The Japanese gardens are what bumps the FW botanic gardens from a 3 star to a 4 star. It costs $3 per person to get in, but it is worth it. It's spectacular, with paths wending in all directions, a huge zen garden, and vending machines that sell fish food to feed the koi. On a nice day it would be a great place to bring a book and just relax in the shade.
You can see the rest of the gardens without charge. My son and I frequently drive down to spend an hour or two putting our toes in the grass. The rose garden has a pond and a man-made little waterfall that trickles down the hill, the perfect place to hang out and meet other families.
The restaurant isn't very good, though, it's much better to pack your own picnic. The bathrooms are kind of gross. Parking is also a little difficult. Most days you have to wend your way through to the back lot and then walk back into the gardens.
I go to the gardens frequently because it's close and I feel like my son needs as much time outside as he can get, but I have seen better gardens. Overall worth a visit, though.
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