15 Best Things to Do in Arlington, Texas

Ready for roller coasters, major-league sports, local history, outdoor adventures, and enough Texas-sized entertainment to fill an entire weekend? Arlington brings all of these experiences together in one conveniently located city.

Situated between Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington is known as The American Dream City. It is home to two major professional sports teams, large entertainment venues, theme parks, museums, shopping districts, green spaces, and a steadily growing arts scene.

Visitors can race through record-breaking drops at Six Flags Over Texas, tour the home of the Dallas Cowboys, watch the Texas Rangers play beneath a retractable roof, or escape the crowds along the wooded trails of River Legacy Park. In Arlington, it is entirely possible to scream on a roller coaster in the morning, admire contemporary art in the afternoon, and eat an oversized ballpark snack by evening.

Here are 15 of the best things to do in Arlington, Texas.

Six Flags Over Texas opened in 1961 as the first park in the Six Flags chain. Today, it offers more than 100 rides, shows, and attractions, including 15 roller coasters ranging from family-friendly rides to serious thrill machines.

The park’s newest headline attraction is Tormenta Rampaging Run, which officially opened on July 9, 2026. The giga dive coaster stands 309 feet tall, reaches 87 mph, and sends riders down a 285-foot, 95-degree drop. In other words, it is ideal for anyone who thinks gravity has been behaving far too politely.

Other popular rides include Titan, New Texas Giant, AQUAMAN: Power Wave, BATMAN: The Ride, and MR. FREEZE: Reverse Blast. Younger visitors can enjoy gentler rides and themed family areas.

Seasonal events typically include Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park. Operating dates, ride availability, and event schedules change throughout the year, so visitors should check the park calendar before arriving.

Travel tip: Arrive near opening time and head to the most popular coasters first. Afternoon lines can become nearly as intimidating as the rides.

Address: 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76011

AT&T Stadium is the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and one of the most recognizable sports venues in the United States. The stadium features a retractable roof, climate-controlled seating areas, an enormous center-hung video board, and seating for approximately 80,000 spectators during football games.

Visitors do not need game tickets to see the interior. Stadium tours may include the field, press box, luxury suites, club areas, locker rooms, and other behind-the-scenes spaces. Exact stops depend on event schedules and field availability.

The stadium also displays the Dallas Cowboys Art Collection, which includes large-scale contemporary works throughout the building. That means visitors can discuss defensive formations and modern art during the same trip—two subjects that do not usually share a hallway.

AT&T Stadium hosts Cowboys games, college football, concerts, motorsports, boxing, wrestling, and international sporting events. It is also one of the venues selected for FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.

Travel tip: Review the stadium’s bag and parking policies before attending an event. Large purses, backpacks, camera bags, and several other bag types are restricted.

Address: 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011

River Legacy Park provides a peaceful contrast to Arlington’s stadiums and amusement parks. The 1,031-acre forest floodplain park stretches along the Trinity River and forms part of a larger greenbelt extending through the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

Visitors can walk, jog, cycle, birdwatch, picnic, or explore the park’s wooded surroundings. It includes paved trails, mountain-biking routes, picnic spaces, playgrounds, and access to natural habitats along the river.

The nearby River Legacy Nature Center offers environmental programs, nature exhibits, educational activities, and family events. The foundation works to encourage appreciation and conservation of the surrounding natural area.

River Legacy Park is a good choice for travelers who want a quiet morning outdoors before returning to Arlington’s busier attractions.

Travel tip: Bring water, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes. The squirrels are prepared for the outdoors; visitors should be too.

Address: 701 NW Green Oaks Boulevard, Arlington, TX 76006

Texas Live! is a dining and entertainment complex positioned between AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and Choctaw Stadium. It brings restaurants, sports viewing, nightlife, concerts, and special events together in the heart of Arlington’s Entertainment District.

Live! Arena serves as the complex’s central gathering place, with a giant screen that broadcasts Cowboys games, Rangers games, tournaments, and other major sporting events. Arlington Backyard hosts concerts, watch parties, festivals, and community celebrations.

Dining options include barbecue, burgers, tacos, drinks, and casual game-day food. The atmosphere is particularly lively before and after events at the nearby stadiums.

Texas Live! is also a practical place to wait for traffic to calm down after a game. Ordering barbecue is generally more enjoyable than studying brake lights in a parking lot.

Travel tip: On major event days, reserve tables early and expect security procedures or limited access in some areas.

Address: 1650 East Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX 76011

Hurricane Harbor Arlington is a seasonal outdoor water park with speed slides, tube rides, raft attractions, a wave pool, children’s play areas, and a lazy river. It is especially popular during the hot North Texas summer, when simply walking across a parking lot can feel like an endurance event.

The park’s attractions range from high-speed slides to calmer family areas. Splash Island includes 17 slides and approximately 110 interactive water features, while other areas provide wave-pool swimming and group raft experiences.

