Arlington Texas is a great hub for family entertainment, offering a nice mix of fun attractions, sports, amazing BBQ, and lots of outdoor activities. On our recent trip through Texas we made a stop in Arlington and were pleasantly surprised with how much there was to do for families. From adventuring on a tree top ropes course, to trying some of the best BBQ every Arlington really is a perfect destination for families that are looking for lots of fun and excitement. Here is a breakdown of some of our favorites parts about Arlington Texas and we hope this travel guides inspires you to visit this unique city.
Must Stay in Arlington
During our stay In Arlington Texas we quickly realized that being in a central location was a top priority and made transportation to some of our favorite events so much easier. Here are some of our tops picks for places to stay in Arlington for families.
Drury Plaza Hotel
Drury Plaza is a brand new, family-friendly hotel that offers spacious rooms and suites, complimentary breakfast, and an evening “kickback” with free snacks and drinks for all guests. Drury Plaza is conveniently located very close to the major Arlington attractions like Six Flags, AT&T Stadium, and Globe Life Field.
Drury Plaza in Arlington has an outdoor pool and hot tub that are great for unwinding after a busy day. Their spacious rooms and free amenities make it an excellent value for families. We really enjoyed our time at Drury Plaza and we will certainly come back on our next family trip to Texas.
Live! by Loews
Located within the Texas Live! entertainment complex, Live! by Loews offers luxury accommodations with easy access to dining, entertainment, and the nearby sports venues. Live!’s location makes it easy to catch a Rangers game or enjoy the attractions at Texas Live! without worrying about a long drive.
Book your stay at Live! HERE
Loews Arlington Hotel
Loews Arlington Hotel is right across from Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium, making it another ideal spot for families attending a Texas Rangers or Dallas Cowboy game. Loews offers top-tier amenities and services, with a stunning new facility. Book you stay at Loews HERE
Search for other Hotels in Arlington HERE
Must Do in Arlington
We were so surprised with how many family friendly things there were to do in Arlington Texas. Even though we were in the city for a short visit we were able to fit so much in. I think a bit part of that is the proximity to all the attractions. We loved that everything was fairly close and used our rental car to get around most of the time. Here are some of our favorite family friendly attractions that you must do when visiting Arlington Texas.
Go Ape! Treetop Adventure
Go Ape! at River Legacy Park offers a thrilling treetop adventure course with zip lines, rope bridges, and other challenging obstacles. Go Ape! is perfect for those adventurous families looking for more out of their vacation. River Legacy Park Course has different levels of difficulty, so even younger kids can participate. It’s such a great way to bond as a family while enjoying the great outdoors and getting some exercise, which is always something we appreciate on our travels.
Cidercade Arlington
Cidercade is a huge arcade and cider bar with over 300 games, from classic pinball to the latest greatest video games. It’s such a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening with the kids, especially if you’re family enjoys games like ours does. Cidercade has an all-you-can-play model, so everyone can try out as many games as they’d like without worrying about running out of quarters or tokens. Cidercade offers couple of bars that serve their own hard ciders and hard seltzers, as well as craft main root sodas for kids that are free refills.
Texas Live!
Texas Live! is a full fledged entertainment district with shopping, restaurants, a live music venue, bars, and live sports viewing. Texas Live! is the perfect spot to hang out before a Rangers game or just to enjoy some lively family time on the weekend. Our family really enjoyed our time there, the food was good, and the atmosphere was very electric.
Check out some other great things to do in Arlington HERE
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Must Eat in Arlington
Now this is where Arlington Texas really surpassed our expectations. We had so much delicious food on this trip, here are a few of our stand out favorites.
Hurtado Barbecue
Hurtado Barbecue is a local favorite known for its smoked meats and delicious side dishes. Hurtado is an excellent way for families to experience authentic Texas barbecue in a fast casual environment. Their generous portions ensure that no one will leave hungry, and that mac and cheese is a 100% kid-approved favorite!
J. Gilligan’s
J. Gilligan’s is a classic American bar and grill with a family-friendly twist. Known for its Irish Nachos, it’s a must-visit for a hearty meal in a fun setting. The restaurant offers a kids’ menu with favorites like chicken tenders and burgers, and the lively atmosphere that is perfect for families.
The Hive
The Hive is a cozy café with a welcoming atmosphere, that’s a great place to grab a healthy sandwich on fresh sourdough or on fresh croissant. Also serving up some great homemade soups and salads, as well as their dips; chicken salad, hatch pimento cheese, and artichoke-spinach-parmesan spread with sliced sourdough and kettle chips for dipping.
Must See in Arlington
There’s really so much to see in Arlington Texas that you need several days there. We were lucky enough to squeeze in quite a lot in just the two days we were there. Here were our favorite two that you and your family must see on your next trip to Arlington.
Globe Life Field
Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, is a state-of-the-art stadium that offers a fantastic indoor/ outdoor experience for all baseball fans. Catching a game here is a must for sports-loving families like ours. Globe Life Field has many family-friendly sections, lots of kid-themed activities, and plenty of delicious food options for the entire family.
AT&T Stadium
Home of the Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium is not just for football fans. The stadium offers tours that showcase its impressive architecture and art collection, making it an interesting stop for anyone. AT&T Stadium’s tour includes stops at the locker rooms, onto the field, and more, making it an exciting experience for kids who love sports or those that simply want to see where the Cowboys play.
What to Know About Arlington
Transportation Options
Arlington Trolley offers free rides around major attractions and the downtown area, making it super easy for families to get around without having to drive. Arlington’s sports attractions like Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium offer paid parking and shuttles, which is also convenient for families. If you’re looking to explore more of Arlington, renting a car is recommended for getting around.
About the Weather
Arlington experiences very hot summers, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Be sure to plan indoor activities or visit attractions with air conditioning like Texas Live! and and Cidercade to break up the hottest days.
Community Events
Arlington hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including farmers markets, craft fairs, and local festivals. These events are a great way to experience the local culture and engage with the community.
Parks and Recreation
Arlington offers many parks and recreational areas for families to stay active and enjoy outdoor activities. Parks like River Legacy is great for hiking trails, playgrounds, and nature exploration.
Arlington offers plenty of sports, entertainment, and family-friendly fun, making it an ideal destination for your next Texas family vacation. Whether you’re cheering on the Rangers, playing unlimited arcade game, or simply relaxing in a family-friendly hotel like the Drury Plaza, Arlington promises to deliver. Pack your bags, gather up the kids, and get ready to head to Arlington!
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