How to navigate spring break traffic to City hotspots

How to navigate spring break traffic to City hotspots

Published on March 04, 2026

Spring break is from March 16-20 for FWISD, other area school districts and TCU. This means Fort Worth's attractions will attract more visitors than any other time during the year as parents and kids look to enjoy time out at popular Fort Worth destinations.

The Transportation & Public Works (TPW) Department offers support to the Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) in preparation for busy spring break activity around the zoo and along University Drive. With increased traffic, FWPD manages zoo traffic and TPW crews assist with signage, barricades and sandbags as needed.

• Barricades, cones, delineators and signs at North University Drive and Colonial Parkway will be set up by Tuesday, March 11.

• Signs and barricades will be picked up on Monday, March 24.

• The City's Parking Division is encouraging residents to use the mobile payment parking app known as FWPark.

• Visitors to downtown and other entertainment areas still have the option to park at meters and pay with coins, credit card and cash, along with paying through the app.

The best option is to use the north entrance of Trinity Park near the duck pond if you're heading to Dream Park. Visitors from I-30 should exit Henderson Street and take West Seventh Street westbound, then turn south on Stayton Street to enter the park. Follow Trinity Park Drive to Trinity Park Court and park in the lot near Dream Park.

The Fort Worth Zoo is a prime destination for spring break. Here are some tips:

• Zoo hours (beginning March 1): Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Purchasing tickets in advance is encouraged. During spring break, ticket booth lines will be longer than normal. General admission tickets are good for 30 days from the purchase date.

• Designated Fort Worth Police officers will be onsite directing traffic and coordinating with Zoo staff to route visitors to the parking lots.

• Allow extra time for traffic and parking.

• Do not park on residential streets or in the commercial shopping lots (West Bend and University Village) where towing is enforced.

• Arrive as soon as the Zoo opens (most guests can see the Zoo within four hours).

• Small coolers and outside food and drink are permitted inside the park. Do not bring in glass, alcohol or disposable lids and straws.

Take Trinity Metro to the Southside, where they have locations at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the Fort Worth Zoo. It's a great way to not hassle with parking, and Trinity Metro On-Demand Southside provides a stress-free alternative. Visit GoPassTM.org for more information and to download the app.

If you are visiting the Fort Worth Botanic Garden to see Butterflies in the Garden or attend Spring Break Camp, consider taking Lancaster Avenue to University Drive instead of I-30 to University Drive.

Make sure to check for any detours or heavy traffic before heading out, even if you're not headed to any of these popular Spring Break destinations.

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