Where did the schoolyear go? Summer’s coming, and your little darlings need something to keep them out of trouble this summer. Fortunately, we’ve got just the thing to help: Tanglewood Moms’ annual guide to Fort Worth summer camps. The BEST Fort Worth Summer Camp Guide!

Whether it is a sleepaway camp or a day camp close to home, summer camp can be an important part of a child’s physical and mental development. A few years ago, the American Camp Association did a study on the value of summer camp. The study showed marked growth in campers’ independence, self-confidence, and self-assuredness. Ninety-three percent of campers reported that camp allowed them to become friends with people who are from different backgrounds. Seventy-four percent of campers reported that they did things that they were afraid to do at first. Seventy percent of parents reported that their child gained self-confidence at camp.

Camp can expand a child’s horizons in ways that school, with its heavy emphasis on test results, cannot. Whether it’s doing a ballet intensive, building a robot, learning a new sport, or putting on a play, camp allows children to focus on something they love or learn something entirely new.

Perhaps most importantly, camp allows children to just be children. Yes, there are expectations placed on them at camp. They have to learn to work with strangers and resolve minor conflicts that may arise. They have to learn that their every want will not be accommodated. But without the pressure of grades and the expectations of family, teachers, and peer groups, campers are free to simply live and soak up every adventure and learning opportunity. Simply put, they can stop being students and simply enjoy being kids.

There are many wonderful possibilities for your child this summer in Fort Worth. No matter what it is that makes your kiddo smile, they can do it here. We hope that this will be a comprehensive list of summer camp options in Fort Worth for you to consult from year to year. We’ve organized our index to separate camps by age as well as theme for easy navigation. Many of our partners have generously sponsored ads with full details about the camps they offer. If you’d like to learn more about advertising with us, please email tanglewoodmoms@gmail.com.

The post Exploring, Flourishing, Thriving – 2026’s Summer Camp Guide first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

• Carter’s invites customers to donate $1, $3 or $5 at the register Aug. 20 through Oct. 18 to support Boys & Girls Clubs.
• Every $1 invested in Clubs returns $10.32 in economic benefits to Club members, their families and society.
• $1 donation can help a kid ace a test or give a teen 20 minutes of leadership training.
• $3 donation can provide 18 minutes of programming.
• $5 donation can feed two kids after school or give a kid access to a team sport.

The post Carter’s Inc. Partners with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

After the dog days of August, September comes in with all the fun of fall with the lovely weather of late summer. We’re back into the swing of school, and we’re ready to get out and have some fun. Accordingly, we’ve gathered the best of events and activities to do with your family and friends, so be sure to bookmark this page to refer to all month long!

First Tuesday: Spectrum Chamber Society Presents “Espectro de Tango”
September 2
Stage West

Experience the passion of the tango from its origins in Argentina to today.

Historic Fort Worth, Inc. Presents Preservation Is the Art of the City
September 4-6
First on 7^th

Celebrate local artists, purchase art, and support Historic Fort Worth, Inc. all at once!

HOUSE OF BEY: A Beyoncé Celebration
September 4
Tulips FTW

Celebrate Queen Bey and her music from Lemonade and Renaissance to Dangerously In Love and I Am…Sasha Fierce. Happy B’Day, indeed!

Fort Worth Fall Home & Garden Show
September 5-7
Will Rogers Memorial Center

From cooking classes to making terrariums, from seminars to shopping, get ready to be inspired at the Home & Garden Show.

Couples Cook: Beef Wellington
September 5
Central Market Cooking School

Grab your sweetie and come to Central Market Cooking School to make and enjoy an impressive meal, perfect for date nights or dinner parties.

Family Workshop: The View from Here
September 6
Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Children six to 12 can make art while learning about art from the Carter Collection. Adults must be accompanied by a responsible child.

FWADA’s Fall Gallery Night 2025
September 6
All over town

Explore local art and artists as you stroll through galleries, museums, and local businesses.

Iconic: Circle Theatre’s 2026 Season Revelation
September 8
Circle Theatre

Celebrate 45 years of Circle Theatre with an evening of music, food, drinks, and the unveiling of the 2026 Season.

TCU Women’s Volleyball Fight in the Fort
September 11 & 12
Schollmaier Arena

TCU hosts Wyoming, Rhode Island, and Missouri at Schollmaier Arena. Go Frogs!

