—its (checks notes) semiquincentennial—there are loads of parties across town. Here we’ve highlighted some of the best family-friendly Fourth of July events around Fort Worth and Tarrant County, where you’ll find the biggest and brightest fireworks shows, morning parades, and kid-focused crafts and activities.
Looking for more July 4th events around Dallas-Fort Worth?
Family-Friendly Fourth of July Events in Fort Worth & Tarrant County
Where: Fort Worth Stockyards
When: Continues daily through Tuesday, July 7
Why go? During the Stockyards’ week-long series of activities, the best day to bring kids is on Friday, July 3 from 10am to 2pm when armadillo races, cow milking contest and roll-o-ropers (a calf-roping machine) will be out on the Exchange Entertainment Plaza lawn.
Cost: Free admission and for most activities
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Where: Nash Farm, Grapevine
When: Friday, July 3, 2026; 2–5pm
Why go? Just want to partake in some of that fireworks action but safely? Let the kids get their hands on some sprinklers and bubbles and DIY craft pinwheels too at this historic farmstead. Guests can keep cool with free lemonade and ice cream and witness a 19th-century ceremonial rifle salute to the flag. We suggest killing some time at the nearby Talking Animals Bookstore (the 103 W. Worth Street location is entirely kids-focused now), before heading over to one of Grapevine’s parks for a view of the fireworks over Lake Grapevine.
Cost: Free Nash Farm admission; around $20 parking at Grapevine parks
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Photo courtesy Visit Southlake, Texas
When: Friday, July 3, 2026; 5–11pm
Where: Southlake Town Square
Why go? As beautiful as fireworks shows are, it’s easier for your kids to watch them if they’ve already shaken some of their wiggles out, and this festival has lots of opportunity to do that. Head to the Kids’ Corner for free activities like carnival games, crafts, and a bubble area, and elsewhere around the festival, keep your eye out for the inflatables, jumbo yard games and more.
Cost: Free admission and activities
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Where: Central Park, Bedford
When: Saturday, July 4, 2026; 9am–noon
Why go? Bedford’s planning a big fireworks show and festival that evening too, but we know kids wake up fully recharged and ready to go. So this morning event is meant to be a less raucous, more kid-friendly party with simple activities that’ll keep them entertained and cool. Dress them in their swimsuits for the inflatable waterslides, and feel free to pack a picnic.
Cost: FREE
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Where: Chisenhall Sports Complex, Burleson
When: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Why go? To make a full day of it, head to Old Town Burleson for the Lions Club parade at stepping off at 9am. Gates for the evening festival open as early as 4pm, so come early to enjoy the kids activities and get some snacks from the food trucks (while the lines are short). A live concert by country music star Spencer Crandall cranks up at 7:30pm and the fireworks around 9:20pm.
Cost: Free admission
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Photo courtesy Fort Worth’s Fourth
When: Saturday, July 4, 2026; 5–10pm
Where: Panther Island Pavilion, Fort Worth
Why go? Go tubing in a river and watch the fireworks above at this annual fest that’s uniquely Fort Worth. Dress the kids in their swimsuits and bring your tubes, if you got ’em, to play in the swim area until 8pm. (Kids must be at least 30 inches tall.) The fireworks show pops off at 9:30pm, and in the hours before then, party-goers are welcome to enjoy the kids activities like inflatables, water slides, and a zip line.
Cost: Free admission
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July 4th Celebration at the Aviation Museum
Photo courtesy Fort Worth Aviation Museum
Where: Fort Worth Aviation Museum
When: Saturday, July 4, 2026; 10am–2pm
Why go? Now, several of the flight attractions around Fort Worth Meacham International Airport are hosting July 4th parties, including the Vintage Flying Museum, though this one has more kid-focused activities, like face painting and a balloon artist, a bounce house, and crafts and games—as well as VR simulators and ride-alongs in WWII-era Jeeps
Cost: Free museum admission; cost for some activities
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Photo courtesy of Downtown Arlington
When: Sunday, July 5, 2026; 9:30pm
Where: Arlington Entertainment District
Why go? Did you know that Arlington is also celebrating a major milestone of 150 years? In honor of that big birthday, the city is planning an even larger fireworks show than past years, plus a drone show, both launched from the east side of Choctaw Stadium. Bring your blankets and chairs to the grassy area around the nearby Mark Holtz Lake. You can hear a synchronized music by tuning in to the 95.9 radio station. For live music, come early to the adjacent National Medal of Honor Museum, where the U.S. Army’s First Cavalry Band will begin their concert at 7:30pm.
Cost: Free admission
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Freedom Fest at the National Medal of Honor Museum
Where: National Medal of Honor Museum, Arlington
When: Saturday, July 4, 2026; 10am–5pm
Sunday, July 5, 2026; 10am–9:30pm
Why go? This year-old museum attraction is charging admission on the holiday weekend, but it’s still perhaps perfect place from which to view those aforementioned fireworks. Come as early in the day as you like to tour the museum and learn more about the men and women who made our freedom possible. On Sunday, the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division Band will be performing a concert on the outdoor Upper Museum Terrace. Stop by the museum’s 1861 Café Restaurant for classic hot dogs and hamburgers; first-come, first-served seating open at 5:30pm.
Cost: Included with general admission: from $30 for adults; from $15 for kids 7–17; under 7 free. Free for active military members.
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Looking for more July Fourth parties or other events closer to home? Visit dfwchild.com/calendar.