Six Flags, sports, shopping, and spooks – that’s just a glimpse of what awaits you in Arlington, Texas!
Just 20 miles west of Dallas, this mid-sized Texas city is full of BIG-sized fun!
Whoever you’re traveling with, and whatever your interests are, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Arlington.
Let’s take a look at what makes Arlington vacation-worthy and one of the best cities in Texas.
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How to get around Arlington
Like most of Texas, the best way to get around Arlington is to explore on your own by car!
If you’re visiting and need to rent a car to get to your Arlington activities, we highly recommend Discover Cars where they find you the best car rental deals from all of the competitors (has saved us so much money!).
Click here to check out Discover Cars.
Where to stay in Arlington
From renovated VRBOS to boutique hotels, here are the best places to stay in Arlington.
- (Hotel) Live! By Loews – with stunningly clean rooms, friendly bartenders, and an amazing location, the Live! By Loews is our top pick for the best hotel in Arlington. The rooms are beautiful and well-designed, the breakfast is a must-try and the pool is gorgeous. Click here to check prices and read reviews.
- (AirBnb/VrBO) Two Bedroom Open Plan Cottage – this beautiful two bedroom cottage is within walking distance to so many Arlington attractions and features a spacious living room and modern kitchen so you can cook your own meals and keep your vacation budget down. Click here to check prices and read reviews.
1. Dive into nature at Lake Arlington
Bowman Springs Park and Richard Simpson Park are two great locations along the coast of Lake Arlington.
There, you’ll enjoy prime fishing spots, canoeing and kayaking, and a scenic picnic by the waterside.
If you’ve had enough of the water itself, tee up for a game at the Lake Arlington Golf Course!
Nature not your thing?
Don’t worry, there’s plenty to do in town!
2. Have a blast at Six Flags Over Texas
One of the most fun things to do in Arlington, TX is to take a trip to Six Flags!
With over 100 attractions and 14 thrilling roller coasters, you’ll have no problem spending a whole day at this all-ages theme park.
Superhero fans will jump at the chance to go on DC-themed rides, and the park’s Looney Tunes attractions and entertainment are full of fun and nostalgia.
Grab a classic American lunch at the park’s food vendors, then cool off across the street at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. (Tickets to this popular water park are sold separately.)
3. Go to the Arlington Museum of Art
Feeling artsy?
The Arlington Museum of Art is keeping things fresh with new and exciting exhibits throughout the year!
From contemporary Texan art, to reflective pieces by diverse artists, to familiar works by Disney legends, and more, there’s always something interesting going on at the AMA.
What will YOU see at the Arlington Museum of Art?
Check the museum’s website to find out about their current exhibit!
Be sure to snap a photo of the brightly colored mural on the outside of the building – it’s a great vacation photo op!
4. Cheer on the Dallas Cowboys or the Texas Rangers
Join the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in pumping up the stands as the Cowboys play football at the AT&T Stadium.
These exciting NFL games run from September through January. (Or, hopefully, February!)
Not traveling during the NFL season?
The guided tour of this iconic stadium will captivate even non-football fans!
More of an MLB fan?
Head across the street to Globe Life Field and watch the Texas Rangers play a good ol’ fashioned game of baseball.
Don’t forget to buy some peanuts and Cracker Jack!
5. Check out the sculptures at Richard Greene Linear Park
Just across the way from Arlington’s major sports stadiums is the Richard Greene Linear Park.
If you’re looking for interesting things to see in Arlington, this 41-acre park’s got you covered!
Take a stroll along the lakeside on the park’s 2-mile trail, or have a picnic on the lush grass.
Of course, what makes this city park so alluring is its collection of statues!
With miles of public art, Richard Greene Linear Park is full of unique photo ops and inspiring artistic expression.
6. Step into history at Knapp Heritage Park
History enthusiasts of all ages will love the immersive experience at Knapp Heritage Park.
