Things to Do in Arlington, TX with Kids
Arlington packs more family entertainment per square mile than anywhere else in DFW, from Six Flags and Globe Life Field to 1,300 acres of River Legacy trails and three free city splash pads.
Part of the DFW Family Activities Hub covering all 67 DFW suburbs.
What Arlington Families Actually Do Here
Arlington is DFW's entertainment capital, and it earns that title in ways that go well beyond the stadiums. The 1,300-acre River Legacy Parks system gives families world-class trail access and nature education within city limits. Three free city splash pads open every day from Memorial Day through Labor Day. And the Entertainment District puts two professional sports venues, an amusement park, and a water park within walking distance of each other. See the full Arlington relocation guide →
The Entertainment District
Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor, Globe Life Field, and AT&T Stadium all cluster in one walkable district. No other DFW suburb can put this much in a single afternoon.
River Legacy Parks
1,300 acres of Trinity River bottomland with more than 8 miles of paved trails, 10 miles of mountain bike paths, and a Living Science Center for kids who want to understand what lives in the river.
Year-Round Youth Sports
From YMCA leagues and Arlington Youth Sports to school-based programs and the professional Dallas Wings playing at College Park Center, kids grow up surrounded by organized sport in every season.
Parks, Trails & Green Space
Arlington maintains more than 90 parks across the city, including the 1,300-acre River Legacy system along the Trinity River. Three free city splash pads are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend, with weekend-only hours through September. Lake Arlington provides boating, fishing, and two public access points.
River Legacy Parks
The crown jewel of Arlington's park system: 1,300 acres of Trinity River bottomland with 8+ miles of paved hike and bike trails, 10 miles of off-road mountain bike paths, custom playgrounds, river overlooks, and a canoe launch. The River Legacy Living Science Center is one of the best free nature education experiences in DFW. Good for all ages; stroller-friendly on the paved trails.
Don Misenhimer Park
One of Arlington's most complete neighborhood parks at 201 E Lonesome Dove Tr, with a free splash pad open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, then weekends through September), volleyball and basketball courts, scenic trails, and a full playground. Restrooms and picnic areas on-site. Works well for the whole morning.
California Lane Park
Free splash pad at 2001 California Ln, open daily Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.), weekends only through September. A dedicated water play facility that works particularly well for families with kids under 8 looking for a quick afternoon outing.
Brantley Hinshaw Park
Free splash pad at 2121 Overbrook Dr, open daily Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.), weekends only through September. Neighborhood park with open lawn and playground. A low-key option on the east side of Arlington.
Richard Simpson Park
One of only two Arlington parks with public access to Lake Arlington. A 9-acre shoreline park with a boat ramp, floating docks, fishing, a 10-mile paddling trail, grills, and picnic areas. One of the better fishing parks in Tarrant County for families who want a water outing without driving to Lake Lewisville.
Lake Arlington
The city's main lake for recreational boating, fishing, and waterside activities. Richard Simpson Park and one other public access point provide launch ramps. A good anchor for families who want weekend water recreation without leaving the city. Check arlingtontx.gov for current conditions and permits.
The Beacon Recreation Center & Splash Pad
A newer recreation center at 1100 Mansfield Webb Rd with an indoor fitness facility and an outdoor splash pad. Splash pad use is available for members or a $8 day pass; open Memorial Day through Labor Day, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Shelter rentals available for parties.
Richard Greene Linear Park
A linear greenway with paved trails, open lawn areas, and scenic connections through Arlington's park network. Good for a family bike ride or a jogging stroller loop without major elevation. Connects to other trails in the city's growing trail system.
Trail System Highlight
River Legacy Parks Trail Network, 8+ miles of paved hike and bike trails and 10 miles of off-road mountain bike paths through 1,300 acres of Trinity River bottomland. The paved trails are stroller-friendly; the mountain bike network is one of the best urban trail systems in DFW. Great for families with cyclists of any skill level and a genuinely beautiful natural corridor within a major city.
Relocation Tip
Start with River Legacy Parks when you first arrive. Walk the paved trail, stop at the River Legacy Living Science Center with the kids, and you'll understand immediately why Arlington families treat this as their default outdoor destination. Then add Richard Simpson Park for a lake fishing outing and one of the three splash pads for summer afternoons.
Youth Sports Leagues & Facilities
Arlington's youth sports network runs through the YMCA, city-partnered associations, and independent league organizations. The city also hosts two professional franchises, the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field and the Dallas Wings at College Park Center, giving kids a front-row view of professional sport from the time they can walk.
