Aerial View of Arlington, Texas during a Summer Sunrise (Photo by Jacob Boomsba/ Getty Images)
Located just west of Dallas, Arlington, Texas, has a growing population of nearly 400,000 residents. Sometimes, though, its location between the metroplexes of Dallas and Fort Worth can cause the city to be overshadowed by its larger neighbors. However, despite its smaller size, Arlington has a rich history and lots of activities worth exploring.
For instance, Arlington is the home to the very first Six Flags theme park, which opened in 1961. It was considered the place to gamble in the 1930s and 1940s, with a casino named “Top O’ Hill Terrace.”
It’s also home to AT&T Stadium, where the Dallas Cowboys play, Globe Life Field, where the Texas Rangers compete, and Choctaw Stadium, a multipurpose sports stadium for all sorts of big events, like United Football League and MLS Next Pro games. Arlington may lack the bustling nightlife of Dallas or the cowboy charm of Fort Worth, but it is rich in sports venues, arts, nature, and family fun.
So, if you’re a local looking for something new to do or are just passing through on a holiday weekend, enjoy Arlington’s unique gems.
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 07: Concertgoers wait for hip hop artist Ludacris to perform at Texas Hall September 07, 2006 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jensen Walker/Getty Images for AXE)
Arlington Music Hall
The Arlington Music Hall first opened its doors in 1950, and since then, it has been a hot spot for live country music. The 730-seat auditorium is located in the heart of downtown Arlington, and guests can enjoy a full bar and concessions before performances. The Hall has hosted performances from legends such as Gene Watson, Wynonna Judd, and Loretta Lynn.
Arlington Museum of Art
Located in the Entertainment District, the Arlington Museum of Art is a great place for art lovers. With rotating exhibits that fuse technology, innovation, and education, the museum proudly showcases Texas artists. The museum is highly active in the community through educational programs, local school partnerships, and lectures.
Go Ape Zipline
For thrill-seekers, the Go Ape Zipline is an ideal place for an adventure. Nestled in the trees of River Legacy Park with a ziplining experience and rope courses, it offers a forest escape within Arlington city limits. Zipping through the park, you can see lush trees and beautiful views while seeking the next adrenaline rush.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – MAY 16: Guests attend the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Boxing match Arlington press conference at Texas Live! on May 16, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images for Netflix)
Texas Live!
Texas Live! blends restaurants, entertainment, and accommodations into the serene location, no matter the weather. The venue is right between the iconic AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and Globe Life Park and is known for its outdoor concert area, its variety of food, and Arlington Backyard.
River Legacy Parks
With a bridge overlooking the Trinity River and a 1,300-acre oasis, the River Legacy Park is a haven for nature lovers. Complete with a forest, wetlands, and a prairie, the park provides visitors with the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. The park has eight miles of hiking and biking trails, with 10 miles of mountain bike trails. The River Legacy Living Science Center also offers hands-on experiences with local plants and animals.
UTA Planetarium
One of the largest in the state of Texas, the UTA planetarium is located in the University of Texas at Arlington’s research facility. General admission tickets are only $10, with seniors and children receiving discounts. Currently, they host a Pink Floyd show complete with music and intriguing projections. It features a 60-foot dome projection, capable of projecting a realistic view of the night sky. During a show, an astronomer will give a tour of the night sky, cover trending astronomy topics, and host a Q&A session.
International Museum of Bowling
Arlington’s International Museum of Bowling has traced the history of bowling to ancient Egypt, and gives visitors a chance to watch the sport’s evolution through vintage film clips. The museum offers interactive games for all ages, whether it be VR experiences or trivia game shows. Visitors even have the opportunity to use Olympic training systems and coaching tools.
