Start here
AT&T Stadium
The oversized Entertainment District anchor for a Cowboys game, stadium tour, or a major event. Confirm event-day entry, parking, and tour availability before committing the day.
Best for: Sports, Architecture, First-time
Destination guide
Things to do in Arlington
Arlington has enough to fill a trip without trying to cover every corner. Start with the places that fit the way you want to spend the day, then keep nearby choices together.
Places to put on the list in Arlington
Build around a few anchors, then choose nearby additions that match your pace. The main Arlington guide has itinerary ideas if you want help putting those pieces in order.
Start here
Globe Life Field
A climate-controlled Rangers ballpark and a practical summer choice when the schedule lines up. Treat game times and gate logistics as live details.
Best for: Baseball, Sports, Family
Start here
Six Flags Over Texas
The full-day coaster decision for families and thrill seekers. Arrive early, plan for heat, and check the current operating calendar rather than assuming a standard weekday schedule.
Best for: Theme park, Family, Thrills
Entertainment District
AT&T Stadium
The oversized Entertainment District anchor for a Cowboys game, stadium tour, or a major event. Confirm event-day entry, parking, and tour availability before committing the day.
Best for: Sports, Architecture, First-time
Before you go: Reserve before you build the rest of the day around it.
Morning$$Reserve ahead
Visit official site Globe Life Field
A climate-controlled Rangers ballpark and a practical summer choice when the schedule lines up. Treat game times and gate logistics as live details.
Best for: Baseball, Sports, Family
Before you go: Reserve before you build the rest of the day around it.
Morning$$Reserve ahead
Visit official site Six Flags Over Texas
The full-day coaster decision for families and thrill seekers. Arrive early, plan for heat, and check the current operating calendar rather than assuming a standard weekday schedule.
Best for: Theme park, Family, Thrills
Before you go: Reserve before you build the rest of the day around it.
Morning$$$Reserve ahead
Visit official site 
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Arlington
A hot-weather family anchor with water slides, a wave pool, and shaded breaks. Its seasonal calendar and weather policy need a current check.
Best for: Water park, Family, Summer
Before you go: Reserve before you build the rest of the day around it.
Morning$$$Reserve ahead
Visit official site 
National Medal of Honor Museum
A serious indoor museum stop that gives an entertainment-led weekend more depth. Reserve enough time for the galleries rather than treating it as a quick add-on.
Best for: History, Museum, Indoor
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
Morning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Texas Live!
The compact pregame and evening hub between the major venues. It works when an event or group energy is the point, not as a substitute for a quieter meal elsewhere.
Best for: Nightlife, Sports, Dining
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
Afternoon$$
Visit official site 
International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame
A niche indoor detour near the Entertainment District that suits bowling fans and rainy afternoons. Confirm public access and programming before making a special trip.
Best for: Museum, Sports, Indoor
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
Morning$
Visit official site Downtown and UTA
Esports Stadium Arlington
A distinctive indoor option for tournament weekends, gaming events, and families who need a break from the heat. Check the event calendar before building a visit around it.
Best for: Esports, Indoor, Family
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
Morning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Arlington Museum of Art
A downtown gallery stop with rotating exhibitions that is best paired with an UTA or downtown meal. Check the current exhibition and hours before arrival.
Best for: Art, Museum, Downtown
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
Morning$
Visit official site 
UTA Planetarium
A reliable air-conditioned family and science stop, particularly on a hot afternoon. Showtimes change, so treat the official schedule as the deciding detail.
Best for: Science, Family, Indoor
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
Morning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Top O' Hill Terrace
A small historical site with a Prohibition-era story and scheduled tours. Its limited access makes it a deliberate booking rather than a casual drop-in.
Best for: History, Tours, Hidden history
Before you go: Reserve before you build the rest of the day around it.
Morning$$Reserve ahead
Visit official site 
Theatre Arlington
A useful live-performance option for an evening away from the stadium district. Choose it only after checking the current production calendar.
Best for: Theater, Arts, Evening
Before you go: Reserve before you build the rest of the day around it.
Evening$$Reserve ahead
Visit official site River Legacy
River Legacy Parks
A broad riverside green space for a cooler-morning walk, bike ride, or family reset. It is a better counterweight to stadium time than another long drive across the Metroplex.
Best for: Outdoors, Trails, Family
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
Early Morning$
Visit official site 
Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park
A treetop course at River Legacy for active families and groups. Reserve ahead and check weather restrictions before assuming it can anchor the day.
Best for: Outdoors, Adventure, Family
Before you go: Reserve before you build the rest of the day around it.
Morning$$Reserve ahead
Visit official site Lake Arlington
Lake Arlington
A quieter water-and-park option for a morning paddle, fishing outing, or sunset drive. It is a change of pace, not a substitute for the Entertainment District.
Best for: Lake, Outdoors, Relaxed
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
Early Morning$
Visit official site Plan the rest of your Arlington trip
See neighborhoods, trip ideas, and the full destination planner in one place.
Hours, tickets, seasonal access, and reservation policies can change. Check the official source before you go. Last destination review: 2026-09-29.