Guests can usually rent lockers and private cabanas. Food, drinks, swimwear, sunscreen, and other essentials are also available inside the park.

Because Hurricane Harbor operates seasonally, opening days and hours vary. Weather and maintenance may also affect individual attractions.

Travel tip: Wear water shoes on hot pavement and apply sunscreen regularly. The Texas sun does not accept verbal negotiations.

Address: 1800 East Lamar Boulevard, Arlington, TX 76006

the Arlington Museum of Art is located in Arlington’s Entertainment District near the city’s major stadiums. The museum moved to its Ballpark Way location in 2024, giving it larger spaces for traditional exhibitions, immersive installations, community displays, and educational programming.

Rather than maintaining a large permanent collection, the museum presents changing exhibitions. Its previous programs have explored fine art, photography, popular culture, film costumes, local artists, and immersive visual experiences.

The museum also hosts lectures, creative workshops, children’s storytimes, youth art programs, performances, and community events. Because the exhibitions change, visitors should review the current calendar rather than assuming that a past display is still available. Museums, unlike relatives, generally do not keep the same pictures on the wall forever.

Current standard hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; the museum is closed on Monday. Hours may change for holidays or special events.

Travel tip: Allow extra time for immersive exhibitions, which may use projections, sound, or timed entry.

Address: 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011

Arlington Highlands is an open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment center near Interstate 20. It includes national retailers, specialty shops, restaurants, personal-care businesses, and a movie theater.

Visitors can browse clothing, jewelry, home goods, sporting merchandise, and gifts before stopping for Tex-Mex, sushi, steaks, burgers, tacos, coffee, or dessert. Wide walkways, landscaped areas, and outdoor seating make the center easy to explore when the weather cooperates.

Seasonal decorations and community activities may also take place throughout the year.

Travel tip: Restaurant hours may differ from store hours, especially on Sundays and holidays.

Address: 3900 Arlington Highlands Boulevard, Arlington, TX 76018

The International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame explores the long development of bowling, from ancient forms of the game to its growth as a modern recreational and competitive sport.

Exhibitions include historic equipment, photographs, films, memorabilia, interactive displays, and information about prominent bowlers. Visitors can learn how bowling technology, lane design, scoring, and professional competition have changed over time.

The museum is part of the International Bowling Campus and is one of Arlington’s more unusual attractions. It provides an entertaining option for sports fans, families, and anyone who has ever blamed a gutter ball on the lane.

Interactive elements allow visitors to test their knowledge and learn about the science and strategy behind the sport.

Travel tip: Confirm operating hours before visiting, as museum schedules and closures can change for private events or holidays.

Address: 621 Six Flags Drive, Arlington, TX 76011

The Fielder House Museum occupies a historic brick residence constructed in 1914–1915 for James Parke Fielder Sr. and his family. The Arlington Historical Society operates the museum and uses it to preserve stories, photographs, objects, and documents connected to the city’s development.

Exhibits change periodically and may cover early settlement, local businesses, notable residents, fossils, architecture, community life, military history, or Arlington’s historically significant neighborhoods.

Recent city programming confirms that the museum continues to host exhibitions, discussions, book clubs, and community history events.

The building itself is also part of the experience. Visitors can examine period architectural details while learning how Arlington developed from a small farming community into a large North Texas city.

Travel tip: Check the current schedule before visiting. Hours are limited, and appointments may be required for certain tours or research requests.

Address: 1616 West Abram Street, Arlington, TX 76013

Globe Life Field has been the home of Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers since 2020. Its retractable roof and climate-control system keep the interior comfortable during hot, rainy, or unusually cold weather.

Fans can attend regular-season baseball games, postseason events when the Rangers qualify, college baseball tournaments, concerts, rodeos, and other large-scale programs.

The ballpark offers a broad selection of concessions, including barbecue, burgers, nachos, hot dogs, sweets, and oversized novelty dishes. Some creations are large enough to require a group strategy and possibly a project manager.

Behind-the-scenes tours teach visitors about Rangers history, field dimensions, premium seating, the stadium’s engineering, and the operation of its retractable roof. Tour routes and field access depend on the day’s event schedule.

Travel tip: Even during summer, the stadium can feel cool inside. Bringing a light jacket is surprisingly sensible advice in Texas.

Address: 734 Stadium Drive, Arlington, TX 76011

Arlington Music Hall is a historic performance venue in Downtown Arlington. Opened in 1949, the theater combines traditional architectural character with updated sound, lighting, and event facilities.

Its calendar may include country artists, tribute acts, comedy, gospel music, theatrical productions, community performances, and touring entertainers. The venue also supports local and regional arts programming.

Because performances vary throughout the year, travelers should review the schedule before planning a visit. Some events sell reserved seats, while others may offer VIP packages or pre-show experiences.

The downtown location places visitors close to restaurants, bars, public art, and other cultural venues.

Travel tip: Arrive early enough to find parking and eat nearby. Trying to finish dinner during the opening song rarely improves either experience.

