Free Things to Do in Arlington, Texas
What’s better than fun? FREE FUN! Check out some the free things to do and explore in Arlington!
Life Imitates Art
In their NEW location, within The District, the Arlington Museum of Art now offers free admission to their new Community Gallery. The Gallery at the University of Texas at Arlington showcases a variety of work by both undergraduate and graduate students ranging from a variety of mediums like sculptures, glass, paintings, photography and digital media, in addition to visiting regional and national exhibits.
Take a stroll outdoors through some of Arlington’s outdoor art displays. Set in the city’s first park - dating to 1924—find an eclectic range of sculptures from Texas artists in the Arlington Sculpture Garden at Meadowbrook Park. Discover and admire a massive kaleidoscope, a whimsical whirligig sculpture that moves with the wind and other sculptures from Texas artists. Within the landscaped setting of Richard Greene Linear Park, Artist Norm Hines created Caelum Moor, an environmental art installation composed of five groups of granite monuments. Each group has its own Celtic name, characteristics and intricate details carved into each structure.
Music To Your Ears
For you live music lovers, the Levitt Pavilion provides seasonal, free outdoor concerts and events in Downtown Arlington. In the height of the season, listen to genres ranging from country to Latin, jazz to R&B, indie to classical and everything in-between and beyond. For all free events at the Levitt Pavilion, seating is first come, first serve on the open lawn. So, pack a cooler with your favorite snacks and drinks, grab your lawn chair and blanket and enjoy live music and fun for all!
The More You Know
The Historic Fielder House is an Arlington institution and home to the Arlington Historical Society. Fielder House was one of the earlier brick homes in Arlington that now tells the story 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. (A $3 donation is appreciated, but not mandatory.)
One of the coolest, but little-known pieces of Arlington’s history is Top O’ Hill Terrace. What began as a simple (and legitimate) tearoom, evolved into illegal gambling moonshine, brothels and murder. Called the “Vegas before Vegas”, this was the most exclusive invitation sought after in the 1930’s and 1940’s, with guest like Frank Sinatra, Ginger Rogers, John Wayne and Bonnie and Clyde. 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, Arlington Bible University still uses the facilities, which retain many of the original structures, and allows visitors to explore the property. Tours are given by appointment only. (While this tour is free, a donation of $10 per person is suggested.)
The Great Outdoors
The 1,300-acres of River Legacy Park run along the Trinity River with ecosystems housing birds, fish, mammals and numerous plants and trees. Take a walk on the 8-mile paved trail, take a ride on the 10-mile mountain bike trail or bring the kids to play on one of the playgrounds. Peek into the Living Science Center and explore the terrariums and activities in the Science Center’s Atrium.
Amateur geologists can peer into Arlington’s ancient past through the layers of mudstone with fossilized clams, gypsum, and sandstone protected in the 40-acre preserve of Crystal Canyon.
With over 100 acres, Veterans Park pays tribute to the citizens of Arlington who served in the military with a military veteran memorial. The park also has amenities like an 18-hole golf course, equestrian trail, playground, picnic area, native plant gardens and a hike & bike trail.
Almost Free (Budget-Friendly)
Legends of a different kind are showcased at the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame, chronicling the sport’s 5,000-year history from ancient Egyptians to the first American bowling alley and beyond. Learn about the game’s ancient past, the present and even the high-tech future of the sport through interactive exhibits. You can even bowl on their ‘Highway 66’ mini lanes. Admission is $9.50 + tax, with discounts for seniors and those 18 years and younger.
Travel across the universe and gaze at the stars without a telescope at The Planetarium at UTA. Its 60-foot dome makes it one of the three largest planetariums in the state to explore the wonders of the night sky, the solar system and galaxies far far away. Admission is $8 per person, with discounts for seniors and children under two years old.
Immerse yourself in woodlands habitats at the River Legacy Living Science Center Discovery Room. Play games and learn about wildlife with the Discovery Room’s 30-foot interactive screen, get lost staring at the massive aquarium and check out the self-exploration activity table and terrariums with native wildlife. Admission is $5, with discounts for seniors, military, first responders and those 12 years and younger.
