Wrapping Up Summer & Gearing Up for Back to School Around the Mid-Cities & Fort Worth

As July winds down, the Mid-Cities and Fort Worth area are packing in one last round of summer fun before backpacks and school bells take over. From splash park send-offs to night markets and the community effort that gets thousands of local kids ready for the first day, there's a lot happening over the next month.

Whether you're squeezing in a final pool day or prepping for the new school year, here's our guide to what's going on around Bedford, Hurst, North Richland Hills, and Fort Worth through end of August.

Bedford

Event: Bedford Outdoor Water Park

When: Open through late summer, check bedfordtx.gov for closing weekend

Where: Boys Ranch Park, Bedford

Before the school routine kicks back in, get one more round of summer in at Bedford's Outdoor Water Park, featuring a lazy river, two slides, a splash pad, and reservable cabanas. It's a great low-key way to spend a hot August afternoon with the kids before the first bell rings.

Hurst, Euless & Bedford (HEB ISD)

Event: First Day of School – HEB ISD

When: Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Where: Districtwide (Hurst, Euless, Bedford)

Families across Hurst, Euless, and Bedford will be back into the school routine on August 12. If you haven't already, this is the month for meet-the-teacher nights, school supply runs, and getting bedtime schedules back on track. Check with your campus for its specific meet-the-teacher date, typically held the week before school starts.

Also happening in Hurst:

• Hurst Public Library programs: The library's summer reading challenge wraps up in late July, with storytimes, family movie matinees, and teen programs continuing into August — a nice way to squeeze in a few more low-key days before school starts.

North Richland Hills

Event: NRH2O Family Water Park – End-of-Season Splash Days

When: Weekends through early September (park typically closes after Labor Day)

Where: 9001 Boulevard 26, North Richland Hills

NRH2O's season is winding down, which makes for some of the best (and least crowded) weekends to visit. Grab your last lazy-river float of the summer before the park closes for the year.

Also happening in NRH:

• NRH Parks & Recreation events: Keep an eye on the city calendar for Movies in the Park and concert series dates, which are announced throughout the summer and often pop back up in late August.

Fort Worth

Event: Tarrant County Back to School Roundup

When: Friday, August 7, 2026

Where: Tarrant County College South Campus (5301 Campus Dr., Fort Worth)

Now in its 20th year, this community-wide event provides free school supplies and backpacks to thousands of eligible Tarrant County students in pre-K through 12th grade. Pre-registration is required, so if you know a family who could use the support, point them toward the roundup's website.

Also happening in Fort Worth:

• Greater Sundance Night Market (Saturday, August 1): Sundance Square hosts an evening market with 70+ local vendors, live music, and a fireworks show — a fun last hurrah before school schedules take over weekends.
• Dog Days Weekend at Fort Worth Botanic Garden (August 8–9): Bring your pup along for a stroll through the Garden during this all-day, dog-friendly weekend.
• Stockyards Championship Rodeo (every Friday & Saturday night): A true Texas tradition continues at Cowtown Coliseum with bull riding, barrel racing, and Western charm — a fitting way to send off summer.
• Fort Worth ISD First Day of School (Tuesday, August 11): FWISD families head back to class just ahead of HEB ISD, kicking off the new school year across the city.

Thinking of Making a Move?

Between splash park farewells, night markets, and the community coming together to get local kids ready for school, this stretch of late summer is a great reminder of why the Mid-Cities and Fort Worth are such a special place to call home.

At Torri Realty, we love our community and we are here to help you navigate the local market with confidence. If you're looking for a home that keeps you close to all the action while offering a high quality of life, we'd love to help you find it.

Wishing you a smooth end of summer and a great start to the school year!

For more local tips, market updates, or to see our current listings, contact Torri Realty today.