This cultural museum is centered around the pioneer age, with exhibits that really make you feel like you’re part of that world!
Kids will be fascinated to discover what a schoolhouse from 1910 looked like, and the city’s old general store is sure to impress!
Plan carefully!
This unique historical attraction is only open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
7. Visit the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame
Did you know that bowling has been around for centuries?!
At the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame, you’ll learn about the history of bowling, and see how the game has evolved over the years.
Kids will light up at all the interactive exhibits, including the chance to try their hand at knocking down pins at the 2-lane bowling alley near the end of the museum.
The giant bowling pin sculpture out front is worth a visit in itself!
8. Grab a meal and catch some live music at Texas Live!
Sports, food, drinks, and music – Texas Live! has got it all!
This eatery hub and entertainment center has got tons of dining options surrounding a 100-foot TV screen where you’ll get the best views of the Cowboys or Rangers during a game.
No game on?
Texas Live! is also known for hosting exciting events, and bringing live music onto the main stage.
If you’re looking for food and entertainment in Arlington, Texas Live! is the place to go!
9. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House is a local Texas chain with some of the best chicken you’ll find in the state!
But it isn’t just fried chicken that makes Babe’s one of the best places to go in Arlington.
This family-friendly restaurant has a truly unique atmosphere!
You’ll find it hard to believe you’re seated indoors when you’re surrounded by fake storefronts that create a feeling of being in a small southern town.
Keep your eyes and ears open for waitstaff doing the Hokey Pokey – families are encouraged to join in the fun!
10. Head over to the Grease Monkey Burger Shop for mechanic-themed fun!
You don’t have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy the fun atmosphere at one of Arlington’s best burger spots, the Grease Monkey Burger Shop!
Located right across from the historic Vandergriff Building, Arlington’s first commercial structure, this automobile-themed restaurant is a great place for a casual meal.
Chow down on their locally loved Black & Blue Burger, and don’t forget to share some chicken wings with your friends or family.
You might even catch some live music while you’re there!
You’ll definitely want to end the meal period with a photo of the Historic Arlington mural on the side of the Vandergriff Building across the street.
11. Chow down at Tom’s Burgers & Grill
Looking for even more unique dining options in Arlington?
Tom’s Burgers & Grill is an old fashioned diner, complete with vinyl-upholstered booths, a checker-tiled bar with swiveling seats, and a shiny chrome exterior!
Their big Texan breakfasts make them a great morning option, or come in later in the day for some crispy onion rings and a deluxe burger!
And for dessert? It’s gotta be the funnel cake!
12. Shop, dine, and go ice skating at the mall!
Ready for a good old fashioned mall day?
The Parks Mall at Arlington doesn’t just have a ton of shopping options, it’s also home to both a carousel and an ice rink, as well as a movie theater!
After a few hours of shopping through your favorite stores, you’ll love the chance to sit down in front of the classic carousel in the food court while you eat lunch.
Then, have a refreshing twirl on skates with ICE at the Parks, or head over to the mall’s AMC theater to see what’s new in Hollywood!
Too nice outside to spend the day in an indoor mall? Check out the next item on our list!
13. Head over to Arlington Highlands for some outdoor shopping
Want to know what to do in Arlington on a nice day?
The gorgeous upscale outdoor shopping mall at Arlington Highlands is lined with your favorite retail stores and boutiques, where you’ll find clothing, jewelry, home goods, and more!
The many dining options make it tempting to spend a whole day there, and the small but well-kept park in the middle of the boulevard is a great place to sit and relax for a while.
Grab lunch at Bone Daddy’s, a local and highly rated BBQ chain, or enjoy food and a film at Studio Movie Grill, a combination restaurant and theater!
14. Step into nature at River Legacy Park
Thirsty for more outdoor Arlington things to do?
The River Legacy Park spans 1,300 acres – ideal for a picnic and a walk on a nice day!
