Free Things to Do in Arlington, Texas
What’s better than spending a fun-filled day in Arlington? Doing all of that fun stuff for free! Check out this list of free things to do, so you can quickly and easily start planning all the excitement you and your family will have while in Arlington.
Music Under the Stars
If you love music, you should make a point to visit the Levitt Pavilion. Located in the heart of Downtown Arlington, Levitt Pavilion has been providing free outdoor concerts during the summer for 10 years. A variety of musicians and genres can be heard, including country, Latin, jazz, R&B, classical, and much more. Or, once a month, Levitt Pavilion gives you the chance to sing along to your favorite movies like Frozen or Mamma Mia. So grab a blanket or lawn chairs, a picnic basket filled with drinks and snacks, and of course, your friends and family, and have a fun-filled evening at Levitt Pavilion.
Be Inspired
It’s worth a trip to Richard Greene Linear Park in north Arlington to see Caelum Moor, an environmental art installation by sculptor Norm Hines. The 5-acre work of art is made up of five groups of granite monuments that encourage visitors to gather, observe, and reflect. Each group of stones has its own Celtic name and distinct characteristics. Intricate details are carved into the surface of each structure, encouraging visitors to touch and discover their own personal meaning through tactile and visual exploration.
The Gallery at UT Arlington is one of the best free activities in the city. The art gallery offers visitors a chance to enjoy a variety of work by undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Texas at Arlington. Along with the ever-changing student exhibits which reflect mediums ranging from sculpture, clay, and glass to painting, photography, and digital media, there are also visiting regional and national exhibits to explore.
Get Out in Nature
For a fun and educational day out in nature, head over to River Legacy Parks, a 1,300-acre urban oasis along the Trinity River. Discover a variety of ecosystems, like bottomland forest, wetlands, and prairies, while observing different species of birds, fish, mammals, and native plants. If you like to be active, take advantage of the 8 miles of hiking and biking trails or the challenging 10-mile mountain biking trail. There are even canoe launches along the Trinity River accessible from the park. Picnic areas and playgrounds round out the offerings, so pack a cooler and make a day of it. For some budget friendly fun, you can also experience interactive environmental exhibits and aquariums and terrariums filled with native animals at the River Legacy Living Science Center.
One of Arlington’s newest parks is the Crystal Canyon Natural Area, the perfect place to explore the natural beauty of the city. Located in North Arlington, this 38.7-acre park has a half mile of soft surface trail for hiking. Hit the trail to explore the diverse geologic profile of the area and take some time to try and identify the different fossils and rocks you encounter along the way. The park has several bridges, streams, and shade trees to make your visit even more pleasurable and picture-worthy.
Historic Arlington
The Historic Fielder House is an Arlington institution home to the Arlington Historical Society. The house was the private residence of Mr. and Mrs. James Park Fielder Sr. built in 1914. Fielder was mayor of Arlington for a brief period of time in 1909 and helped establish the Central Methodist Church. Throughout the Fielder House, you’ll get a glimpse of life in Arlington at the turn of the century, from household items and toys to medical devices and even a barber shop. Along with family photos, there are exhibits showcasing the railroad, racetracks, and other important parts of Arlington’s history. To get a true sense of Arlington, make a plan to visit the Fielder House. A $3 donation is appreciated, but not mandatory.
For another budget-friendly slice of Arlington, visit Top O’ Hill Terrace. Called the “Vegas before Vegas,” Top O’ Hill Terrace was a legitimate restaurant which was also a popular gambling and brothel spot in the 1920s. A raid conducted in 1947 brought the illegal activities to a halt and the property was then bought in 1956 by the Bible Baptist Seminary. Today, the Arlington Bible University still uses the facilities, which retain many of the original structures, and allows visitors to explore the property. Group tours are given by appointment only and a donation of $10 per person is suggested.
There are so many exciting and fun things to do in Arlington, and you don’t have to break the bank or even open your wallet. We’re sure you’ll find several things to make your trip to Arlington one of your best.
