Arlington Texas Family

Your Guide to the Dream City

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Why Arlington Texas Family?

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Arlington Texas Family Dream

Why Arlington Texas Family?

It’s out of necessity basically.

Arlington, Texas is a great city that’s right smack in the middle of two great other cities. Between Fort Worth, Arlington and Dallas, we can’t think of anywhere better to live!

However, as a long-time resident of Arlington, I’ve always struggled trying to find things in my own city to do, try and experience. Not because there aren’t great businesses, attractions or events, but because I had to work so hard to find out about them. And when it came to raising kids in the Dream City, that was even harder as it always seems like a game to connect the dots and you needed to have the secret word (and a lot of friends) to find anything out…

Until now. 

Arlington Texas Family is for everyone to learn, share and experience Arlington Texas for your family. Whether you have young kids, old kids, no kids, a dog, a roommate, or just some amazing friends, that’s your family and we want to help create your best life for your family, your way in the amazing A.

So that’s what’s Arlington Texas Family is all about.

If you have a business that you’d like to share with others, partner with us to help promote you with our team’s extraordinary experience in marketing, social media, and events.

And if you are someone who wants to share about your experiences in Arlington, then join our team as a contributor. 

Together we are all a part of the Arlington Texas Family. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free Things to Do in Arlington

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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.

RiverLegacy - Facebook

PC: River Legacy Facebook

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.

Levitt

PC: Julie Measures

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.

Unity Arch Arlington

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

Arlington, Texas Traditions Not to Miss

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Events? We have several every weekend, but there are a few key ones that may not even be official but are musts including these Arlington, Texas Traditions Not to Miss.

There’s always something to do in Arlington but there are a few key days that make it even more fun to live in the Dream City. Here are 5 Arlington, Texas Traditions you need to make. 

Light Up Arlington

July 3 & 4

The Arlington 4th of July Parade prides itself on being the oldest event in Arlington and one of the largest parades in the state of Texas. Parade regulars get to the parade hours early to secure their favorite spots and come prepared with lawn chairs, shade, drinks, and food. Once you pick your spot you’re likely to see the same folks next to you year after year, many friendships in Arlington have started this way! The big fireworks show happens the night before, on the 3rd, at The Levitt Pavilion. Light Up Arlington is an all evening event with a kids zone, concessions, and live music. Then the celebration finishes with the fireworks show.

Light-Up-Arlington-Parade

PC: Julie Measures

Texas Rangers Opening Day

Held in April each year, many in Arlington would consider the Texas Rangers Opening Day an annual tradition. Of course this is a tradition that needs planning, and tickets, in advance so you better get on that if you expect to be in attendance. It happens during the day, so many folks ask off work and bring their kids along as well for an fun way to kick off the season for our favorite baseball team. 

Globe Life Park

PC: Julie Measures

Interlochen Lights

December 16 – December 25

The holidays are a big deal here in Arlington and for the past 40+ years one Arlington neighborhood has been decorating their homes for the Interlochen Lights.Running along Randol Mill Road and Westwood Drive the homes are illuminated in the 10 days leading up to Christmas. The drive-through light show draws families from all over the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Organized by the neighborhood known as Interlochen in middle Arlington, families load up the car and companies rent out limos, load up the hot cocoa and blankets and blast their Christmas music for a drive through the area (which can take 1-2 hours to enter and another 2 hours to complete. Key here is not to go during the weekend and get in line early otherwise you can get turned away.

Texas Christkindl Market

November 24 – December 23

Another holiday tradition in Arlington is the Texas Christkindl Market that happens next to Globe Life Park each year. In its sixth year, the market is inspired by German traditions and Arlington’s sister city Bad Königshofen. The month-long market, which has been recognized by Travel Magazine, Country Living and USA Today, features German foods, unique holiday shopping, live entertainment, and kids activities. This is where you can get walk around for free, get into the holiday spirit, purchase specialty goods and just enjoy the opportunity to be outdoors in an experience much like the Christmas markets you’d find throughout Europe. 

Texas-Christkindl-Market

PC: Texas Christkindl Market

Holiday Lights Parade

First Saturday in December

We couldn’t finish our talk about Arlington traditions without another parade. This time is the Holiday Lights Parade that happens each year in Downtown Arlington. This is when the city lights the Christmas tree and Santa comes for a visit and photos.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate in Arlington?

Where To Score the Perfect Picture

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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-Family-ATT-Stadium

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.

Arlington Music Hall

PC: Julie Measures

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!

Arlington-Family

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.

 

Arlington-Family

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!

 

Arlington-Family-Ballpark

Globe Life Park

PC: Julie Measures

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.  

Arlington-Family-Six-Flags

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.

UTAfountain_zps2e54da10

PC: Julie Measures

 

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?

Arlington Goes Space Age with Self-Driving Car

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Remember watching The Jetsons as a kid? Didn’t it look like it would be so relaxing flying around in a self driving vehicle? I mean you could be texting a friend, reading a book, eating a sandwich – and the self-driving vehicle would just deliver you to  your destination! Well, we don’t have ‘Rosie the Robot’ housekeepers – yet. Check out how Arlington Goes Space Age with Self-Driving Car. 

And I was there!

Space-Age-Car-Arlington

It was a cold February morning in Arlington, but that didn’t stop Arlington officials and the public alike, from stopping by to try out a self-driving vehicle for the first time. Easy Mile’s EZ-10 looks like a cross between a red boxy car, and a very small trolley. And I was surprised at how roomy the inside was. Built in France, the EZ-10 can actually fit 12 passengers at a time -six in seats, and additional six people standing.

Boarding the self-driving vehicle for the first time was exciting, but it also felt kind of reckless! After all, there is no one driving. No steering wheel, and no brakes. But the truth – is that this ride feels totally safe, and totally sedate! My ride took 5 minutes, and by the end of that time I felt like I’d been riding self-driving vehicles my whole life! I was living the life of The Jetsons – but whatever. Just another Thursday morning in Arlington, Texas right? 😉

Currently, most cities don’t allow self-driving vehicles on public roads. So until laws governing these new kinds of vehicles get on the books, you aren’t likely to see self-driving vehicles rolling down the Texas highway. But self driving vehicles like the EZ-10 can already be used at private venues. Think shuttles going from a stadium to a far away parking lot. A way for students, to travel across a vast campus. Or maybe – a way for amusement park or fair goers, to get from one side of the park, to the other? The uses are endless.

Driver less shuttles just like the one being previewed in Arlington, are already in full use in other countries like Japan and Norway. So there is reason to hope that Arlington might make use of similar technology in the future. And after riding in the EZ-10 myself, I really hope we see self driving vehicles in Arlington sooner, rather than later.

Interested in hearing about some of the safety features of the EZ-10 as well as seeing some video of my driver-less ride? Just check out the video of my Self-Driving Car Ride.

It turns out, The Jetsons were really on to something. I’m so grateful that The Alliance for Transportation Innovation brought the EZ-10 to Arlington, along with Transdev and Splunk -during it’s 2017 autonomous vehicle cross country road trip. I learned a lot about self-driving vehicles and all their possible applications for our city. And I was excited to see Arlington officials enthusiastic to learn about this kind of technology.

Another way Arlington, is truly alive with the American dream.

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