30 Fun Things to Do in Arlington, TX

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Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington is a charming Texas city with many unique and exciting attractions. Fun things to do in Arlington, TX, include going to a Dallas Cowboys or Texas Rangers game, spending the day at Six Flags, and checking out local bars and breweries.

Being so close to two other Texas cities, visitors to Arlington also get the chance to enjoy fun activities in Dallas and Fort Worth. Keep reading to discover all the things to do in Arlington and the surrounding area!

Planning a last-minute trip to Arlington?

Before traveling to Arlington, book your accommodations ahead of time. Here are some top choices to make your trip enjoyable.

🏨 Top accommodations in Arlington

• Hyatt Place-Dallas Arlington (under $100 USD a night)
• Aloft Dallas Arlington South (rated highly)
• Doubletree by Hilton Arlington DFW South (relax by the pool)

30 Fun Things to Do in Arlington, Texas

Arlington, TX, Things to Do

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Cheer for the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field

If you're looking for fun stuff to do in Arlington, TX, going to a Texas Rangers MLB game at Globe Life Field is a great idea. The Major League Baseball team plays in Arlington between March and October in the regular season.

You can find tickets for both daytime and evening games. Even if you aren't a big sports fan, attending a game is a memorable experience. There's also a minor league baseball team, the Frisco RoughRiders, that plays just 40 minutes from Arlington if you want to watch more baseball!

🏨 Accommodations near Globe Life Field

• Crowne Plaza Suites Arlington (relax by the pool)
• Live by Loews - Arlington, TX (4-star rating)

Let you pup play at Tails 'N Trails Dog Park

If you live in Arlington with a dog or are visiting with your pup, you'll want to take them to Tails 'N Trails Dog Park! Situated on Green Oaks Boulevard, the vast off-leash park is the ideal place to let your dog run around and meet some new friends.

You'll also discover some trails around the main dog park, and there are lots of dog drinking fountains, plus an area just for small dogs.

🏨 Place to stay near Tails N Trails Dog Park

• Aloft Dallas Arlington South (well-regarded)

Bike around River Legacy Park

River Legacy Park is an urban park in Arlington that features many scenic biking and hiking trails. While exploring the 1,300-acre park, you'll come across hardwood forests and will likely spot some of the 450 species of animals that live there. There's also a playground if you're visiting with kids.

Splash around at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

One of the best family-friendly attractions in Arlington is Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. The waterpark is found in the Arlington Entertainment District and has a range of rides and water slides to enjoy, plus multiple pools. Some shops and restaurants are also on-site, making the waterpark an ideal place to spend the day.

🏨 Stay nearby Hurricane Harbor Arlington

• Sheraton Arlington Hotel
• La Quinta by Wyndham Arlington North Six Flags dr

Visit International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame

If you're interested in bowling history, one of the fun places to go in Arlington, TX, is the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame. The museum was initially opened in St. Louis, Missouri, but moved to Arlington in 2010. The museum features exhibits on the sport's history and its most famous players. You can also see lots of bowling-related memorabilia.

🏨 Places to stay near the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Arlington North Stadium Area
• Doubletree by Hilton Arlington DFW South

Play a round of golf at Tierra Verde Golf Club

If you enjoy playing golf, a trip to the Tierra Verde Golf Club has to be on your to-do list. This well-maintained 18-hole course covers 250 acres and is surrounded by lush greenery and trees. The course also has a driving range and offers lessons.

See a show at Arlington Music Hall

Opened in 1950, the Arlington Music Hall has been a popular performance venue in the city ever since. While it was initially a movie theater, you can see live shows today, including concerts and comedy shows.

Booking tickets to a show at Arlington Music Hall is a must if you're looking for a memorable night out! Taking your other half to this historic venue is also one of the best date ideas in Arlington.

🏨 Stay nearby Arlington Music Hall

• Comfort Suites Arlington - Entertainment District (relaxing pool)

Spend a fun day at Six Flags Over Texas

Another of the fun places to go in Arlington, Texas, is Six Flags Over Texas. This renowned theme park has something for all ages! You'll discover a variety of roller coasters and rides within the park, plus carnival-style games.

