Sundance Square
About
Sundance Square is Fort Worth's vibrant 35-block downtown entertainment district that brilliantly combines historic charm with family-friendly fun. Kids can enjoy interactive fountains, outdoor concerts, street performers, and seasonal events in the beautifully landscaped plazas, while parents appreciate the diverse dining options and charming shops housed in restored historic buildings.
Highlights
- ✓Interactive plaza fountains perfect for water play on warm days
- ✓Free outdoor concerts, movies, and seasonal festivals throughout the year
- ✓Street performers and live entertainment on weekends
- ✓Beautiful historic architecture and colorful umbrellas suspended over streets for photo opportunities
- ✓Holiday lights display and occasional ice skating rink in winter months
Pro Tips
- 1.Park in the Sundance Square garage (201 Main Street) for convenient access with elevators and covered parking, first 90 minutes are free with validation from participating businesses
- 2.Visit on Thursday evenings during summer for free outdoor concerts and Friday nights for family movie screenings in the plaza
- 3.Bring swimsuits and towels during warm months so kids can play in the interactive water fountains, they're perfect for cooling off
- 4.Download the Sundance Square app for a self-guided history scavenger hunt that keeps older kids engaged while exploring
- 5.Check the events calendar before visiting as the square hosts frequent family festivals, holiday celebrations, and seasonal activities like ice skating in winter
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for exploring outdoors. Weekday mornings are quietest for fountain play, while Friday and Saturday evenings buzz with street performers and special events. Visit during December for magical holiday lights and activities.
What to Know
The square itself is free to explore, with individual shops and restaurants setting their own prices. Parking garages offer validated parking, and the entire district is pedestrian-friendly with wide sidewalks, benches, and accessible restrooms in nearby establishments.
Seasonal Notes
Summer brings water fountain fun and outdoor movie nights. Fall features festivals and perfect weather for exploring. Winter transforms the square with holiday lights and occasional ice skating. Spring offers comfortable temperatures and outdoor concerts resume.
Nearby Eats
Rodeo Goat offers creative burgers with a good kids menu in a casual atmosphere, while Bird Cafe serves fresh, healthy options including kid-friendly sandwiches and salads with outdoor patio seating perfect for families.
More Activities Near Fort Worth
Mountasia Entertainment Center
Mountasia Entertainment Center is Fort Worth's ultimate family fun destination, packing mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, and an enormous arcade under one roof. With activities spanning toddler-friendly rides to competitive go-kart racing for teens, it's the perfect spot where every family member finds something exciting to do without driving across town.
Round1 Bowling & Arcade Grapevine Mills
Round1 is a massive entertainment complex that combines Japanese-style arcade gaming with classic American bowling, making it a one-stop destination for family fun. With hundreds of arcade games, karaoke rooms, billiards, and an on-site ramen restaurant, families can easily spend an entire day here without running out of activities. The vibrant atmosphere and diverse entertainment options mean there's something for every member of the family, from toddlers to teens.
Main Event Fort Worth South
Main Event Fort Worth South is an all-in-one entertainment destination that keeps families engaged for hours with bowling lanes, a massive arcade, laser tag arena, billiards, and prize redemption games. With on-site dining and a family-friendly atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for birthday parties, rainy day fun, or just burning off energy under one roof.
Forest Park
Forest Park is a sprawling urban oasis in Fort Worth that offers families endless opportunities for outdoor fun and cultural exploration. With multiple playgrounds catering to different age groups, shaded hiking trails, and open green spaces perfect for picnics and play, it's an ideal spot for a full day of family adventure. The park's location adjacent to the Fort Worth Cultural District means you can easily combine outdoor play with visits to world-class museums.