Top 10 Things to Do in Arlington, Texas

Wedged in between Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington is sometimes overlooked as a destination. But it's attracting big crowds: the new Dallas Cowboy Stadium brought Super Bowl XLV to the city in February 2011, and Six Flags over Texas continues to be a draw. Despite its small-town feel, Arlington has a lot more to offer than these headlining attractions. Here are 10 fun things to do that shouldn't be overlooked.

1. Planetarium at UT Arlington

The UTA campus is home to a magnificent planetarium - the only one in the state with Digistar 4 and DLP projectors, a state-of-the-art projection system that revolutionizes the audience experience. With a 60-foot diameter dome, the planetarium shows the real sky full of stars along with a full animation show featuring lights and music.

700 Planetarium Place, (817) 272-1183

2. Caelum Moor

This amazing environmental landscape of art features five freestanding granite sculptures, weighing a total of 540 tons. Set along Johnson Creek in Arlington's Entertainment District near the Cowboy and Ranger stadiums, Caelum Moor took two years to complete and cost $1.5 million. Each stone sculpture has its own Celtic name and landscaped setting.

1601 E. Randol Mill Road, (817) 459-6777

3. Bowling Museum & Games

The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame brings to life the colorful, 5,000-year history of this international pastime, from ancient Egypt to the present. Located in the middle of Arlington's Entertainment District, the collection of historical artifacts and interactive presentations is an experience designed for people of all ages. Afterwards, head to Splitsville Luxury Lanes & Dinner Lounge in the Highlands to bowl a few games yourself. From January 31 to February 6, Splitsville is offering a special $45 Super Bowling night that includes games and shoes for up to six people for two hours, a pizza and a sushi plate.

621 Six Flags Drive, (817) 385-8215

401 Curtis Mathes Way, (817) 465-2695

4. Arlington Music Hall

This historic venue has been completely renovated, resulting in a new 1,100-seat auditorium and state-of-the-art sound and lighting. Since its opening in 1974, more than 20,000 acts have auditioned including musical superstars such as Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, LeAnn Rimes and Mel Tillis. Every Saturday night features the popular Johnnie High's Country Music Revue, named the Live Country Music Show of the Year for the past four years.

224 N. Center Street, (817) 274-5700

5. Arlington Museum of Art

The AMA is the anchor of revitalized downtown Arlington, located in a 1950s art moderne building that was formerly a department store. With interesting, constantly rotating exhibits the AMA houses a great collection, and there are always special events going on such as Poetry Art Jazz, art auctions and holiday festivals. Admission is always free, although donations are welcome.

201 West Main Street, (817) 275-4600

6. River Legacy Living Science Center

This 12,000-square-foot nature center is an award-winning, sustainably designed learning facility for the ecosystems of the Trinity River. Hands-on exhibits and the fascinating nature walk in the 1,300-acre sanctuary are fun and interesting for people of all ages. Plenty of special events occur regularly; you can learn design principles for your own yard or go on family-friendly nature walks.

703 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd., (817) 860-6752

7. Fielder House

The historic Fielder House was built for Mr. and Mrs. James Park Fielder, Sr. as their private residence in 1914. The two-story house surrounded by magnificent oaks was one of the first brick homes in Arlington. The galleries at Fielder House are used to exhibit themes and topics relating to the history of Arlington and its surrounding communities.

1616 W Abram Street, (817) 460-4001

8. Knapp Heritage Park

Located at 201 W. Front Street in downtown Arlington, Knapp Heritage Park provides a captivating glimpse of local pioneer life. The park consists of a one-room schoolhouse, a one-room cabin, a dog trot cabin, and the Bardin barn. There is also a general store located in James Knapp's law office and is recognized as a landmark from the Arlington Preservation Society. Open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

201 West Front Street, (817) 460-4001

9. Eclectic Expressions Artists' Studios & Galleries

This charming 1914 craftsman house is an art and gathering place; the former bedrooms are rented as private artists' studios, while the living spaces are galleries and meeting rooms. A detached, converted garage hosts art classes, a student gallery and communal studio space.

201 E. Sanford, (817) 860-2787

10. The Shoppes at Brownstone Village

The Shoppes at Brownstone Village offers an incredible shopping zone full of boutiques for clothing, children and home fashions. There is also a salon and El Gabacho restaurant. Ongoing special events and sidewalk sales mean there is always something new to see

2408 W. Abram Street, (817) 275-8990