Soccer
League: Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA
Ages: Youth divisions
Season: Spring and fall
The YMCA runs youth soccer with a strong recreational focus; the 2026 season uses an international World Cup team format where kids play on national team rosters. Registration and schedules at amaymca.org.
Baseball & T-Ball
League: Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA + Arlington Youth Sports
Ages: T-ball through competitive youth
Season: Spring
Both organizations run baseball and T-ball programs. Arlington Youth Sports has online registration at arlingtonyouthsports.org.
Basketball
League: Arlington Steelers Youth Sports + YMCA
Ages: Youth divisions
Season: Winter
The Arlington Steelers run a Jr. NBA COED basketball league. The YMCA also offers recreational youth basketball. Kids grow up watching the Dallas Wings WNBA team play at nearby College Park Center.
Flag Football
League: Arlington Steelers Youth Sports Association
Ages: Youth divisions
Season: Spring
The Steelers run a spring non-contact competitive flag football league. A good first step for kids interested in football before moving to tackle leagues. Check leaguelineup.com/arlingtonsteelers for details.
Softball
League: Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA + Arlington Youth Sports
Ages: Youth divisions
Season: Spring
Both organizations offer youth softball. The city maintains dedicated softball fields through the Parks and Recreation athletic fields program at arlingtontx.gov/Parks-Places/Facilities/Athletic-Fields.
Tennis
Facility: Arlington Tennis Center
Ages: All ages
Season: Year-round
The city runs a dedicated Tennis Center with courts, clinics, and junior programs. One of the better municipal tennis facilities in Tarrant County for families looking for structured youth instruction.
Multi-Sport (i9 Sports)
League: i9 Sports Mansfield-Arlington Area
Ages: 3 to 17
Season: Year-round by session
Non-competitive, recreational multi-sport leagues covering soccer, basketball, flag football, baseball, and more. A good first organized sports experience for younger kids new to Arlington.
Swimming
Facility: City of Arlington Aquatics
Ages: All ages
Season: Year-round (indoor) + seasonal outdoor
The city operates multiple aquatics facilities including pools at recreation centers. Swim lessons, competitive swim teams, and recreational swim sessions available. Details at arlingtontx.gov/Parks-Places/Facilities/Aquatics.
Featured Sports Venue
College Park Center at UTA, Arlington's on-campus arena, is home to the Dallas Wings WNBA team and UTA Mavericks basketball. Affordable family tickets and a genuine professional game atmosphere. For parents who want their kids to watch women's professional basketball, College Park Center is one of the better live sports values in DFW.
Thinking About Arlington for Arlington ISD & Youth Sports?
Start with the full Arlington relocation guide: schools, neighborhoods, market data, and what life here actually looks like for families.
Family Entertainment & Attractions
Arlington's Entertainment District is unlike anything else in DFW. A major league ballpark, an NFL stadium, a Six Flags amusement park, and a water park all cluster within a short walk of each other. Families new to the area typically spend their first month just working through the Entertainment District before exploring the rest of the city.
Six Flags Over Texas
Texas's flagship amusement park with 15+ roller coasters, Bugs Bunny Boomtown for younger kids (solo-ride coasters and a multi-level play structure), and the Looney Tunes Adventure Camp climbing complex. Bugs Bunny Boomtown means even families with children too small for big rides have a full day's worth of content. Check sixflags.com for season passes, which most Arlington families buy.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Full water park directly adjacent to Six Flags with slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and family areas. Combo tickets with Six Flags are available. Season pass holders often treat this as their default hot-weather option from May through August. Crowds are lighter on weekdays.
Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers)
The Rangers' climate-controlled ballpark seats 40,000 and offers one of the best in-stadium family experiences in MLB. Year-round events beyond baseball. A Rangers game on a Tuesday evening in June is genuinely enjoyable, something that wasn't always true when the old ballpark had no roof. Check mlb.com/rangers for family game day deals.
AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys)
One of the world's most recognizable sports venues, home to the Cowboys and host of major events year-round including concerts and college football. Tours are available on non-event days. In summer 2026, AT&T Stadium hosts 9 FIFA World Cup matches including a semifinal, making it a once-in-a-generation sports moment for Arlington families.
River Legacy Living Science Center
Arlington's free nature education center inside River Legacy Parks. Exhibits cover the plants, animals, and ecosystems of the Trinity River corridor. A good weekday morning destination when you want something educational and calm for younger kids who've already done Six Flags twice this month.
National Medal of Honor Museum
A national museum at the heart of the Entertainment District honoring military recipients of the Medal of Honor. Compelling for families with connections to military service and a meaningful history experience for middle-school-age kids. 2026 marks the U.S. 250th anniversary, adding national significance to a visit.
