We all love to save a few bucks here and there, and who doesn't LOVE a good deal? If you love a bargain, are a baller on a budget, or simply like to have fun in unexpected places, check out these free and budget friendly ($11 or less per person) things to do in Arlington!
Free Things To Do
Arlington Museum of Art
With rotating exhibits, the Arlington Museum of Art’s HELP Center Gallery showcases exhibits that are open to the public, at no cost. The museum often collaborates with local artists, Arlington ISD schools, and the University of Texas at Arlington to bring free art to the community.
The Levitt Pavilion Arlington
For more than half of the year, you can find free live music in the heart of Downtown Arlington on the weekends. In addition to music every weekend night during their prime season, they’re the center of major festivals, celebrations, and holiday events – of course, free to the public. Grab your picnic blanket, lawn chairs, snacks, and drinks (yes, it’s BYOB – just no glass!), and stake out your spot on the spacious lawn with no bad seat in the house!
The Gallery at UTA
On the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington, the Fine Arts Building houses the Gallery at UTA which showcases the work of students and faculty, as well as renowned artists. The Gallery presents artwork of varying media, content, and subject with diverse art that is timely, relevant, and thought provoking.
River Legacy Park
If you didn’t know better, you’d think you were in a completely different state standing in the middle of 1,300-acres of green space with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Sitting alongside the Trinity River, the park has diverse ecology with a variety of native plants and animals.
Meadowbrook Park Sculpture Garden
Within the city’s very first park and municipal golf course, also lies a sculpture garden with art from a variety of eclectic Texas artists. Take a peek through the larger-than-life kaleidoscope, gaze up at the eight-foot white rose sculpture, and witness the wind interact with the kinetic dragonfly sculptures.
Crystal Canyon Nature Preserve
Dubbed as a “geology lover’s paradise”, these 40-acres of nature contains diverse geological features and even shows evidence that there was once a near-shore marine environment that existed at one point. Take a lap (or two) on the approximately half mile trail and explore the area where fossils, rocks, and stones have been found.
Veterans Park
As you may have guessed by the name, this city park pays tribute to those Arlington veterans who served in the military. In the over 100-acres, the park is comprised of a memorial for these veterans, as well as an almost mile and half trail, and a full 18-hole disc golf course.
Almost Free (Budget-Friendly Things To Do)
The Fielder House Museum
As one of the first brick homes in Arlington, the former home of Mr. and Mrs. James Park Fielder, Sr. is now a museum that displays exhibits, some permanent and some temporary, around the history of Arlington and its surrounding communities. Admission to the Fielder House Museum is $5 for ages 12 and up and free admission for children 11 years of age or younger. Double check the days and hours of operation before planning your trip!
Top O’ Hill Terrace
Rated as one of the top things to do in Arlington on Tripadvisor, you’ll have to see and hear first-hand the stories of Arlington, Texas as “Vegas Before Vegas”. In the prohibition days, Top O’ Hill Terrace operated as a legitimate tearoom and an illegal casino along the historic Bankhead Highway. For years, names like Ginger Rogers, John Wayne, Bonnie and Clyde, and Frank Sinatra would spend their time and money at Top O’ Hill, where they could let down their hair and get away from the limelight. Now Arlington Baptist University, discover how the property went from poke to preachers on a guided tour back in time and maybe even through a discovered underground tunnel. Tours are by appointment, with a $10 donation per person on the tour.
International Bowling Museum
Visit the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame within the International Bowling Campus, the educational, scientific, and governing home of the sport of bowling (yes, it exists, and it exists in Arlington, Texas)! The museum collects, preserves, and exhibits the 5,000-year history of the sport. Throughout the interactive exhibit, explore the origin and evolution of bowling from the ancient Egyptian beginnings to today’s cutting-edge computer assisted training centers. You can even bowl a lane or two! Admission for adults is under $11, with discounted tickets for seniors and children.
UTA Planetarium
As one of the three largest planetariums in the state, you can travel through space thanks to the digital projection system and 60-foot dome surface. The Planetarium offers a variety of shows and topics for all ages from black holes to astronaut training to exploring the moon with Big Bird. Stare up at the starry Texas night sky, while astronomers take you on a tour of planets, constellations, and more within our solar system. Public show admission is $10 for adults, with discounts for senior citizens, children, and UTA staff and students.
The Discovery Room at The River Legacy Living Science Center
Get up close and personal with nature with the large aquariums, terrariums, and interactive exhibits. Learn about the environment, as you’re immersed in woodland habitats, and wildlife through interactive games, including a 30-foot interactive screen. Tickets for adults and children are $5 and under for admission. (Please note when a traveling exhibit is being hosted, the admission cost may vary in price.)
