Things to Do in Arlington

Take a day trip to one—or even both—of the Six Flags theme parks and climb aboard thrill rides that leave you screaming with delight. Explore the world of bowling, or drive an electric go cart at the K1 Speed track. Love astronomy? Check out the Planetarium at the University of Texas-Arlington, and do a bit of real-time stargazing. Be surprised when you step into the Arlington Museum of Art and come face-to-face with the works of Picasso or Toulouse-Lautrec. Whatever you’re into, you'll find plenty of family fun and entertainment when you visit Arlington.

1. Double the Six Flags Fun

Gear up for fun and excitement with roller coasters, water slides and more at two great Arlington theme parks.

Six Flags Over Texas is a major tourist attraction in Arlington. Ride the world’s first runaway mine car on a fast-paced zip through an old mining town on the Runaway Mine Train, or take on the twisted track of the Titan ride at nearly 85 miles per hour, with an amazing 255-foot drop. Or get your adrenaline going on the New Texas Giant, a wooden-style coaster that reaches speeds of 65 miles per hour. You can always head across town to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and boogie board a wave at the high-tech Surf Rider pool. Take the little ones to Hook's Lagoon Treehouse for gentle slides and water cannons.

2. Experience the Need for K1 Speed

Put the pedal to the metal and feel like a racecar driver at a popular Arlington go-kart track.

At K1 Speed, right across from Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, you can enjoy the thrill of the chase without fumes and with no danger of getting sunburned. If you do well in your race, you may end up on the K1 Speed winner's podium. In between races enjoy a snack at the Pit Café, let off some steam in the lobby arcade, or check out the racing memorabilia, including a NASCAR automobile.

3. Play a Round at theInternational Bowling Museum

Discover fun facts about bowling—and give the little ones a chance to bowl in kid-sized lanes.

Did you know that the ancient Egyptians loved to bowl? That's one of the fun facts you'll learn when you visit the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame. Explore the Bowling Hall of Fame's interactive exhibits and learn about past champions. Discover the connection between bowling and some of America's top breweries in the Beer Teams exhibit. Learn how human pinsetters actually crawled into the back of the lanes to reset the pins, a potentially dangerous occupation. The museum is filled with life-sized replicas, touchscreen displays and games. Got the kids? Check out the Bowlopolis exhibit, where they can do a little bowling on some smaller lanes.

4. Creativity Rules at the Arlington Museum of Art

Check out the art museum's rotating exhibitions and educational events when you visit Arlington.

You never know what artist's work you'll find when you visit the Arlington Museum of Art. Instead of hosting a permanent collection, the museum rotates exhibits. Walk in one day and you might find the colorful pop art of Andy Warhol. On another, you might discover ceramics crafted by Picasso. Each spring, local students from the Arlington Independent School District have their own showing. Wander through the museum with your kids during Youth Art Month and you might just inspire them to get creative.

5. Step Back in Time at the Fielder House

See what life looked like in the early 20th century at an Arlington history museum.

Step back into Arlington's past at the Fielder House. Built in 1914, it was one of the first brick structures in the city, and now serves as a small museum. You'll find a re-created old doctor's office, kitchen and dining room, and various galleries that showcase rotating exhibits. The red brick entryway, with its vintage white door and cozy seating area, looks just like it did at the turn of the 20th century.

6. Follow the Stars at the University of Texas Planetarium

Enjoy live stargazing or special shows on a gigantic dome screen.

Do a bit of stargazing at the University of Texas Planetarium. Combining live stargazing with an assortment of videos, the 60-foot tall dome screen lets you imagine what it's like to explore the universe. Learn what it takes to be an astronaut, or hear old myths based on astronomical finds. Laser lights and other special effects accompany classic rock music by Pink Floyd, a long-running featured weekend event. Planning on being in town during a lunar eclipse? Check with the Planetarium to see if any special shows or events are scheduled. Most shows are suitable for younger children, but some might be a bit frightening for children under the age of 13.

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