Kid-Approved Fun in Tarrant County: Best Playgrounds, Indoor Hangouts & Family Adventures

Move over screens, Tarrant County has so much more up its sleeve when it comes to keeping kids happy, tired out, and begging to go back. Whether it’s a sunny Saturday afternoon at a playground, dodging the summer heat in an indoor play center, or discovering a little museum that makes imaginations soar, there are gems all around.

Here are some of my family’s favorites, plus a few hidden spots to try out next time you’re looking for something fun to do together.

Outdoor Playgrounds That Hit the Sweet Spot

One of the best things about living in Tarrant County is the variety of playgrounds that appeal to all ages.. toddlers, young children, and even older kids who want to explore, climb, swing, and run sugar-fueled laps. If you’re looking for something expansive, Cross Timbers Park in North Richland Hills is a win. It offers spacious playgrounds, nice walking trails, and big open green fields where kids can run free. 

Another favorite is Dream Park in Fort Worth. When my kids were smaller, they called it a "playground castle", there’s a mix of challenging climbing structures, places to explore, and also gentle spots for the little ones. It’s fun for older kids, but still very accessible for younger siblings (with supervision, of course).

If you want somewhere with shade, picnic space, and something unique, look into Dutch Branch Park in Benbrook, or LeBlanc Park near Hulen. LeBlanc has been praised not just for the slides or swings, but for thoughtful design.. paths, places to rest, and visibility so parents can relax a bit while keeping an eye on things.

Indoor Fun for Rainy Days, Hot Summer Afternoons & Just-Because Moments

When it’s too hot, raining, or everyone’s craving something air-conditioned, these indoor spots in Tarrant County usually save the day. One of our go-tos is Play Park MTX in Mansfield. It feels cozy, manageable, clean, and they let you stay all day. My kids can spend hours climbing, sliding, jumping while I find a corner to read or sip something cold.

If you want something bigger, Urban Air Adventure Park shows up on almost every “best indoor activities” list. Between trampolines, obstacle courses, some climbing challenges, it’s great for energy gameplay.

Another solid pick is Fellowship of the Parks (FOTP), specifically their indoor playgrounds at the North Fort Worth Campus and Haslet. The hours are limited, but they’re nice: safe spaces, clean design, good supervision, and often less overwhelming than huge play centers. 

A Few Hidden or Underrated Gems

Every so often I like to take the road less traveled.. places that are a little quieter, a little more relaxing, but still lots of fun.

• The Family Playhouse – smaller scale, local, great for younger kids. Nice when you don’t want a chaotic environment. 

• Playscape at The Hills Church – this has come up often in neighborhood shout-outs. Comfortable space, good for smaller kids to roam safely. 

• Libraries with activity zones like Reby Cary Youth Library or Vivian J. Lincoln Library.

• They don’t always come with flashy slides, but story times, craft corners, calm spaces. They have their own charm. Perfect when you want fun AND quiet. 

Tips from My Family’s Playbook

Over the years, we’ve learned a few tricks that make these outings more fun (and less chaotic). First: timing matters. Going right when places open or just after lunch often means fewer crowds. Second: always pack a backup plan, if it’s super hot or a place is closed, having a small indoor spot or library in mind saves the day. Third: check the hours in advance, many indoor playgrounds have odd schedules or may be closed for cleaning, maintenance, or church events.

Also, try rotating between “big fun” days (Urban Air, big playgrounds) and more relaxed ones (library, small local playground). Kids burn out, and parents need recharge too.

Where to Go Next & What to Try

If I were you and had a free weekend coming up, here’s what I’d map out: start with something outdoors in the morning, say Cross Timbers or Dutch Branch. Then, when the heat peaks or clouds roll in, head into FOTP or Play Park MTX for a relaxed indoor session. Finish with ice cream or a casual dinner.

Keeping it simple, letting the kids lead a little, and choosing 2-3 spots instead of trying to pack everything in tends to make the day feel more like fun than a marathon.

Post written by Michael Stephens from Living Local Texas.