Address: 224 North Center Street, Arlington, TX 76011

The UTA Planetarium is located on the University of Texas at Arlington campus. Its 60-foot dome and digital projection system create immersive presentations about planets, stars, galaxies, black holes, exploration, and Earth science.

Public programs may include prerecorded films, animated educational features, live sky tours, seasonal presentations, and discussions led by planetarium staff. Some shows are designed specifically for children, while others focus on astronomy and current scientific discoveries.

The planetarium is a useful indoor attraction during extremely hot, rainy, or cold weather. It also provides visitors with a chance to cross the galaxy without dealing with airport security.

Schedules may change during university holidays, maintenance periods, or academic events.

Travel tip: Purchase or reserve tickets ahead of time when possible, particularly for weekend and family programs.

Address: 700 Planetarium Place, Arlington, TX 76019

Levitt Pavilion Arlington is an open-air performance venue in Downtown Arlington. It is known for presenting free concerts featuring Texas country, blues, rock, Latin music, soul, jazz, world music, and other genres.

The lawn-style setting allows visitors to bring blankets or low-profile chairs and enjoy music beneath the evening sky. The venue also hosts festivals, community programs, and occasional movie nights.

Food trucks and nearby downtown restaurants provide dining options during many events. Rules regarding pets, outside food, alcohol, seating, and coolers may differ by program, so guests should review the event information in advance.

The pavilion has historically presented more than 50 free outdoor concerts in a season, although annual schedules vary.

Travel tip: Bring a blanket, water, and insect repellent. Mosquitoes also enjoy live music, but they rarely purchase tickets.

Address: 100 West Abram Street, Arlington, TX 76010

Alley Cats Entertainment is a family-oriented activity center in South Arlington. Its attractions may include bowling, laser tag, arcade games, miniature golf, batting cages, climbing activities, dining, and spaces for parties or group events.

It works well for families, groups of friends, date nights, birthday celebrations, or travelers looking for indoor entertainment when outdoor plans are interrupted by the weather.

Activities, age requirements, operating hours, and package prices may vary. Some attractions may close temporarily for maintenance, leagues, or private events.

The combination of bowling, arcade games, and miniature golf also creates plenty of opportunities for friendly competition—or for discovering which member of the family takes miniature golf far too seriously.

Travel tip: Look for activity packages if you plan to try more than one attraction.

Address: 2008 West Pleasant Ridge Road, Arlington, TX 76015

Top O’ Hill Terrace is a historic property on the campus of Arlington Baptist University. The site began as a tearoom in the 1920s before developing into a well-known nightclub and illegal gambling operation.

During its most notorious years, the property reportedly included gaming rooms, hidden spaces, escape routes, and concealed passages designed to help guests avoid law-enforcement raids. It attracted wealthy patrons and visitors traveling between Dallas and Fort Worth.

The gambling operation ended in the late 1940s. The property was later acquired for religious and educational use, eventually becoming part of Arlington Baptist University.

Guided tours explain the property’s transformation and introduce visitors to surviving architectural details, tunnels, and stories connected to its unusual past.

It may be the only campus tour where the guide discusses theology, roulette wheels, police raids, and secret doors within the same hour.

Travel tip: Tours may require reservations and are not necessarily available every day. Contact the attraction before visiting.

Address: 3001 West Division Street, Arlington, TX 76012

Many of Arlington’s biggest attractions are concentrated in the Entertainment District, but the city does not have a large traditional public-transit network connecting every neighborhood. Driving, rideshare services, hotel shuttles, or the seasonal Arlington trolley are often the most practical options.

The Arlington Entertainment District trolley provides complimentary transportation for guests staying at participating hotels, with routes serving selected attractions and venues. Availability and schedules vary by hotel and season.

Summer temperatures can be intense, so outdoor activities are generally more comfortable early in the morning or later in the evening. Stadiums, museums, the planetarium, shopping centers, and indoor entertainment venues provide useful afternoon alternatives.

Event dates, ticket prices, hours, and attraction availability can change. Always confirm current information directly with the venue before traveling.

Final Thoughts

Arlington combines theme-park thrills, professional sports, outdoor spaces, local history, shopping, art, music, and family entertainment within one North Texas destination.

Visitors can ride a record-breaking coaster, tour two major stadiums, walk through a riverside forest, investigate a former gambling hideout, and attend a free outdoor concert—all without leaving the city.

The greatest challenge may not be deciding what to do. It may be convincing everyone in the group that eating one enormous ballpark hot dog does not count as a balanced Texas dinner.

Book your hotel in Arlington through a curated selection of comfortable stays near local attractions, dining, shopping, and major transport routes.

8.1 Very good

Kasa Arlington Near UTA

101 South Center Street Arlington, us

7.0 Good

Modern Family Home with Yard Less Than 1Mi to Cowb

Arlington, us

6.0 Pleasant

Executive Inn of Arlington

314 North Collins Street Arlington, us