Day Trip from Arlington
Legoland Discovery Center (about 20 minutes east in Grapevine Mills), an indoor Lego-themed play and build experience designed for families with kids ages 3 to 10. Smaller than a full Legoland park but a good rainy-day or school-holiday option when you want something different from the Entertainment District.
Family-Friendly Dining
Arlington's dining scene runs across a wide range, from entertainment-anchored spots near the stadiums to neighborhood favorites in the Highlands and Mid-Cities corridors. Most family destinations cluster near the Entertainment District, along I-20 at Arlington Highlands, or in Lincoln Square.
Best pre-game family dinner
Two Arlington locations, including one near Globe Life Field. A sports-bar atmosphere that stays family-friendly. Good for a quick meal before a Rangers game or after Six Flags.
Best pizza night
Artisan pizza in a relaxed setting with lots of table space, good vegetarian options, and a menu kids can customize. Consistent and dependable for a large family dinner.
Best experience dinner for younger kids
Full theatrical jungle environment with animatronic animals and simulated rainstorms. The food is secondary; the experience is why families go. Best for kids ages 3 to 8 visiting for the first time.
Best family celebration dinner
Deep-dish pizzas, a broad menu that handles picky eaters, and the famous Pizookie dessert. Good for milestone dinners when everyone needs something different on the menu.
Best dinner plus activity combo
Handmade pizzas, nachos, and burgers served at bowling lanes. Combines a full evening of activity and a meal in one stop. Birthday parties are a specialty here.
Best family-style splurge
Legendary Texas family-style fried chicken with shared sides at big tables. No pretense, everyone eats too much, and kids fit right in. A DFW institution worth introducing to transplant families on their first month.
Best rainy-day full evening
Arcade games, billiards, full bar, and an American menu. Works for kids and parents simultaneously and handles a two-hour visit without running out of things to do. Near Parks Mall.
Best quick burger lunch
Creative burger combinations, good fries, and a fun atmosphere without fine-dining prices. A reliable quick-service option that still feels like a real restaurant.
Best cheap taco night
Baja-style tacos at casual prices. A loud, kid-tolerant atmosphere and a menu with something for everyone. Good for after practice when nobody wants to think too hard about dinner.
Best Texas steakhouse night out
Texas-style steakhouse with a kids' menu, familiar sides, and a comfortable atmosphere for a nicer family dinner that doesn't require dress-up. Multiple locations in the Arlington area.
The Entertainment District near Globe Life Field clusters BoomerJack's, Rainforest Cafe, and several chain options within walking distance of the stadiums. Arlington Highlands at I-20 and Matlock has a broader mix of independent and national restaurants for a longer dinner outing.
Shopping & Retail Districts
Arlington's retail landscape spreads across several distinct zones, from the stadium-adjacent Entertainment District to lifestyle centers and the city's main enclosed mall.
Arlington Highlands
Open-air lifestyle center at I-20 and Matlock with a mix of national brands, local restaurants, a movie theater, and gathering spaces. Walkable and pleasant for an evening that combines dinner, shopping, and a movie in one stop.
Best for: a full family evening with dinner, shopping, and a movie without multiple parking moves.
The Parks Mall at Arlington
Arlington's main enclosed mall with major anchors, a food court, and the full range of national retail. Renovated and a reliable rainy-day option with full air conditioning and enough stores for a multi-hour visit. Dave & Buster's is in the area.
Best for: summer back-to-school shopping and indoor family browsing when outdoor options aren't comfortable.
Lincoln Square
A practical retail center near the Entertainment District with grocery anchors, everyday services, and a range of casual dining. Convenient for families who live in northeast Arlington and want quick access to routine errands near the stadium area.
Best for: weekly grocery runs and quick errands for families living in the Entertainment District neighborhood.
Grand Prairie Premium Outlets (Nearby)
Just 10 minutes west in Grand Prairie, this outlet center brings Nike, Under Armour, Polo Ralph Lauren, and 100+ other brands at discount prices. Worth the short drive for back-to-school clothing and athletic gear shopping.
Best for: back-to-school clothing and athletic gear at outlet prices, 10 minutes from central Arlington.
Annual Events & Community Calendar
Arlington's event calendar runs from community festivals to the world's largest sporting events. In 2026, the city hosts FIFA World Cup matches at AT&T Stadium, making it one of the most significant sports years in Arlington's history.
Summer 2026
FIFA World Cup at AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium hosts 9 FIFA World Cup matches in summer 2026, including a semifinal. A once-in-a-generation moment for Arlington families. Check FIFA's official site for ticket information; family packages and viewing events throughout the Entertainment District are expected throughout the tournament.
