Is Forney a good place to raise a family?

Yes. Forney pairs affordable, mostly newer housing with Forney ISD and a 212-acre community park that holds the splash pad, playgrounds, ball fields, and the Spellman Amphitheater. It keeps a small-town, downtown feel while sitting a straight shot up US-80 from Dallas, which is why so many growing families choose it for the value.

What youth sports leagues are in Forney, TX?

Forney has a deep recreational lineup: City of Forney Recreational Sports (baseball ages 3 to 14 and soccer sanctioned through North Texas Soccer), the Forney Soccer Association for more competitive soccer, Metro East Softball Association (MESA) for fastpitch softball, the Forney Youth Football League for tackle football, and the Forney Youth Athletic Association (FYAA Spartans) for basketball, baseball, tackle and flag football, cheer, and dance. Since 2023 the city requires a Sports Park User Pass for any child playing on a city athletic complex.

Are there things to do in Forney on a rainy day?

Plenty. In town you have the Jumptyme / JUMP SPACE trampoline park, Aim High Indoor Bounce, the KVC PLAY indoor playground, and the Forney Museum of History. A short drive adds Urban Air Adventure Park in Rockwall (about 12 minutes) and the movie theaters in Mesquite and Rockwall (about 15 minutes).

What parks in Forney have splash pads?

The splash pad at Forney Community Park is the city's water feature. Per the official Parks and Recreation page, it runs from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It sits alongside the park's playgrounds, fishing pond, and ball fields, so it's easy to fold into a longer park visit.

How does Forney compare to Rockwall for family activities?

Rockwall sits on the north shore of Lake Ray Hubbard and leans upscale, with waterfront dining at The Harbor and a stronger lake-recreation scene. Forney, on the south side of that same lake, is the more affordable, faster-growing pick, built around one big community park, recreational youth sports, and the Spellman Amphitheater. Families choosing between them are usually weighing Rockwall's lake lifestyle against Forney's value and newer-construction inventory.

What is Forney known for?

Forney is known for its longtime antique trade in the historic downtown, the 5,000-seat Spellman Amphitheater at Forney Community Park, and its rapid growth as an affordable, family-oriented suburb on the US-80 corridor east of Dallas. For relocating families, the draw is newer homes at a lower price point with an easy commute into the metro.

Things to Do in Forney, TX with Kids

Forney is the kind of fast-growing, budget-friendly suburb where a 212-acre community park, a 5,000-seat amphitheater, and Friday-night youth ball games anchor family weekends.

242 Acres Parks & Green Space

1.25-Mi Loop Trails

7 Youth Sports Youth Sports

10+ Events Annual Events

Part of the DFW Family Activities Hub covering all 67 DFW suburbs.

What Forney Families Actually Do Here

Forney has grown from a small Kaufman County town into one of the most affordable family destinations on the east side of Dallas-Fort Worth, and the city has put its parkland where its growth is. Most of what families do here centers on Forney Community Park, the Spellman Amphitheater, and a deep bench of recreational youth sports, all a short drive up US-80 from Dallas. See the full Forney relocation guide →

One 212-Acre Park

Forney Community Park packs the splash pad, ball fields, fishing pond, walking loop, and the amphitheater onto a single site.

A Deep Youth Sports Bench

Recreational baseball, softball, soccer, football, and basketball run through city leagues and the Forney Youth Athletic Association.

An Amphitheater Calendar

The 5,000-seat Spellman Amphitheater hosts free movies, summer concerts, July 4th fireworks, and Christmas in the Park.

Parks, Trails & Green Space

Forney's park system covers 242 acres across community, neighborhood, and mini-parks, and 84% of it sits in one place: the 212-acre Forney Community Park. For a suburb this size, that concentration is a feature. You learn one park well and it covers almost everything.

Forney Community Park

The center of family life in Forney, at 241 S. FM 548. A seasonal splash pad, multiple playgrounds, a stocked fishing pond (catfish, bass, bluegill), baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, tennis and sand volleyball courts, a 1.25-mile walking loop, and the Spellman Amphitheater. Shaded picnic pavilions and restrooms on site; the loop is stroller-friendly.

Splash Pad Playground Fishing Trails Ball Fields

Lakeside Park

A quieter spot built around water, with a fishing pier, pavilions, picnic tables, a playground, a sand volleyball court, and hike-and-bike trails. Good for an after-school hour with younger kids; bring shade in summer, since tree cover is thin.