In This Space: Community Celebration and Fundraising Gala
September 12
VIP Gala – The Nobleman Hotel
Community Celebration – Amphibian Stage

Celebrate the ‘Phib! Enjoy an evening of music, a champagne toast, a raffle of goodies from local businesses, and a mystery performance.

Bioblitz at Rosemont Park
September 13
Rosemont Park

Help Fort Worth Parks document biodiversity at the park, from the rarest butterfly to the most common backyard weed.

CMSFW Ensemble Presents Subtle Connections Across the World
September 13
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Enjoy the inaugural concert of the 2025-2026 season with a program that includes works by Brahms, Shulman, and von Dohnányi.

Disney Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour
September 16
Dickies Arena

Dance and sing along with your favorite starts from Disney’s “Descendents” and “Zombies” series.

Mainstay Farm Pumpkin Fall Days
September 20 through November 2
Mainstay Farm

This isn’t your mama’s pumpkin patch. There’s something for everyone from 1 to 91 at Mainstay Farm this fall.

Hencho en Fort Worth – 52^nd Annual Gala
September 20
Fort Worth Convention Center

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and honor individuals and organizations that help to make our community great with the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Mexican Cinema Pop Culture Icons: You’re Missing the Point (Ahí está el detalle)
September 21
Kimbell Art Museum

Immerse yourself in the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema with a showing of You’re Missing the Point (Ahí está el detalle), followed by a post-film panel conversation with experts and community leaders to explore the film’s impact and cultural resonance.

Easy Entertaining: How to Build a Brotzeit Board
September 21
Central Market Cooking School

Move over, plain ol’ charcuterie boards. Enjoy the beloved Bavarian brotzeit, or “bread time” with a delicious board that will appeal to everyone.

Life of Pi
September 23-28
Bass Performance Hall

Based on the bestselling novel, the Tony® and Olivier Award-winning hit Life of Pi is an unforgettable, epic tale of adventure.

Fort Worth Oktoberfest
September 25-27
Trinity Park

Celebrate the best of Bavarian culture with three days of music, food, beer, and the iconic Dachshund Dash.

Cliburn Family Concert: Carnival of the Animals
September 27
Fort Worth Zoo

Where’s the best place to enjoy Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals? Why, the Zoo, of course! Two pianists will play selections from The Carnival of the Animals, and the Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors will make appearances throughout.

And finally…

State Fair of Texas
September 26 through October 19
Fair Park, Dallas

“Howdy, folks!” The midway, the animals, the crafts, and the FOOD – all make the State Fair of Texas the largest and most popular state fair in the U.S. “Meet me at Big Tex!”

The post This Warm September Sun: Fun in the Fort first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

The challenge was active between June 1 and Aug. 9 this year. The final tally shows that 8,384 registered participants logged 4,632,415 minutes of reading. There were 2,380 participants who completed the challenge – 1,000 minutes read for adults and 500 minutes for children.

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Public Library

“I’m thrilled that the Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge inspired Fort Worth residents to read more than 4.6 million minutes this summer,” said Mayor Mattie Parker. “Reading strengthens minds, sparks imagination, and opens doors to opportunity, and I’m proud of the dedication shown by our kids and readers of all ages in reaching this milestone.

Whether you’re reading for entertainment, discovery, or simply the love of learning, let’s continue this momentum all year long.”

The challenge might be over, but Fort Worth readers can continue to track their reading in Beanstack, find reading suggestions, explore fun activities and use a variety of resources available inside libraries and to check out and take home.

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Public Library

Don’t stop now!

Families with young children are invited to weekly story times and participate in 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, designed to help little learners gain literacy skills before starting school. The Kinder Prep program offers weekly lessons that simulate what children will experience in the classroom in a fun, supportive setting.

Adults are encouraged to explore a variety of Fort Worth Public Library book clubs across the city, some focusing on specific genres. What Fort Worth Reads is a weekly Instagram livestream that highlights adult reading recommendations.

The post Fort Worthians Break Record This Summer first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

The new school year is just around the corner!

This fall, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art (the Carter) is offering a variety of free monthly events designed for kids of all ages that spark creativity and make American art accessible for even the youngest scholars. Monthly favorites such as Itty-Bitty Art (up to 24 months), Toddler Studio (2–3 years), and Carter Playdate (3–5 years) invite children up to age 5 to explore the Museum and engage with art in fun, age-appropriate ways, while Family Workshops provide collaborative and interactive art-making experiences for ages 6 to 12. (Please note that while these events are free, reservations are encouraged.)