Memorial Day Weekend
Dreamfest at Levitt Pavilion
Three nights of free live music, food trucks, vendors, and family activities at Levitt Pavilion over Memorial Day weekend. Arlington's largest free community block party held annually, with live entertainment (check levittpaviliondfw.org for this year's lineup). Families bring blankets and lawn chairs.
April through October
Texas Rangers Home Games
Globe Life Field's climate-controlled environment makes a Tuesday night Rangers game genuinely comfortable in July, which was not the case at the previous stadium. Family game day promotions run throughout the season; fireworks nights and themed giveaway games are highlighted on mlb.com/rangers.
Free Concerts
Levitt Pavilion Arlington
More than 50 free outdoor concerts held annually since 2009 at Levitt Pavilion in Founders Plaza, covering a wide range of genres. Families bring their own seating. One of the better free family entertainment programs in Tarrant County and a genuine community gathering point throughout the year.
April
Lone Star Smokeout
Three-day BBQ and music event at AT&T Stadium combining championship-level BBQ from legendary pitmasters with live music. A full Texas experience that draws serious food enthusiasts from across the Metroplex. Check the official site for 2026 music programming closer to the event.
May through August
Dallas Wings Season (WNBA)
The Dallas Wings play their home games at College Park Center on the UT Arlington campus. Family tickets are affordable relative to other professional sports in DFW, and the arena creates a close-to-the-court experience that older spectator sports venues can't match.
September through January
Dallas Cowboys Season
AT&T Stadium hosts the Cowboys' home schedule each fall and winter. Stadium tours are available on non-game days year-round. For families who are moving to DFW from NFL markets where attending a game was routine, living five minutes from AT&T Stadium is a genuine perk.
October
River Legacy Fall Fest
Annual fall festival at River Legacy Parks with family activities, nature education, food vendors, and seasonal programming. A community gathering held annually since the park's early years, giving families a low-key outdoor celebration to mark the shift from summer heat to Texas fall weather.
Full calendar: Arlington official events page
Upcoming Events in Arlington
What's happening in the next 60 days, updated weekly.
Dallas Wings vs. New York Liberty
Event details →Texas Rangers vs. Chicago White Sox
Event details →Test Your Mic
Event details →Texas Rangers vs. Chicago White Sox
Event details →Extreme Dwarfanator Wrestling
Event details →Texas Rangers vs. Chicago White Sox
Event details →Tony Rock
Event details →Texas Rangers vs Seattle Mariners: Choctaw Stadium Radio
Event details →Tony Rock
Event details →Family Magic & Comedy for All Ages
Event details →Texas Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners
Event details →Tony Rock
Event details →Last updated: 2026-07-20 · Source: Eventbrite
Indoor Activities for Kids
Arlington's entertainment infrastructure means most of the city's best indoor options are genuinely impressive. When July heat shuts down outdoor plans, Arlington families have more than most DFW suburbs to work with.
Six Flags Over Texas
Type: Amusement Park · Ages: All ages
While primarily an outdoor park, Six Flags provides shade, indoor ride queues, and air-conditioned areas that make even summer visits manageable. The Looney Tunes Adventure Camp indoor play structure is fully climate-controlled for younger kids.
Strikz Entertainment
Type: Bowling, Arcade · Ages: All ages
Bowling lanes with full restaurant service, arcade games, and party rooms. A reliable evening option that works for all ages. Good for birthday parties and can handle a mixed group of adults and kids without difficulty.
Dave & Buster's
Type: Arcade, Dining · Ages: All ages
Full arcade with hundreds of games, billiards, and an American restaurant. Works for kids and parents simultaneously. A full two-hour visit is easy to fill. Near Parks Mall; check for Power Hour deals that stretch the visit budget.
The Beacon Recreation Center
Type: Recreation Center · Ages: All ages
Arlington's newest recreation center with fitness studios, sports courts, an indoor track, and the outdoor splash pad (seasonal). Day pass gives full access to indoor amenities; a good option for families who want a city facility rather than a private gym.
Arlington Public Library
Type: Library · Ages: All ages
Multiple branches including the Central Library and George W. Hawkes Downtown Library. Year-round children's programming, story times, summer reading challenges, and free community events. A free and well-equipped option for any age when you need somewhere calm and air-conditioned.
Globe Life Field Tours
Type: Stadium Tour · Ages: 5 and up
Behind-the-scenes tours of Globe Life Field on non-game days, covering the clubhouse, dugout, press box, and warning track. A hit with baseball-loving kids and a genuinely interesting perspective on a stadium many families drive past regularly without going inside.
