2019 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Mid-Cities

Of course, the libraries in the Midcities area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them #3 in best places to take kids this year!

Dedicated to lifelong learning and anchored by rich collections, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History engages the community through creative, vibrant programs and interactive exhibits. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History houses a variety of traveling and permanent exhibitions. Permanent exhibits include DinoLabs & DinoDig, Energy Blast, the Fort Worth Children’s Museum and the Cattle Raisers Museum. Innovation Studios— a five glass-walled studio that houses Inventor, Doodler, Designer, Imaginer and Explorer—is where imagination, curiosity and creativity are encouraged and nurtured. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is also home to two theaters, the Omni Theater, an IMAX dome and the Noble Planetarium.

The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth is internationally renowned for both its collections and its architecture. The Kimbell's collections range in period from antiquity to the 20th century and include European masterpieces by artists such as Fra Angelico, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Poussin, Velázquez, Monet, Picasso and Matisse; important collections of Egyptian and classical antiquities; and the art of Asia, Africa and the Ancient Americas. Admission is always FREE to view the museum’s permanent collection. Special exhibitions require a ticket. For more information, visit kimbellart.org/visit.

40,000 sf of INDOOR entertainment. Alley Cats is open year-round. We offer a variety of packages for Kids and Adults. Groups are a Specialty at Alley Cats. With an indoor catering department, and Full Bar Service, we are the perfect place for Corporate Outings. And of course, nobody does Birthday Parties better than Alley Cats! Open every day of the year. Check www.alleycatsbowl.com for hours. Located next door to Putt-Putt near I-20 and Cooper in Arlington. 

The CR Smith Museum preserves the history of American Airlines and explains what it takes to run the airline, as told through the perspective of the team members who work there. Through its activities, the museum serves American Airlines team members and the aviation industry – past and present, and interested members of the general public. The museum is committed to education, with a focus on hands-on, interactive learning.

The Fritz Park Petting Farm opened in 1970 and offers an ideal setting for people of all ages to learn about farming and farm animals. For more than 30 years, Fritz Park has been the place to experience farm life, including hands-on contact with an assortment of animals — from sheep and goats to chickens, horses, ducks and rabbits.

UTA Planetarium is one of the three largest planetariums in Texas located in Arlington on The University of Texas at Arlington campus. With its 60-foot dome projection surface, fully digital projection system, and advanced software, UTA Planetarium provides unparalleled views of the night sky, the solar system, stars, and distant galaxies — all complemented with Dolby® surround sound. The theater provides comfortable reclining seats for an audience of nearly 150, is wheelchair friendly, and can provide radio headsets for the hearing impaired.

The Art Centre Theatre is a place to "ACT" for life. All ages, races, sexes, experience levels, reilgions, orientations and individuals are accepted and welcome under our roof. Come play! We aim to create a sense of unity and cohesion through the presentation of works that challenge conventional ideals and commonly accepted mores. ACT accomplishes this goal through the presentation of a highly varied program of musical theatre, drama, comedy, opera, operetta, dance, children's theatre, concerts and art exhibits in a season that runs year-round.

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and celebrates women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the American West, and fosters an appreciation of the ideals and spirit of self-reliance they inspire.

We aim to provide the best driving range and miniature golf in the DFW metroplex. Whether you are looking to improve your golf game, or just to hang out in a friendly atmosphere, Golf Center of Arlington offers the ultimate golf experience! Grass tees, plus covered, heated and lighted with ball tracking system.