The Carter also offers a variety of resources for families to make the most out of their visit to the Museum this fall. Art Discovery Guides are available onsite at the Information Desk and online to help navigate the Carter’s collection. And ARTivity Totes are available to check out at the Information Desk with a variety of activities for kids of all ages to look, play, make, and do.

Photo courtesy of Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Itty-Bitty Art is a monthly event for children 24 months and younger with their favorite adult. During this free event, learn tips and tricks for enhancing curiosity and imagination using the Carter’s collection and exhibitions as inspiration. On Saturday, August 16, from 10 to 11 a.m., visitors are invited to join us at the Carter for Itty-Bitty Art: Tummy Time. Spend quality time with your infant and learn about food-filled artworks as we sing, look, and enjoy sensory playtime fun.

Photo courtesy of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Carter Playdate is a monthly event for children ages 3 to 5 and their favorite grown-up. Explore artworks together each month with themed explorations of our galleries, a storytime that connects to the artworks we see, and a fun art-making activity you can do together. On Saturday, August 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., visitors are invited to join us at the Carter for Carter Playdate: On the Table. During this free event, we’ll read The Only Way to Make Bread by Cristina Quintero and Sarah Gonzales, learn about tasty artworks, and create their own still-life paintings.

Photo courtesy of Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Toddler Studio is a monthly event for toddlers (ages 2 to 3 years old) and their favorite grown-up. Led by Museum staff, toddlers and adults will connect to art through gallery games, playtime, and sensory learning. On Saturday, September 6, from 11 a.m. to noon, visitors are invited to join us at the Carter for Toddler Studio: Friends and Family. Enjoy a toddler-friendly playtime while we sing, play, and enjoy sensory fun inspired by Carter artists and their friendships.

Photo courtesy of Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Family Workshops are quarterly events designed for children 6 to 12 years old and their favorite adults. Each Family Workshop encourages creativity through a themed gallery experience before participants work together as a family to create a work of art inspired by the Carter’s collection and exhibitions. On Saturday, September 6, from 2 to 4 p.m., visitors are invited to join us at the Carter for Family Workshop: The View from Here. During this free event, families will spend the afternoon learning about landscape artworks and work together to create their own nature-based creation.

The post Back to School at the Carter first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

But there are lots of things to do in Cowtown this August, and as we are in the habit of doing, we’ve gathered all the best things to do in Fort Fun this month. Be sure to bookmark this page to refer to all month long!

Old Mother West Wind
August 1-24
Hip Pocket Theatre

Hip Pocket Theatre is reviving Old Mother West Wind, an adaptation by Johnny Simons and Douglas Balentine of the stories for children by Thornton W. Burgess, for the first time in 47 years.

The Heart Sellers
August 1-17
Amphibian Stage

Jane and Luna are new to America, and neither woman ever could have guessed how a trip to the grocery store would change their lives.

Teen Art Study with Joshua Bryant
August 4-8
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Teens from 14 through 18 will explore the Modern and work with local artist Joshua Bryant in various art styles, from traditional to interdisciplinary exploration.

Nature Center Story Time
August 4
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

Join the Fort Worth Public Library and the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge for their First Monday Literacy Day. Enjoy a special story time and live animal presentation. August’s theme is… ALLIGATORS!

First Tuesdays: A Field Trip to Kinfolk House
August 5
Stage West

For the first time, First Tuesdays is leaving Stage West. Enjoy a field trip to Kinfolk House, the neighborhood art space in Polytechnic Heights founded by Letitia and Sedrick Huckaby, which includes a private tour and local bites and sips.

Wednesday Workshop – Flowing Lines: A Study of Japanese Ink Traditions
August 6
Kimbell Art Museum

Indulge your intellectual curiosity and spark your creativity as you explore Japanese ink traditions in featured works of art and hands-on activities.

Family Open Mic Night
August 6
Reby Cary Youth Library

Is your daughter a comedian? Is your husband a crooner? Do you write poetry? Show off your family’s talents at Family Open Mic Night at Reby Cary!

Family Movie Morning at the Omni: Night at the Museum
August 7 & 8
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Enjoy a morning movie with the whole family at the new Jane & John Justin Foundation Omni Theater!

