About Arlington
Welcome to Arlington, Texas! Positioned perfectly between Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington is known as the “Fun City” thanks to being home to the Entertainment District, which hosts major attractions like AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys), Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers), and Six Flags Over Texas theme park.
Beyond the major ticketed venues, Arlington is committed to offering community-focused, budget-friendly activities. The city features expansive nature centers, free outdoor concert venues, and unique historic spots, making it easy to find fun that suits any budget.
Top Free Activities in Arlington
| Venue / Activity | Type | Free Option | Family Friendly | Fun for Adults | Highlights |
| Cidercade Arlington | Arcade Bar | No, $12 entry | Yes (till 9pm) | Yes | 300+ arcade games, craft drinks, eats, large patio, located in Entertainment District |
| Levitt Pavilion | Outdoor Venue | Yes | Yes | Yes | Hosts 50 free concerts throughout the summer and fall season |
| River Legacy Park | Recreation/Nature | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1,300-acre urban oasis with over 10 miles of trails for hiking and biking |
| Arlington Museum of Art | Art Museum | Yes (General Admission/Gallery) | Yes | Yes | Features rotating contemporary and technology-focused exhibits |
| Knapp Heritage Park | Historic Landmark | Yes | Yes | Yes | Explore preserved 19th-century pioneer cabins and a schoolhouse, offering a look at early Texas life |
| Crystal Canyon Natural Area | Nature Preserve | Yes | Yes | Yes | A unique 40-acre eco-preserve with trails and geological interpretive signs |
| Veterans Park | City Park/Memorial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Features a peaceful lake, fishing pond, walking paths, and a Veterans Memorial |
| Top O’ Hill Terrace History | Historic Site | Yes (Exterior Walk) | Yes | Yes | Walk the grounds of this former tea room/infamous 1930s illegal casino and learn its history |
Highlights
- Arlington is a hub for free and inexpensive entertainment, anchored by the Levitt Pavilion, which provides free, high-quality outdoor concerts for over half the year.
- The city’s parks, particularly the vast River Legacy Park, offer incredible free outdoor recreation opportunities with extensive trail systems.
- For a unique indoor experience near the entertainment heart of the city, Cidercade Arlington offers unlimited arcade play for an incredibly low price point, making it a budget-friendly alternative to the major ticketed venues and the perfect pit-stop before or after a ball game.
About Cidercade in Arlington, TX
Cidercade Arlington is a massive arcade bar conveniently located in the Entertainment District at 1816 E Division St, Arlington, TX 76006. It boasts over 300 arcade games, including retro classics, pinball, and modern fighters, all available for unlimited free play with a single $12 admission. The venue is a huge, high-energy space that welcomes all ages until 9 pm, becoming 18+ after that time. Cidercade serves its own house-made craft cider and beer, as well as a palette-pleasing kitchen menu, making it a perfect, affordable stop for family fun or a night out with friends near the major stadiums and theme parks.