Fishing Pier Playground Trails Sand Volleyball

Mulberry Park

A 33-acre neighborhood park with open green space, walking paths, and a youth baseball complex. The second-largest park in the city and a frequent host for spring-season ball games. Plenty of room to spread out a picnic away from the busier community park.

Trails Ball Fields Picnic

Bell Park

A small downtown park at the corner of Trinity and Bois d'Arc with a gazebo, a fountain, and benches. Less a play destination than a pretty pause near the historic district, good for a stroller walk or family photos.

Gazebo Downtown Shade

Bois d'Arc Youth Sports Complex

Seven youth baseball fields with concessions and ADA-accessible restrooms at 751 Bois d'Arc Street, the spring-weekend hub for Forney's youth baseball families. If your kid plays ball, you will get to know this lot well.

Baseball Concessions Restrooms

Lake Ray Hubbard Access

Just north of town sits Lake Ray Hubbard, originally named Forney Lake. Boat ramps, shoreline fishing, and open water for paddling and boating are about a 15-minute drive, giving Forney families lake weekends without lakefront prices.

Lake Access Fishing Boating

Trail System Highlight

The Forney Community Park loop, a 1.25-mile paved walking trail that circles the park's ponds and fields, is the everyday go-to. Great for a stroller walk before the heat and an easy family bike ride.

Relocation Tip

Start at Forney Community Park. One visit shows you the splash pad, the fishing pond, the playgrounds, and where the ball fields and amphitheater are, which is most of what your family will use week to week. Go on a Saturday morning in spring and you'll see the youth sports community in full swing.

Youth Sports Leagues & Facilities

Forney runs a genuinely deep recreational sports program for a suburb its size, split between city-run leagues and independent youth associations. One thing to know up front: since 2023 the city requires a Sports Park User Pass for any child playing on a city athletic complex, across every league below.

Youth Baseball

League: City of Forney Recreational Sports, plus the Forney Youth Athletic Association
Ages: 3 to 14
Season: Spring, played at Forney Community Park, Mulberry Park, and the Bois d'Arc complex

Fastpitch Softball

League: Metro East Softball Association (MESA)
Ages: roughly 4 to 18, girls
Season: Spring and fall at the Forney Community Park softball complex

Recreational Soccer

League: City of Forney Recreational Soccer, sanctioned through North Texas Soccer
Ages: 3 and up
Season: Fall and spring at the Forney Community Park soccer complex

Club & Select Soccer

League: Forney Soccer Association (FSA), a separate organization for more competitive play
Ages: youth through teen
Season: Fall and spring

Tackle Football

League: Forney Youth Football League and FYAA Spartans tackle
Ages: elementary through middle school
Season: Fall

Flag Football

League: Forney Youth Athletic Association (FYAA Spartans)
Ages: roughly 5 to 12
Season: Fall

Basketball, Cheer & Dance

League: Forney Youth Athletic Association (FYAA Spartans)
Ages: roughly 5 to 12
Season: Basketball in winter; cheer and dance in fall

Featured Sports Complex

Forney Community Park anchors most leagues with dedicated soccer and softball complexes, while the Bois d'Arc complex (seven fields) and Mulberry Park handle youth baseball. Remember the Sports Park User Pass requirement before your first game on any city field.

Thinking About Forney for Forney ISD & Youth Sports?

Start with the full Forney relocation guide: schools, neighborhoods, market data, and what life here actually looks like for families.

Full Forney Relocation Guide Browse Homes by School Zone → Talk to Kristen →

Family Entertainment & Attractions

Forney's own entertainment leans on its amphitheater and small-town museum, and the bigger regional attractions are a quick drive west toward Mesquite and Dallas.

Spellman Amphitheater

Outdoor Venue · The 5,000-seat amphitheater in Forney Community Park, added in 2012, hosts concerts, free outdoor movies, festivals, and the city's July 4th and holiday shows. The hub of community entertainment in Forney.

Forney Museum of History

Local Museum · A small, approachable history museum that introduces kids to Forney and Kaufman County's past without overwhelming them. An easy rainy-day hour close to home.

Mesquite Championship Rodeo

Pro Rodeo · About 15 minutes west in Mesquite, a seasonal professional rodeo with family nights, mutton bustin', and a genuinely Texan evening out for relocating families.

