Want to get out but don’t want to spend the dough? There is plenty to do in Arlington, Texas without opening your wallet.

Spring Break? Long weekend? Summer time? It doesn’t take long for the kids to start with the “Mom, I’m bored” chant or to get tired of the same ole, same ole. But paying for activities every day can get expensive – quick. Why should you spend money when you have so many things available to you without making an investment? And maybe you can learn something, too!

Here are our suggestions for FREE things to do with the kids in Arlington, Texas.

1. Parks

Did you know that Arlington has over 90 parks? Yes, you read that right ninety. With amenities ranging from playgrounds, walking trails, ponds, skate parks, splash pads, tennis courts, volleyball nets, disc golf, and more. Visit the website to search for parks based on location, activities, and amenities.
Park recommendation: The River Legacy Living Science Center is a 12,000-square-foot nature center that provides environmental education programs and features interactive environmental exhibits, aquariums and terrariums with native animals, and nature trails.

2. Levitt Pavilion

Founders Plaza, 100 W. Abram St.
The Levitt Pavilion, located in downtown Arlington, offers 50 free concerts a year. And all of their concerts are family friendly. Food and drinks can be brought into any of the free concerts (but no glass containers). Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on and enjoy music at the outdoor pavilion. Dogs are also welcome to attend as long as they stay on their leash. There is a summer and fall concert season.

3. Storytime

The Arlington Public Libraries offer a variety of storytimes aimed at different age groups across the cities public library branches. Starting from birth there is a story time for you, there is even a monthly Family Story Time which is for all ages to enjoy.

The Arlington Public Libraries also offer a wide variety of other activities for children, teens, and adults including homework help, book clubs, and Tech Week.

Follow along to see the progress on Arlington’s new downtown library which will open in 2018.

4. The Gallery at UTA

Fine Arts Building, 502 S. Cooper St.
Exhibitions are open Monday-Saturday during the fall and spring semesters and by appointment during the summer. The gallery is closed during university holidays. All Gallery events are free and open to the public. Information on the gallery’s current exhibition can be found on their website.

5. Public Art

If you grew up in Arlington, The V and Caelum Moor have been on your radar for many years. You might have even seen both of those pieces in their original locations. If you are newer to the area make sure to check out the history behind these two public art pieces. If you’re up for a public art scavenger hunt see if you can photograph yourself with each of the Star of Texas pieces located throughout the city as part of American Dream City project. And don’t forget that there is new art everyday being added like “Unity Arch” that was just installed in early winter 2017.

What things do you do for fun for free in Arlington? 

Whether you live here or are visiting, Arlington is full of fun places to get THE shot. Here’s how and where to score the perfect picture in Arlington, Texas.

Whether your taste runs more urban landscapes, or if you want picturesque scenery, there is something for everyone. Don’t forget to get your picture made with some of the spots that define the Arlington skyline. Whether you’re talking selfies, family photos, or pictures of your favorite four-legged friend, these spots are picture perfect.

Arlington Music Hall 

224 N Center St, Arlington, TX 76011

Want the name Arlington to feature in your photos? Head over to the Arlington Music Hall in Downtown Arlington. Stand under the Arlington Music Hall marquee and have your photographer stand across the street. The bright colors make a great background for family photos.

How to get the perfect shot: You can stand under the marque for the music hall right in front or north/south end of the street.

AT&T Stadium 

One AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011

This one is the one that everyone is after. The quintessential “I was here moment” at Jerry’s World. Consider it from all angles like from Caelum Moor structure in the park across the street to the Sky Mirror sculpture located right next to the stadium. And don’t miss Walmart for a good, up-close shot!

Dream (The Sign)

200 West Abram St., Arlington, TX 76010

When Arlington rebranded to America’s Dream City, they didn’t just say it, they put it out there in BIG LETTERS in the form of art! The DREAM sculpture in downtown Arlington is great background for a variety of photos, or go there to photograph the sculpture.

 

Knapp Heritage Park

201 W. Front St., Arlington, TX 76010

Have a history buff? Want to take a picture in an old schoolhouse? Check out Knapp Heritage Park located in downtown Arlington.

Globe Life Park

1000 Ballpark Way #400, Arlington, TX 76011

The outside of Globe Life Park isn’t just for baseball fans. Trees, a large green space, and a pond combine to make a beautiful contrast against the brick on the ballpark. There are walking paths all around the outside of the ballpark so getting around for family pictures or special occasions is pretty easy. Don’t forget the photo opp with the TEXAS sign where you get to be the ‘X’ in TEXAS!

 

River Legacy Park

701 NW Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, TX 76006

If you need engagement photos or family photos River Legacy might be the photo location for you. The wildlife and scenery at River Legacy is fantastic. You’ll find a few stone structures but lots of green spaces, some open rolling areas and some that are dense with trees and vegetation.

 

Six Flags Over Texas

2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76010

The original Six Flags theme park is right here in Arlington. Whether you take photos inside the park next to the or outside with the roller coasters in the background, this is part of Arlington’s skyline.  

The Arlington Highlands

 I-20 at Matlock Road & Center Street, Arlington, TX 76018

Doing some shopping in The Arlington Highlands? Stop and take a selfie at the water feature that runs through the middle of the outdoor shopping area, just south of Studio Movie Grill.

UTA Campus 

701 S. Nedderman Drive, Arlington, TX 76019

Fountains and lots of interesting architectural locations are available throughout the University of Texas – Arlington campus. The Cooper Canyon Fountain located near Cooper Street is just one example of locations that are great for photographs. The campus also features grassy areas, a bridge that spans over Cooper Street, and other water features. The campus is a great place for headshots and family photography.

 

Veteran’s Park

3600 W Arkansas Lane, Arlington, TX 76016

Bridges and gazebos make photographs at Veteran’s perfect for families and special occasions. Along with wildscape and xeriscape gardens, a pond with a fountain, and large open grassy areas. In the spring you’ll find wildflowers in abundance. This is a large park and you’ll want to come prepared to walk around and photograph in multiple locations.  

Got any other suggestion where to get a great shot in Arlington?