Let’s Go Outside! Best Parks for Kids in Fort Worth
With summer just around the corner, many parents are starting to think about how to keep the kids happy and busy while they’re out of school. The Kirby family likes to spend time outdoors, keeping active and enjoying Fort Worth’s natural areas, some within city limits and some just a little further afield. From hiking and biking to fishing, here are just a few of the places we recommend for enjoying outdoor activities with your kids in the Fort Worth area.
Located a short drive from our offices at Kirby Plastic Surgery, Trinity Park has something for kids ranging from toddlers to teens. Just next door to Fort Worth’s botanical gardens and zoo, the park could be a good add-on for families visiting those attractions or a stand-alone trip. Over 40 miles of trail along the Trinity River give bikers, walkers, and runners plenty of room to stretch out. Parents of toddlers and younger kids will appreciate the mini-train that runs through the park and the opportunity to feed the ducks on the park’s pond. There are shady areas, playgrounds, and picnic tables throughout the park, but there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from nearby. But the park’s main attraction is the Trinity River itself! Rent a kayak and get out on the water with the kids.
Just eight miles from downtown, the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is one of the last preserved prairie environments in the area, so it’s a rare opportunity to imagine Fort Worth as it used to be. Deer run freely throughout the 3600-acre refuge. There’s also a herd of bison and a prairie dog colony—you may even be lucky enough to spot a gator! With more than 20 miles of trails, it’s possible to hike through prairie and marshland, or picnic on site. The Trinity River runs through the refuge, so you can canoe or kayak here, too. Kids of all ages can find something to enjoy, from wildlife viewing to summer camp. There are weekly educational programs, and the park is open every day with $5 admission for adults and $2 tickets for kids 3 to 12 (kids under 3 are free).
As the weather heats up, families start to look for ways to cool down. Just minutes from Kirby Plastic Surgery, Benbrook Lake offers swimming beaches, fishing, boating, horseback riding, picnicking, and even camping. Whether you’re interested in day use or sleeping over, there’s a spot in this Corps of Engineers-run site to suit your fancy.
Don’t let the Fort Worth summer heat keep you cooped up inside. Kids benefit from some time outdoors during the summer! All of us from Kirby Plastic Surgery hope to see you out there—just remember to wear your hats and sunscreen.
