Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington, Texas, offers a variety of attractions and experiences for all kinds of travelers. If you’re planning a trip to Arlington, here’s a look at some of the can’t-miss activities in the city.
Six Flags Over Texas
If you’re a theme park enthusiast, you won’t want to miss Six Flags Over Texas. This was the first of the Six Flags theme parks, and it opened its doors in 1961. The park took its name from the six themed areas, which were modeled after the six national flags that once flew over Texas.
Today, there are nearly 20 theme parks in the Six Flags portfolio, but you shouldn’t miss the original. There’s also a Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park, which opened in the Arlington area in the mid-1990s. If you’re looking to spend a few days at the park, there are a number of family-friendly IHG hotels near Six Flags Over Texas.
Home of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers
The Dallas Cowboys play at AT&T Stadium, which is in Arlington. If you aren’t in town during a game, look into any available VIP tours. If you’re more into baseball, check out Globe Life Park, where the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball team plays. Take an off-season tour of the stadium to gain access to backstage spots like batting cages and press boxes.
Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame
If you’re a fan of bowling, don’t miss the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame. It’s located on the International Bowling Campus and will take you through 5,000 years of bowling history. If you want to go bowling in Arlington, be sure to check out Alley Cats, said to be the only attraction open 365 days a year in the city.
Top O’Hill Terrace
Top O’Hill Terrace started as a tearoom in 1920 and became a restaurant in 1926. Its hidden basement had an illegal casino and brothel, something most restaurant visitors didn’t know. During the 1930s and 1940s, actors like Clark Gable and John Wayne were among the famous celebrities who gambled there. Top O’Hill Terrace had several escape tunnels and even a secret room for storing gambling supplies during police raids. Today, Arlington Baptist College uses the building, but you can take a tour to see many of the original elements.
University of Texas Arlington
The University of Texas Arlington (UTA) is home to some pretty cool attractions, including a planetarium. Summers in Texas are especially great for star gazing. If you’re an art buff, don’t miss the UTA art gallery. It’s free to visit and hosts a variety of lectures, seminars, and events.
Arlington is a great option for travelers looking for a slower pace in the Dallas area. While you might not find as many attractions here as you would in a big city, Arlington offers a variety of interesting things to do, whether you want to catch a sporting event, enjoy some outdoor activities, visit a museum, or check out the food scene.