Photo courtesy of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Meet up at the Museum: Living on the Land
August 7
Amon Carter Museum of American Art

This sensory-friendly event for neurodivergent adults features experts from BRIT who will lead you through the Carter’s collections and help create artwork to take home.

The Book of Mormon
August 8-10
Bass Performance Hall

Spread the word! The Tony Award-winning musical is bringing the Word to Bass Performance Hall!

2025 Watermelon Run
August 10
Trinity Park

Whether you take part in the 5K walk/run or grab a partner to participate in the 0.5 mile watermelon relay, you’re sure to have a great day in the park.

Panther City Writing Club
August 11
Fort Worth Public Library – Southwest Regional

Are you a writer? Do you want to be a writer? Join fellow wordsmiths for writing exercises, brainstorming, and constructive criticism, all designed to help you become a better writer.

Robert Gallagher’s 80^th Birthday Bash
August 12
Billy Bob’s Texas

Without Robert Gallagher, Billy Bob’s Texas wouldn’t be here. Since 1981, Gallagher has booked the best country acts and made sure that the entertainers were happy. Now, Billy Bob’s says “thank you” to the legend with a night of entertainment in the house that Robert built.

Free Opening Celebration for “David-Jeremiah: The Fire This Time” and After Party at Hotel Dryce
August 14
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and Hotel Dryce

Meet the artist and hear from guest curator Christopher Blay about the new exhibition focused on fire as a ritual, force, and metaphor. Then continue the evening at the afterparty at Hotle Dryce.

The Reverend Horton Heat
August 15
Tulips FTW

Can I get an “Amen”? The pioneer of modern rockabilly and special guest From Parts Unknown will lighten your soul and your feet Tulips. Hallelujah!

Crafternoon at Reby Cary
August 19
Reby Cary Youth Library

Children in grades K through 5^th can explore artistic techniques and media this afternoon. Grownups must be accompanied by a responsible child.

Gourmet Hot Dog Flight Pairing
August 21-24
Maple Branch Craft Brewery

Enjoy four different chef-created hot dogs, complete with crazy toppings, each paired with a craft brew. Bring your taste buds and be prepared to be amazed!

DFW Area Co-ed Hike + Clean Up Party Day
August 23
Marion Samsom Park Trailhead #2

Bring your friends and family for a hike and clean-up day followed by a community potluck picnic. It’s a great way to give back to the trails you love!

Sunflower Harvest Sachet
August 26
Fort Worth Public Library – Ridglea

Learn about Lughnasadh, also known as Lammas, a celebration with Celtic and European roots, as you create a sunflower sachet to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.

Meach Pango with Cut Throat Finches, Trash Puppies, and Snow Farming
August 30
Tulips FTW

Fort Worth is known for amazing music. Support local musicians and local music venues while enjoying an evening of great music.

Choatefest ‘25
August 31
Billy Bob’s Texas

An evening of music for a cause. Cody Jinks, Ward Davis, Josh Weathers, Joey Green, Adrian Garza and Michael Lee will perform in this benefit concert for local multi-instrumentalist, producer, recording engineer and studio owner, Nick Choate, and his family as Nick fights colon cancer.

The post The Summer’s Last Stand: August’s Fun in the Fort first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Photo courtesy of BGCGTC

Photo courtesy of BGCGTC

The post Boys & Girls Club Members Hit the Field with Dak Prescott first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

This heartwarming event, similar to a wedding or baby shower, unveils a room full of gifts donated by generous community sponsors. These gifts, ranging from laptops and microwaves to essential school supplies, are designed to equip the girls with everything they need to thrive in college.

This year, 28 graduating GITC participants are being recognized for their dedication. They have consistently participated in GITC’s programs including summer camps, college prep workshops, STEM initiatives and college-focused activities.

Details

Wednesday, July 16, 2025
6 to 8 pm
The Women’s Club of Fort Worth

The post Girls Inc. to Throw College Shower first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Cook Children’s understands that the tragedy in Central Texas can bring a surge of feelings and emotions. This may be difficult for a child, and even an adult, to navigate. Cook Children’s family therapist, Karen Abonza, LCSW, shares how and when parents should start the conversation.

How do parents talk to their kids about the flooding in Central Texas?

First, allow the child to approach you and see what type of questions they have. Let them speak freely and stick to age-appropriate facts, while also validating their emotions or what they might be expressing.

You do not want to give them too much information or detail because they may become more overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious about the situation.

How do you make your child feel comfortable approaching you with their concerns and emotions?