AT&T Stadium Tours
Type: Stadium Tour · Ages: 5 and up
Year-round public tours of AT&T Stadium covering the field, suites, art collection, and Cowboys locker room. Available most days when no events are scheduled. A memorable experience for sports-loving families new to Arlington and worth doing once.
National Medal of Honor Museum
Type: Museum · Ages: 8 and up
Indoor museum in the Entertainment District honoring military Medal of Honor recipients. More compelling for middle-school age and up; families with any military connection will find it meaningful. Good two-hour visit that doesn't require planning around weather.
Summer Heat Pro Tip
When Arlington hits 100+ degrees in July and August, families rotate through three strategies: Hurricane Harbor water park for a full day, one of the three free city splash pads for a quick afternoon, or an air-conditioned session at Strikz, Dave & Buster's, or the Beacon Recreation Center. Globe Life Field's climate-controlled interior means a Rangers game is a genuinely comfortable evening option even in peak summer, which makes Arlington unusual among DFW suburbs for viable July entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from families considering Arlington.
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Arlington is one of DFW's most practical family cities. It sits at the geographic midpoint between Dallas and Fort Worth, which helps with commutes in either direction. The entertainment infrastructure is unmatched in the region: Six Flags, Globe Life Field, River Legacy Parks, and three professional sports franchises within the city. Arlington ISD serves the city's schools. The city's size (nearly 400,000 residents) means neighborhoods vary widely, so home location relative to schools and commute corridors matters more here than in smaller suburbs. Families who prioritize entertainment variety and central location often find Arlington an underrated choice compared to the northern suburbs.
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Arlington's main youth sports organizations include the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA (soccer, baseball, T-ball, softball, basketball), Arlington Youth Sports at arlingtonyouthsports.org (baseball, softball, multiple sports), and the Arlington Steelers Youth Sports Association (Jr. NBA basketball, spring flag football). i9 Sports serves the Mansfield-Arlington area for ages 3 to 17 with non-competitive recreational leagues across multiple sports. The city maintains athletic fields for league use through the Parks and Recreation department; details at arlingtontx.gov/Parks-Places/Facilities/Athletic-Fields.
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More than most DFW suburbs. Strikz Entertainment handles bowling, arcade, and food all under one roof. Dave and Buster's has a full arcade and restaurant near Parks Mall. The National Medal of Honor Museum is a two-hour indoor experience in the Entertainment District. AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field offer tours on non-event days. The Arlington Public Library branches have year-round children's programming. The Beacon Recreation Center offers open gym and fitness access for a day pass. Six Flags' Looney Tunes Adventure Camp indoor play structure is climate-controlled for younger kids.
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Arlington has three free park splash pads, all confirmed on the official city website. California Lane Park (2001 California Ln), Brantley Hinshaw Park (2121 Overbrook Dr), and Don Misenhimer Park (201 E Lonesome Dove Tr) are all free and open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend, then weekends only through September. The Beacon Recreation Center (1100 Mansfield Webb Rd) also has a splash pad available for members or an $8 day pass, open Memorial Day through Labor Day with slightly shorter hours. Check arlingtontx.gov/Parks-Places/Facilities/Aquatics/Splash-Pads for any updates before visiting.
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Arlington and Rowlett are different in scale and character. Arlington is a large city built around major entertainment infrastructure. If professional sports, Six Flags season passes, and world-class trail systems are priorities, Arlington delivers those things in a way few cities can. Rowlett is a smaller, quieter lakeside city on Lake Ray Hubbard that suits families who prioritize waterfront access, lower density, and a neighborhood feel. The commute picture also differs significantly: Rowlett sits on the east side of Dallas, while Arlington anchors the mid-cities between Dallas and Fort Worth. Where you work matters a great deal in choosing between them.
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Arlington is DFW's entertainment capital. It's home to Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers), AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys and FIFA World Cup 2026 host), the Dallas Wings WNBA team at College Park Center, and the National Medal of Honor Museum. Beyond the Entertainment District, River Legacy Parks offers 1,300 acres of Trinity River trails and nature education within city limits. Families relocating to DFW often underestimate Arlington because they associate it purely with stadiums and theme parks, but the parks, youth sports infrastructure, and neighborhood fabric make it a real long-term family city.
Ready to Find Your Family's Home in Arlington?
Kristen Carpentier is a DFW family relocation specialist and Arlington ISD area expert, TREC #760457.
Kristen Carpentier · Kristen@whymovetodallas.com · (602) 405-4115 · eXp Realty · TREC #760457