Down south, we like to say, “April showers bring May flowers,” but honestly, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG) downtown is petal-perfect all year long. Proudly taking up 120 acres and sharing a space with the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, this spot is a staple of the Fort Worth Cultural District, just minutes from downtown.
With gorgeous garden views, a cozy café, special exhibits, and fun kids’ programs, it’s the kind of place that keeps both locals and out-of-towners coming back for more.
Keep reading for your ultimate guide to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, as written by native Texans!
Fun Fact: The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest in Texas, established in 1934!
Overview
Address: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth
Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM (Last admission at 4PM)
Admission:
- Adults (13+): $12 ($15 during peak hours)
- Seniors (65+): $10 ($13 during peak hours)
- Children (6–15): $6 ($9 during peak hours)
- Children 5 and under: Free
FWBG Free Admission Days in 2025:
- Earth Day
- Friday, April 25
- Juneteenth
- Thursday, June 19
- Celebramos Kick-Off
- Saturday, September 13
- Veteran’s Day
- Tuesday, November 11
Note: Admission is always free when you are a member of the Garden Club. See more about membership here.
Parking
Free parking at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is conveniently located in the main lot directly in front of the Garden Center of University Drive.
Garden Shuttle
Guests of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden now have an exciting way to explore all 120 acres: the free “Beauty Bus” (so-called because it says “Beauty” on the side) shuttle service. This on-campus convenience makes the Garden’s massive grounds more accessible for all.
Top Sites to See at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Native Texas Boardwalk
The Garden’s Native Texas Boardwalk is perfect for kids who love to climb, balance, and play. Connecting the north and south Gardens, this wooded walkway has 13 educational stations packed with hands-on learning for younger kids.
Young explorers can:
- Crawl through a giant pretend log
- Test their skills on balance beams made from real logs
- Hop across smooth tree stumps
- Visit the Log Hotel to see what kinds of critters check in when trees begin to rot
On the elevated 995-foot-long boardwalk, you’ll also find interactive panels where kids can match birds with their signature calls and the Whisper Tubes, a quirky little feature where your voice travels through a series of tubes to the next station.
Stickwork
In the Fuller Garden, you’ll find Stickwork, an incredible sculpture by nationally recognized artist Patrick Dougherty. This twisty, woven creation looks like something out of a fairytale — part hut, part nest, part maze!
The sculpture will stay in the garden for as long as nature allows, so be sure to check it out while it lasts.
Backyard Vegetable Garden
Pair your visit with a free class at the Backyard Vegetable Garden. This learning space is a real, working garden with veggie beds, rows of corn, young fruit trees, and compost bins designed to teach kids about gardening.
Master gardeners and educators often host family programs here, and there’s even a charming two-story yellow playhouse and a greenhouse for kiddos (and parents) to enjoy.
Rose Garden
Beautiful, elegant, and honestly otherwordly, the Rose Garden, built in 1933, has made it onto the National Register of Historic Places. Here, you’ll find the Shelter House, a stone structure with a lovely view overlooking the Rose Garden, and the reflection pond, one of the most notable features of the FWBG that you’ve definitely seen online.
Japanese Garden
The seven-acre Japanese Garden is part of what makes the Fort Worth Botanic Garden so iconic! The ponds are filled with over 1200 gorgeous, brilliantly colored koi fish, who are eager for snacks. Grab a handful of fish food for a few cents from the dispensers, and let the food times roll!
Moon Bridge
While you’re exploring the Japanese Garden, get ready to take pics of and at the Moon Bridge. This iconic curved bridge is surrounded by stepping stones that seem to float elegantly across the water. This is one of the most photographed areas of the FWBG.
Moon Viewing Deck
A unique tribute to Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, the Moon Viewing Deck is a cone-shaped cement platform that sits on a hill, giving you a superb view of the Japanese Garden. The kids may be tempted to climb the platform’s sloped sides, but it’s safer (and easier) to take the attached wooden steps.
Rainforest Conservatory
For a tropical twist right here in Fort Worth, step inside the 10,000-square-foot Rainforest Conservatory. This glass-enclosed space is bursting with lush plants that make you feel like you’re in Jurassic Park.
Don’t miss the massive traveler’s tree, a towering beauty from Madagascar that reaches all the way to the ceiling. Follow the stone pathways to find a waterfall surrounded by a cute little seating area, a great place to cool off on a warm Texas day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take photos at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens?
Absolutely! Actually, pics are encouraged directly by the Fort Worth Botanic Garden themselves. Tag them on Facebook and Instagram or use the hashtag #fwbg, and they might even reshare your post. They do ask that you leave tripods and fancy camera equipment at home.
How big is the Fort Worth Botanic Garden?
The Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, home to 2,500 species of native Texas and exotic plants, is known for its impressive 120 acres of beauty.
Is parking free at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens?
Good news, partner: Parking is free at FWBG. They have parking at their address (3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107) as well as overflow parking and over overflow parking during events.
The Dirt
Whether your family loves hands-on learning, exploring unique art installations, or just spending a peaceful afternoon in beauty, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a fantastic way to spend a day in North Texas.
Have you been to FWBG lately? Comment below and let us know how much you love it!