We always want the child to approach us without us putting our perspective into the situation. I would try sitting at the table together, bringing out what they love best. For example, a 5-year-old might like to color, or a 12-year-old may enjoy crafting. Let them take part in the activity and ask them how they feel about the recent events.

If they do bring it up, this is when you can put them at ease by talking through their feelings. You can tell them, “Okay. Let’s do this activity together and as we’re doing this activity, let’s express how we are feeling.”

Let them guide the conversation. Listening and answering questions age appropriately while reassuring them.

Why is it important to have conversations with your children?

We must talk to them because not talking about it can cause trauma, distress, anxiety and even PTSD. Children might see the news and reflect on themselves, thinking, “It could happen to me.”

Parents and caregivers should explain that you are there for them. If the child is going to camp and has concerns, families can come up with a plan to offer reassurance.

What should parents do if their child is worried, but they, too, are grappling with their own emotions?

If you are not ready to have the conversation, we can assist them or have the other parent/ caregiver step in.  It is always great to have someone who is calm and collected, rather than someone who is anxious, overwhelmed and distressed, because you will just pass on that anxiety to the child.

Cook Children’s wants to reassure parents and caregivers that you are not alone. If you are not ready to have the conversation, you can seek professional help.  Learn more about Cook Children’s behavioral health services or to schedule an appointment for your child, contact 682-885-3917.

When should you seek out professional help?

If your child is having symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Feelings of overwhelm
• Feelings of helplessness
• Jittery
• Difficulty concentrating
• They are not able to do their daily routine.

Learn more about Cook Children’s resources online and behavioral health services.  Families can access mental health resources 24/7 through MHMR by calling 1-800-866-2465.

The post Cook Children’s on How to Help Parents Support Their Children’s Emotions first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Yesterday was hard. I dropped off my daughter, Linden, at sleepaway camp with her bravest cousin, Evelyn. In light of the tragedy at Camp Mystic, there were many conversations and tears about whether to attend camp this week. Ultimately, both girls decided to attend. I am so proud of their strength and courage. I would have been equally proud of their self-awareness & honesty if they decided not to go. Many parents will have to navigate difficult conversations with our kids in the coming days so I put together some tips that will hopefully lighten your load a bit.

If you are concerned about how they will take the news, you should tell them. Other kids will be talking about it, and you want your kids to learn the news at home where they are safe to cry if they need to and ask questions. It is also important to impress upon them the sensitive nature of the matter. Encourage them to talk to an adult and not another child if they need to chat when they are away from you.

• Be factual when explaining what happened but shield them from harrowing details, wall-to-wall news coverage, or imagining what the kids went through. Their minds may go there on their own though.
• Survivor’s guilt is sneaky. Lots of kids will wonder about why this happened to other children and not them. Younger kids sometimes think they did something wrong to cause a tragedy to happen. In a few weeks, it may be good to check in about it (“Sometimes kids wonder why this happened to other kids and not them. Have you been thinking about that?”). Hopefully, it hasn’t come up for them, but it would be good to talk through if it has.
•  If they are grieving, give them something to do with their grief. I know this helps me. Could they pray, raise money, write letters, etc?
• Watch out for nightmares & intrusive thoughts. Sometimes kids tell me they can’t get thoughts out of their head, and it is very distressing to them.
• Reach out early to your pediatrician or mental health professional if you notice your kid is having trouble sleeping, not experiencing joy, spending a lot of time in their room, or just can’t turn their brain off. It is so incredibly hard to watch our babies suffer. I promise we want to help.
• I wish I had some magic words to take away our kids’ worries and sadness, but I don’t. The important thing is they have you, a parent who loves them beyond comprehension & is trying their best. I promise you that is good enough.

Cook Children’s is here to help, know you are not alone. They are providing the resources below to help support you and your child.  Talking to one another and seeking assistance is a vital first step in healing. If your child needs additional support, please reach out to your child’s pediatrician. 

• Cook Children’s have lots of resources here: https://www.cookchildrens.org/health-resources/mental-health/ 
• You can also access local mental health resources for your family 24/7 through MHMR by calling 1-800-866-2465. 
• To learn more about Cook Children’s behavioral health services or to schedule an appointment for your child, contact 682-885-3917. 
• The Parent Pass app also has many resources for families: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parent-pass/id1597475361

The post Camp Mystic: A Psychiatrist and Mother’s Advice to Parents first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.