Fort Worth Botanic Gardens Staycation

You may be like many Americans whose funds are limiting your family vacation options this year. But the kids are already complaining they’re bored and you’re searching for ways to get them away from the television and video games. You may be looking for free or low cost things to do with the whole family. Many parents are opting for the staycation instead of a vacation and your neighborhood botanic gardens can be part of the plan.

Nearly every city has its own botanic gardens. Acres of flowers and foliage, meandering trails and pathways, ponds and bridges are just some of the things you’ll find. Many botanic gardens have educational, interactive nature centers that provide quality learning opportunities for children. For little or no cost, you can spend an entire day at a botanic garden. Many have restaurants on the grounds, but also provide beautiful places to sit and bring a bag lunch.

In my own area of North Texas, the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, which is the oldest botanic gardens in Texas, offers visitors 109 acres of natural beauty. With over 2,500 species of native and exotic plants growing in their 23 specialty gardens. Admission to the general garden is free for all. Very affordable fees to visit the conservatory and Japanese Garden, $1 and $4 respectively, makes it well worth visiting these gardens as well.

Be sure to bring your camera because photo opportunities are abundant and what family staycation is complete without the family pictures? Call ahead to find out what classes, programs or tours are available on any given day. Coinciding your visit with a special program makes even more of your garden visit.