Sundance Square

Sundance Square is the walkable heart of downtown Fort Worth, a clean, safe, beautifully kept entertainment district built around a big open plaza. It is one of the most family-friendly downtowns in DFW, and the best part is that the main attraction, the plaza itself, is completely free. You can let kids run while the grown-ups relax under an umbrella, then walk to dinner without ever moving the car.

The Plaza and Its Splash Fountains

The centerpiece is the 55,000-square-foot Sundance Square Plaza, with four giant shade umbrellas, a permanent performance stage, and a mural depicting the historic Chisholm Trail. In warm months the real draw for kids is the fountain: 216 ground-level water jets that shoot up at varying heights during designated play hours, generally 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A few rules keep it running smoothly: children must be potty-trained (no diapers), and swimsuits and toys are not permitted, so kids splash in their regular clothes. In the evening the jets light up with color for a calmer show.

Free Events Year-Round

The plaza runs a steady, largely free calendar: live concerts, outdoor movie nights, yoga classes, and local markets in the warmer months, plus a holiday tree lighting and Santa visits in December. Checking the events schedule before you go can turn an ordinary evening into something memorable.

Practical Info

The surrounding streets are lined with family-friendly restaurants, ice cream shops, and stores, all easy to navigate on foot with a stroller. You do not pay to explore the district, and you can get free parking with validation from one of the square’s businesses. In summer, bring a towel and a change of clothes in case the fountains win.

Nearby Activities

Sundance Square anchors a great Fort Worth family day, and the architecturally stunning Fort Worth Water Gardens is a short walk to the south. Pair it with a morning at the Fort Worth Stockyards for the cattle drive, then visit the Cultural District museums like the Kimbell Art Museum and the Amon Carter Museum.

Exploring Fort Worth with the kids? Browse our full directory of family-friendly attractions across DFW to plan your day.