After enjoying all of the amusements, you can pick up some classic theme park snacks, like pretzels, churros, hot dogs, and funnel cake.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to Six Flags Over Texas

• Hyatt Place-Dallas Arlington
• Sonesta Simply Suites Arlington

Drink craft beer at Division Brewing

Division Brewing is a craft brewery and live music venue that's well worth checking out. You can choose over 15 craft beers to enjoy in the tap room. Division Brewing also hosts live music acts, like Indie and Metal bands.

Catch a UTA Mavericks game at College Park Center

Another sports team to watch in the Arlington area is the UTA Mavericks college basketball team. Based at the University of Texas at Arlington, the team plays at the College Park Center.

You can watch the men's team between November and March in the regular NCAA season, with playoff games generally running until the beginning of April. There's also a UTA Mavericks women's basketball team that plays at the same arena and on a similar schedule.

Appreciate artworks at the Arlington Museum of Art

A great attraction in Arlington for art enthusiasts is the Arlington Museum of Art. Founded in 1989, the museum hosts different temporary exhibits throughout the year instead of having a permanent collection.

No matter when you visit, you can see unique exhibits with paintings, multimedia pieces, sculptures, and more. The gallery also hosts events, like yoga sessions and open mic nights.

Go to the Texas Rangers Golf Club

Another golf course to check out in the Arlington area is the Texas Rangers Golf Course. This interesting Texas landmark is the world's only Major League Baseball-themed golf course and is named after the state's own MLB team.

During a visit, you can play on the 18-hole course and also make use of a driving range and putting green before heading to the clubhouse for refreshments.

Attend a sporting event at the Choctaw Stadium

Choctaw Stadium is the new name of Globe Life Park, where the Texas Rangers played before moving to Globe Life Field. Today, the 48,000-seat open-air stadium is home to a few minor league teams.

If you want to attend a game here, you can see the Arlington Renegades in the XFL league and North Texas SC of MLS Next Pro. The Dallas Jackals Major League Rugby team also plays at the arena.

Learn about astronomy at the UTA Planetarium

The planetarium at the University of Texas at Arlington is one of the educational and fun places in Arlington, TX, to visit. As one of the largest planetariums in Texas, it features a 60-foot dome projection dome and digital projection system to offer incredible views of the night sky and the galaxies. You can also see fascinating movies at the planetarium.

Roller skate at Arlington Skatium

Arlington Skatium is the largest roller rink in Texas and a perfect place to spend a fun afternoon or evening. At the rink, you can skate to music under a cool light show. There's also a snack bar with candy and pizza.

🏨 Stay nearby Arlington Skatium

• Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Arlington South (take it easy by the pool)
• Residence Inn by Marriott Arlington South

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Watch the Dallas Cowboys

Located just a five-minute drive from Downtown Arlington is AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys NFL team. Going to a Cowboys game has to be on your Texas bucket list, and you can catch the team playing between September and January in the regular season.

If you're a Cowboys fan and want to learn more about the team, take a Dallas Cowboys stadium tour.

Get burgers at Twisted Root

Twisted Root is one of many fun places in Arlington, Texas, to get something to eat. The popular burger spot serves over ten different types of burgers with unique toppings. You can also get veggie burgers and chicken burgers. Custard shakes, plus various sides and salads, are on the menu too.

Enjoy ice cream at Michoacana Creamery

If you have a sweet tooth, stop by Michoacana Creamery. This Mexican ice cream shop serves delicious and unique sundaes, plus classics like banana splits and ice cream floats. Agua fresca and other drinks are on offer too. Iceland Ice Cream is another great spot, with rolled ice cream and sundaes with lots of toppings

Tackle an escape room

A fun rainy day activity in Arlington is going to an escape room. The Perfect Escape has a selection of themed games, such as an Egyptian tomb game and a secret agent mission. No matter which you choose, you'll have a great time attempting to solve puzzles and break out!

🏨 Stay in close proximity to The Perfect Escape - Escape Room

• Best Western Plus Arlington North (top-rated)

Have breakfast at Old West Cafe

Having breakfast at Old West Cafe is another of the fun things in Arlington, TX, when you're hungry. This much-loved local spot has been voted as having the best breakfast and best home cooking in the area for years. You can order a range of classic breakfast dishes, plus some more unique choices like cinnamon crisp French toast.

Dine at Piccolo Mondo

One of the best fine dining restaurants in Arlington that's well worth visiting is Piccolo Mondo. This spot serves Italian dishes, including fettuccine alfredo, carpaccio, and mussels marinara, among many other dishes.

