Sunday, November 11, 2012

Fun for All Ages


Fort Worth is a great place for parents. As a parent of toddlers and a teen, it is important that I find fun activities for children of all ages. Some of the places that my children have enjoyed are the Museum of Science and History, Fort Worth Nature Center, Forth Worth Zoo, and Forest Park.


 

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History 

1600 Gendy St.
Fort Worth, TX 76107

817-255-9300
http://www.fwmuseum.org
Map


I have taken all of my children to visit this museum. Not only did the kids enjoy it, but so did I. It seems to have something for every interest. My oldest daughter particularly enjoyed the dinosaur exhibit which houses the State Dinosaur of Texas - a 12 ft tall and 60 ft long dinosaur replica made of real and reproduction fossils. 

My toddler loved the Children's Museum which provides activities to keep young ones entertained by allowing the children to touch and feel the exhibits. Many parts of the museum are off limits to little hands and this area provides the touch and feel interaction that many young children desire. I found allowing my toddler to get out of the stroller and burn energy to be a day-saver.

Another great aspect of the museum is the exhibit on Fort Worth. I have lived in Fort Worth for many years but was not aware of its impressive history - from cattle drives to Como Lake - its history was truly surprising. The Fort Worth exhibit is a must for not only history nuts, but for anyone visiting or living in the city. 

  • When to go: Unlike many other attractions, the museum is a great place to visit any time of year. I would suggest visiting on a weekday during the school year. Be sure to call in advance to inquire about possible field trips that may be planned for the same time as your visit - you will want to avoid these times!
  • What to bring: The museum has a cafe onsite. You can also bring lunch to enjoy in the open-air courtyard. It is stroller-friendly.


Fort Worth Nature Center
9601 Fossil Ridge Road
Fort Worth, TX 76135
(817) 237-1111

I must admit, my family and I love the outdoors. We are always trying to find new places to bike, hike, or just walk. We have been getting tired of the same parks and trails and longed for something new. After a little searching, I came across the Fort Worth Nature Center. Living in the city for some time, I was surprised that I had never heard of it before. In fact, many of my friends and family have not heard of it either. It is a hidden gem. 

The nature center has over 20 miles of trails - one of which is home to hundreds of groundhogs - as well as other local animals on exhibit.
Our first time to the center, we just wanted to find a new trail to walk and having small children decided it would be best to try the smaller trail that circled the area that is home to the vast amount of groundhogs. It was wonderful. Not only were all of my children impressed with the groundhogs, but there were also many birds, trees, and flowers to see.

After our walk, we decided to go inside the main building to see if they had any brochures. That is where we found the animals on exhibit. Similar to a zoo, the main building houses many different animals to look at including snakes, lizards, and even alligators. I would recommend that anyone visiting for the first time should go to the main building before you take your walk. The brochures inside provide trail maps as well as information on the plant life that you will see.

  • When to go: A must for the spring! If you can only go in the summer be sure to go early because it can really heat up during the day.
  • What to bring: There is no onsite cafe. Bring a picnic lunch and/or cooler if you are planning a full-day. Pack plenty of water. Main building is stroller friendly but the trails are not.


Fort Worth Zoo
1989 Colonial Parkway
Fort Worth, TX 76110
817-759-7555
http://www.fortworthzoo.org
Map

I have been to the Fort Worth Zoo on multiple occasions. Although the zoo is open 365 days a year, I would highly recommend that anyone planning a trip to be sure to plan it around the weather. My husband and I made the mistake of believing that 85 would be comfortable, unfortunately, inside the zoo it felt much hotter and we were forced to cut our trip early. That being said, I would recommend the zoo as another must do for parents with children of any age.

My oldest daughter enjoyed the diverse variety of animals on exhibit, especially the primates, which we all agreed was the highlight of the zoo. The zoo has over 500 species and is the only zoo in the nation that is home to all four great ape species - gorillas, orangutans, bonobos and chimpanzees. Guests are allowed to walk within the exhibit, which circles around the gorilla enclosure, while glass partitions the remaining primates along the edge.

My youngest daughter was not as impressed with the animals but loved the train ride. The train runs from one end of the zoo to another. If you hop on the train near the entrance it will bring you to Texas Wild which is set up like an old wild west town with candy and ice cream shoppes, restaurants, and a souvenir shop.

  • When to go: Like the nature center, plan this outing for spring to avoid the heat. Another place to call ahead and inquire about possible field trips that you are better off avoiding.
  • What to bring: Many onsite cafe's and you can also pack a lunch to keep in your vehicle. Coolers are not allowed inside but we were able to sneak in our own waters. Stroller-friendly.

Forest Park
Forest Park
Fort Worth, TX 76110
http://www.fpmt.us/
Map

Forest Park is great for adults and older children as well. The park itself rests along the Trinity River and the Trinity River biking trails. My family enjoys taking our bikes to the park and riding along the river biking trails.

If your children enjoyed the train at the zoo, then they will love the miniature train at Forest Park. Originally, this train was a part of the Fort Worth Zoo but is now accessible near the zoo entrance and its other depot at Forest Park. Total round-trip is 45 minutes so if provides a longer ride time compared to the train that is currently located within the zoo.

After a day of biking or riding the train, there are many picnic tables included gazebos and grills for cooking out. There are also multiple playgrounds created for younger and older children.

  • When to go: Best time to ride the train is early fall when the weather is cool. The train is very busy in the spring and uncomfortably hot in the summer.
  • What to bring: The train depot sells snacks, drinks, and popcorn. The park itself has many areas to picnic and grills. There are also many restaurants in the area. Train is not stoller-friendly.