Sign in
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History – A Summertime Tradition
Summers in Texas can be brutal, so every May I start making a list of activities where I can take the kids to escape the heat for a few hours. Every year, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History ends up at the top of that list.
Our family has been coming here for nearly a decade, and it has become one of our favorite traditions. I still love watching my boys’ faces light up the moment they walk through the doors and spot the giant dinosaur towering over the entrance. Even after all these years, that excitement never seems to fade.
More recently, though, their attention has been completely captured by the museum’s incredible new LED dome experience at the Jane and John Justin Foundation Omni Theater. Honestly, I was just as mesmerized as they were. I enjoyed it so much that I planned a date night there with my husband. The next day, he spent at least half an hour talking about the experience with our extended family.
Why We Keep Coming Back
When we first became members, we started with the basic membership. At around ninety dollars, it only took three visits for it to pay for itself. A friend later told me that the Wonder Membership included reciprocal admission to places like the Perot Museum, along with entrance to the Fort Worth Stock Show.
We do not use the Stock Show benefit very often, but my kids love the sports exhibits and children’s museum at the Perot, and I appreciate that it is another great indoor option during the Texas heat. About two years ago, we upgraded to the Wonder level, and it has easily become one of the best family expenses we pay for all year.
The membership has given us access to museums across the country, including museums in Washington, D.C., the Thinkery in Austin, the DoSeum in San Antonio, and the Children’s Museum in Denver, just to name a few of the ones we have visited. I am a family travel writer so we are always exploring new places and getting to use reciprocal benefits.
Our New Favorite
For a while, the playground was the highlight of every visit. Then it was the new Omni Theater. But now, at least according to my kids, the TCU Children’s Museum has officially taken the top spot.
The old children’s museum served our family well over the years, especially the little grocery shopping section that my boys spent countless hours playing in. But the newly renovated space feels fresh, interactive, and thoughtfully designed.
My kids especially love the farming section and market, while I appreciate details like the quiet room and nursing room. It is clear that the renovation was designed with both children and parents in mind.
Why I’ll Keep Renewing
The last time I renewed our membership, I accidentally selected the basic level instead of the Wonder Membership. I did not realize my mistake until we visited the Perot Museum and were told we no longer had reciprocal admission benefits. Purchasing tickets for the day would have cost our family eighty-eight dollars.
I immediately called the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and upgraded our membership back to the Wonder level for fifty dollars. Not only did we get into the Perot that day, but we regained access to all the reciprocal museum benefits for the rest of the year.
Moments like that are exactly why this membership continues to be worth it for our family. After nearly ten years of visits, the museum is still one of our favorite places to spend time together, make memories, and escape the Texas heat for a few hours.
Summer Kick-Off Party | June 6 from 10AM-2PM
- Bonus activities throughout the Museum
- Community partners
- Bubbles, music and sweet treats
- A celebration for Summer Break!
Dinos Rock! | June 27 from 10AM-4PM
- Dinosaur-themed activities
- Community partners (like Dinosaur Valley!)
- Fossil tables/displays
Dynamo’s Birthday Party | June 27 from 10AM-11AM
- MEMBER EXCLUSIVE
- Member only hour in TCU Children’s Gallery and Galaxy Park
- Dynamo meet and greet
- Complimentary sweet treat
Shark Week | At some point in July, official week has not been announced
Space Day | July 25 from 10AM-11AM
- Space related activities
- Community partners
- Lightsaber/Jedi training
- Special programming in planetarium