For dessert, you can indulge in an array of delicious treats like profiteroles, cannoli, or creme caramel. The restaurant sometimes has live entertainment too.

Go bowling at Alley Cats Bowl

Another great indoor attraction is Alley Cats Bowl. This entertainment complex features bowling alleys, an arcade, laser tag, rock climbing, putt-putt golf, and much more! After enjoying all the amusements, you can get snacks like pizza, nachos, and cotton candy.

🏨 Place to stay close to Alley Cats Entertainment

• Holiday Inn Express Arlington Interstate 20 Parks Mall

Go back in time at Knapp Heritage Park

One of the lesser-known fun things in Arlington, Texas, is going to Knapp Heritage Park. This area contains pioneer-era schoolhouses and cabins and features three of the oldest structures in the city. There's a general store and blacksmith's barn to see too. During a visit, you can explore some of the old structures and learn more about life in Texas in the 1800s.

Fun Things to Do Near Arlington, TX

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Go on a Fort Worth pub crawl

Fort Worth is just 25 minutes from Arlington and has many activities to try. A fun way to get to know the city is by going on a Fort Worth history pub crawl.

This experience will take you past historical landmarks in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. You'll also stop at great bars and pubs where you can get drinks and mix with the locals.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to 121 E Exchange Ave

• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Fort Worth, TX (chill out by the pool)

Wander around the Japanese Garden

Another Fort Worth attraction to plan a trip to is the Japanese Garden at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. This beautiful and tranquil garden features Japanese plants and trees, pagodas, and ponds filled with koi fish.

If you're looking to unwind a little or want to plan a romantic Dallas area date, be sure to go to the Japanese Garden. Of course, the rest of the Botanic Garden is stunning too, and well worth a visit.

🏨 Accommodations near the Japanese Garden

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Worth Medical Center (highly rated)
• Residence Inn Fort Worth Cultural District (chill out by the pool)

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Marvel at the Fort Worth Water Gardens

Another Fort Worth attraction located a short drive from Arlington is the Fort Worth Water Gardens. You can see fantastic water features here that make a great photo backdrop.

After seeing the water features, you can explore the downtown area around them. The best time to go to Fort Worth to enjoy the Water Gardens to the fullest is during the spring or summer. However, still plan a visit even if in the city during the fall or winter.

🏨 Places to stay close to Fort Worth Water Gardens

• Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Worth Downtown (rated highly)
• Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown Blackstone (take it easy by the pool)

Wander around Cedar Hill State Park

Cedar Hill State Park is a beautiful 1,826-acre outdoor space located 20 minutes from central Arlington. You can bike or hike along trails at the park, hang out beside Joe Pool Lake, boat, swim, and much more. This park also has a campground if you're looking for the perfect place to spend an evening in nature.

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Learn new things at the Sixth Floor Museum

If you're interested in historical events, heading to Dallas for a JFK assassination tour is a unique idea. This tour will take you to the Sixth Floor Museum, as well as the Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House, and other significant locations relating to JFK's assassination.

Your guide will also offer additional information, and you're guaranteed to go home knowing some new things relating to this historic event.

🏨 Accommodations nearby The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

• Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Downtown Reunion District (highly rated)
• Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas (chill out by the pool)

Have fun at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark is an excellent choice if you're looking for an alternative to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. As most of the park is indoors, you can also visit this spot regardless of the weather.

The waterpark has numerous slides, a FlowRider, swimming pools, and a wave pool. Cabana rentals are available too, and there's an arcade and dining options for when you're finished in the water.

Take in the views from Dallas Reunion Tower

While in Dallas, make sure you visit the Dallas Reunion Tower. The 561-foot observation tower has a sky deck that offers stunning views of Dallas. On a clear day, you can even see Arlington! After admiring the vistas, you can get dinner or drinks at the Hyatt Regency, located next to the tower.

🏨 Stay nearby Reunion Tower

• Lorenzo Hotel (4-star rating)
• Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown

In Conclusion

There is lots of fun stuff to do in Arlington, Texas, no matter what type of activities you enjoy. Things to do include going to sporting events, visiting theme parks and water parks, and checking out attractions in nearby Dallas and Fort Worth. Whether you're visiting the city or live there, you'll find no shortage of exciting things to do in Arlington!

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