Kids will love the unique, treehouse-themed playground, and the River Legacy Nature Center is full of fascinating nature exhibits for the whole family!
Take a scenic walk along the paved hiking trails, or go off road on a 10-mile mountain bike trail.
The lush grounds and running waters throughout the park make it easily one of the best outdoor things to do in Arlington on a nice day!
15. Catch a free concert at Levitt Pavilion
Rock, pop, country, R&B… Levitt Pavilion has all that and more at its outdoor concerts throughout the year!
Hosting both paid events and free concerts, Levitt Pavilion is known for being one of the best entertainment venues in Arlington – especially in the summer!
Kick back on the lawn and immerse yourself in some live music as you enjoy a meal from one of the many local food trucks.
Don’t forget your folding chairs, or a blanket if you want to sit directly on the grass!
16. Explore the University of Texas at Arlington campus
You don’t have to be a student to enjoy the University of Texas at Arlington’s gorgeous campus.
Marvel at the universe at the UTA Planetarium, whose shows include an immersive look at the night sky, a Q&A session with an astronomer, and an educational feature film!
Feeling artsy? The Gallery at UTA features works from students and faculty, as well as more prominent artists – and it’s free to visit!
Nearby, in Doug Russell Park, is the “lost cemetery of infants”, a haunting memorial to some of Arlington’s lost children from years past. It’s quite well-hidden, so be on the lookout!
17. Learn about local history at the Fielder House Museum
Take a step back in time at the Fielder House Museum!
Built in 1914, this two-story brick house features exhibits on the history of Arlington and the surrounding area.
The knowledgeable tour guides from the Arlington Historical Society make this a worthwhile visit for any history enthusiast!
18. Cool off at the Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
One of the best things to do near Arlington, hands down!
Located in Grand Prairie, TX, just 7 miles from downtown Arlington, the Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark is the ideal family spot for swimming, sliding, and splashing all year round!
With plenty of colorful waterslides, playgrounds, and pools, Epic Waters has you covered for all sorts of watery fun!
The glass-paneled roof will ensure you don’t feel claustrophobic as you enjoy all that this indoor waterpark has to offer.
Sick of splashing?
Head over to the park’s arcade and play some games, or chow down at The Hungry Wave Cafe!
Traveling with other adults?
Guests over 21 also have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing signature cocktail from Longboards Bar & Lounge!
19. Check out the most haunted parts of Arlington
One of the least family-friendly things to do in Arlington, this next item isn’t for the faint of heart!
While there aren’t any official ghost tours in Arlington, the city is full of friendly (or downright freaky) spooks.
The Arlington Music Hall is home to “Fred”, a harmless spirit who allegedly used to live in the building, and “Annie” is a young and feisty ghost said to haunt Six Flags Over Texas.
The “lost cemetery of infants”, mentioned earlier, has been the site of many strange and haunting occurrences, and River Legacy Park has become known for hosting the ghosts of long-dead soldiers!
Take a self-guided tour of Arlington’s most haunted locations – if you dare!
20. Hunt for treasures at the Cooper Street Antique Mall
More into treasure hunting than ghost hunting?
The Cooper Street Antique Mall boasts 53,000 square feet of antique shopping!
With aisles upon aisles of vintage items from various vendors, you’ll find it’s easy to lose track of time in this massive mall.
Good thing they’ve got you covered for lunch!
The Tin Tulip Tea Room is a charming tea house located inside the mall, the perfect place to refresh after an hour or two of antique hunting.
Try their quiche of the day and hearty soup, and don’t forget a slice of pie on the way out!
21. Have a blast in downtown Arlington
As if there weren’t enough Arlington attractions already, downtown Arlington is an attraction in itself!
With tons of dining options from both familiar chains and local eateries, downtown Arlington is the perfect place to grab lunch and do some shopping – and more!
Create your own artistic keepsake at Board & Brush, show off your pinball skills at Free Play Arcade, or head over to Lone Star Axe Throwing and see how good your aim is!