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World

Retail Attraction · About 20 minutes northwest in Garland, the giant Bass Pro store doubles as a free family outing with its aquarium, boats, and indoor displays. Good for an easy, no-cost afternoon.

Day Trip from Forney

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden (about 25 minutes west), on the far side of White Rock Lake, where the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden is a favorite full-day outing for Forney families.

Family-Friendly Dining

Forney's dining scene is comfortable and family-first, built around BBQ, Tex-Mex, and home cooking, with most of it strung along the US-80 and Gateway Boulevard corridor and the historic downtown.

True Texas BBQ, Best Texas BBQ
At the corner of Hwy 80 and Gateway Blvd, open daily, with smoked brisket, ribs, and classic sides. An easy, affordable family stop right on the main corridor.

Southern Social Eatery, Best Sunday family dinner
Scratch-made Southern comfort food with warm service, the kind of sit-down spot that handles a multi-generation Sunday table well.

Mama's Daughters' Diner, Best picky-eater friendly
A Texas home-cooking institution for over 65 years, with fluffy biscuits, hearty breakfasts, and a menu that covers every kid's preferences without drama.

The Burger Shop, Best quick dinner after practice
Juicy burgers, crispy fries, and friendly service. The reliable weeknight stop when practice ran long and nobody wants to cook.

Stash's Table and Fable, Best with curious kids
Comfort food, burgers, and pulled-pork street tacos served in a cozy, library-themed space. A change of pace that gives kids something to explore.

Rio Lerma, Best family Mexican night
A longtime local favorite for traditional Mexican plates, generous portions, and a warm, welcoming room that handles toddlers and teenagers in the same booth.

Doe Belly's, Best for adventurous eaters
Cajun and Creole cooking with fried catfish, shrimp po'boys, and gumbo, plus vegetarian options and outdoor tables. A flavorful break from the chains.

Napoli's Forney Italian Bistro, Best big-group dinner
Relaxed Italian with pasta, pizza, and a family-friendly approach. An easy pick when you're feeding a crowd or hosting visiting grandparents.

Most of these are concentrated along the US-80 and Gateway Boulevard corridor and around historic Downtown Forney near Main and Bois d'Arc Streets.

Shopping & Retail Districts

Forney keeps everyday shopping close and sends families west to Mesquite for a full mall day. Downtown adds a genuinely distinctive draw: antiques.

US-80 & Gateway Corridor

Everyday

Forney's practical shopping spine along US-80, anchored by a Kroger Marketplace plus grocery, big-box, and the restaurants families rotate through during the week.
Best for: weekly groceries and quick errands without leaving town.

Historic Downtown Forney

Historic Main Street

Forney has a long reputation for its antique trade, and the downtown shops along Main and Bois d'Arc are where you browse on a Saturday. A walkable, small-town stretch near Bell Park.
Best for: weekend browsing, antiquing, and a slow morning.

Town East Mall (Mesquite)

Regional Mall

About 15 minutes west on US-80, the full enclosed-mall experience with Dillard's, Macy's, JCPenney, and a food court.
Best for: a full-day shopping outing or back-to-school runs.

Annual Events & Community Calendar

Forney packs its calendar with free, family-friendly events, most of them at the Spellman Amphitheater or in the historic downtown. The two-day Forney Music & Arts Festival joins the rotation below.

Spring

Festival on Main

A day-long downtown celebration of food, music, and the arts that turns Main Street into Forney's biggest spring party.

Spring

Brews on Bois D'Arc

A craft beer festival in the historic downtown, a grown-ups' afternoon with a community-festival feel.

Mar–Oct

Forney Live Music Series

Free performances from local bands, regional artists, and tribute acts at The Pavilion in Downtown Forney, running spring through fall.

Summer

Movies at the Park

Free outdoor film nights at the Spellman Amphitheater. The easy warm-weather family outing: blanket, popcorn, big screen under the stars.

July

July 4th Celebration

Forney's Independence Day festival at the amphitheater with live entertainment (check the city events page for this year's lineup) and a fireworks finale.

December

Christmas in the Park

A holiday favorite with light displays, music, and kids' activities at Forney Community Park, plus the Christmas Carol Concert at the amphitheater.

Full calendar: Forney official events page