The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is located just west of downtown. Not to be confused with the Fort Worth Water Gardens that are made primarily of concrete and water, the botanic garden offers 110 acres of beautiful green space where you can freely roam. Although there are some exhibits that cost to enter, like the Fort Worth Japanese Garden, there is still plenty to see and do in the free, public gardens.
Different gardens at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden
You can see and learn about more than 2,500 types of plants within the different gardens on the property. From a cactus garden to a backyard vegetable garden and a rainforest conservatory, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden has a fascinating array of native and exotic plants.
The rose garden is a popular place for weddings while the horseshoe garden is popular for picnics under the large shade trees.
Fort Worth Japanese Garden
One of the most popular attractions at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the Japanese Garden. Although this lovely addition comes with a small admission charge, it is well worth it. The 7.5 acre garden costs $7.00 for adults and $4.00 for children. Children will love the Koi pond which is home to hundreds of large fish. There are tours and public ceremonies held in the Fort Worth Japanese Garden throughout the year, particularly in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom.
Inside the Fort Worth Japanese Garden at the Botanic Garden
Visiting the Fort Worth Botanic Garden with Kids
Our toddler loves seeing all the vibrant colors in the garden. I have also taken my teenage niece and her friends to visit the garden, and they loved exploring the walking trails and wooded areas. This is a great activity for a nice spring or summer day. Make sure you give yourself enough time to roam the grounds and explore the various ecosystems created.
Visiting the Fort Worth Botanic Garden with kids is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Although the gardens are a popular attraction in Fort Worth, they are large enough that they rarely feel crowded or busy. You can easily find a quite spot for a family picnic or some nice photos. Tip: Professional photographers need to get a permit to use the gardens, but if you are an amateur photographer taking pictures of the grounds or your family and friends, you can do so freely.
Educational programs at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden
The garden also offer several free family and children’s programs which have both a fun and educational component. There are also adult classes and programs that you can sign up for like T’ai Chi and yoga.
One of my favorite educational activities at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the Compost Outpost. There you can learn about and view the process of composting, so you can do it at home. I think this is a great way to get children engaged in environmental science and conservation.
Click here for our full list of inexpensive or free things to do in Fort Worth with kids.
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Have you been to the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens or the Fort Worth Japanese Garden? Tell us about your visit in the comments below. Which garden is your favorite?
