Beat the Heat, Boost the Fun in Downtown Arlington

Originally published in Arlington Today

Summer is almost over, but there's still just enough time for the kids to be bored – and Downtown Arlington is ready to help make your final summer weekend count.

After a relatively cool June and July, Mother Nature is bringing the heat in August. Lucky for you, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat and make memories in Arlington's favorite neighborhood.

Cool down with a refreshing milk tea from Kung Fu Tea or a frozen treat from Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard (both located on the ground floor of 101 Center) which puts you right next door to the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library. Whether it's a craft creation with your kindergartener, story time with the youngest, or a teen workshop at the Creator Space, the Library is full of free family programming that stimulates the mind and keeps you out of the heat.

For foodie families, wrap up summer with two of Downtown’s newest hotspots: Bonchon, where Korean fried chicken gets the crispy, flavorful treatment, or Rodeo Goat, the North Texas burger joint that's become an instant classic on Division Street.

The Arlington Cultural District has plenty of performances to broaden your family’s tastes. Theatre Arlington presents "I'm Proud of You", a touching new play based on Tim Madigan’s memoir about his friendship with Fred Rogers, running August 8 through the 24. Arlington Music Hall offers a lineup of live music throughout August. Highlights include The Bellamy Brothers on August 15, Bolero Fest DFW on August 17, and Lorrie Morgan on August 29.

Gamers rejoice, your summer send-off awaits. Downtown Arlington is home to two of the region’s top gaming attractions. Cidercade in Urban Union is home to endless rows of favorites, from skee ball to pinball, arcades to racers, making it a great place to celebrate the end of Summer. Another gaming favorite, Free Play, has recently rebranded to Tokyo Station. This new concept features authentic Japanese dishes and a wide selection of games and claw machines.

Looking for one more retail stroll? August 8th through August 10th is Tax-Free Weekend! Plan your shopping spree and head to some of the best places to shop in downtown. Donna’s Gift Closet recently opened on Front Street, and has been an immediate favorite. Sisters Nikki and Jo Anna curate a hand-selected blend of womenswear and children's clothing. Just up the street is The Mosaic Market, an artful mix of creative goods and perfect gifts. For those with a flair for the vintage, Commodities, Stash VHS, and Deep Dive Vintage have turned the corner of Abram Street and Mesquite Street into a vintage mecca. My family loves to walk between these shops during the monthly First Thursday art crawl.

Downtown Arlington offers free parking on our streets, in public lots, and garages, and everything is within walking distance. Let Downtown Arlington be your end-of-summer weekend destination, your weekday adventure and your cultural escape. Come for the music, stay for the community and leave with memories that’ll last long after the kids are back in class.