By Hannah Barricks
Photography by Jill Johnson
When Kylette Harrison moved to Fort Worth with two toddlers in tow, her first mission was to find them something to do or risk a mutiny. But where should they go? Like any mom on a mission, Kylette didn’t wait for an answer. She created her own. What began as a personal Instagram account, @fort.mama has blossomed into a go-to resource for nearly 1,000 Fort Worth moms seeking family-friendly fun, local tips and honest encouragement. From splash pad adventures, zoo days, picnic spots and mom-approved lunch hacks, Kylette has become a trusted voice for parents navigating the city with their kids, and she’s here to share the wealth.
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how @fort.mama began?
A: I started @fort.mama three years ago when my kids, Eli Jack and Ethan, were two and a half and one, respectively. We were new to Fort Worth, and I was eager to discover fun activities for kids that got us out of the house. I couldn’t find an account like @fort.mama, so I started one to help other moms who might be in a similar position. I thought how lucky I’d be if five moms followed me, but the account grew to almost 1,000 Fort Worth moms pretty quickly.
Q: What are your favorite go-to spots in Fort Worth for a summer day with your kids?
A: We live near the Fort Worth Zoo, so we take advantage of their membership. On hot days, we enjoy the Safari Splash. It’s a perfect splash pad for young kids, and members pay a reduced rate of $5, which is pretty hard to beat.
Q: Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots you recommend for families?
A: Tillery Park, located off Forest Park, is truly special. The view is wonderful, and there’s a large open area of grass that’s great for playing soccer or running around.
Q: How do you keep your summer outings both fun and fresh, with something new to look forward to each week?
A: We invest in memberships — and we use them. In the summer, we prioritize four memberships: the Fort Worth Zoo, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, a trampoline park, and the YMCA. We enjoy visiting and swimming at the different YMCA locations. YMCA Bedford is particularly impressive, with an indoor pool and splash pad, an outdoor splash pad, slides, a lazy river and several pools. Plus, they have a supervised area where my kids can play while I work out.
Q: What’s one Fort Worth tradition your family never skips each summer?
A: My family goes to Christ Chapel Bible Church, where my husband and I were married nearly eight years ago. We serve at the 5 p.m. service and absolutely love being part of the community. We’re especially looking forward to next summer when Eli Jack will be old enough to attend KidsCamp — the church’s version of Vacation Bible School. It’ll be a tradition that we won’t miss.
Q: What do you always keep in your “mom bag” for a day out in the Texas heat?
A: Snacks, snacks, and more snacks. I actually pack my kids’ lunches while I’m making breakfast, so they can eat whenever and wherever we are. I do this for several reasons: 1. It’s budget-friendly 2. I know they’re eating well 3. It allows us to stay out and play longer 4. My kitchen is already messy from just preparing breakfast, so it’s nice to get it out of the way.
Q: You often spotlight local businesses — are there any Fort Worth businesses or makers you love supporting in summer?
A: We love riding bikes or walking to HG Sply Co. in Westbend. The restaurant has an excellent kids’ menu with fresh-squeezed lemonade, which my kids love. Their food and drinks are always fresh and delicious. We also appreciate that they are leading the way by using only avocado oil, olive oil and coconut oil in their food. It’s a family-favorite restaurant, for sure.
Q: How do you balance screen-free time with real-world adventures?
A: The best part about summer is slow mornings to make breakfast and play at home before we leave the house, typically around 9:30 a.m. My kids know we play hard in the morning, take a nap and then they get to enjoy an hour of TV until their dad gets home. I think having a routine like this helps limit the “Can we watch something?” requests because they know the drill.
Q: What advice would you give to new parents looking to get out and explore Fort Worth with their little ones?
A: First, follow @fort.mama for ideas of things to do with kids. I honestly scroll my own page for ideas or inspiration. Second, if leaving the house feels overwhelming, start small — go to Central Market to grab groceries and let the kids play on the playground. As you become more confident, plan for bigger outings, such as the Fort Worth Zoo or the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
Q: Finally, what’s one memory from a Fort Worth family outing that stands out to you?
A: Riding the Forest Park Miniature Railroad is such a special treat for us. My father-in-law grew up riding it. I used to ride it when my nieces and nephews were itty-bitty (they’re 21 and 19 now!), so I love getting to bring my kids on it. I recently read that when the train opened in the late 1950s, it was the longest miniature railway in the world. We have it right here in Fort Worth — we are so lucky.