After days of stadium crowds, barbecue lines and air-conditioned interiors, River Legacy Park is the reset button. This 1,300-acre urban park follows the banks of the Trinity River in North Arlington and offers hiking trails, bike paths, wildlife viewing and green space that feels miles away from the Entertainment District, even though it is only a short drive from Globe Life Field and Dallas Stadium.
Here is what makes it worth a visit.
River Legacy Park has over eight miles of paved hiking and biking trails that wind through hardwood forests, wetlands and prairies along the Trinity River. The paved paths are flat and accessible, making them suitable for walking, jogging and casual cycling.
For more serious riders, the park has 10 miles of off-road mountain bike trails maintained in partnership with the Dallas Off-Road Bicycling Association (DORBA). The trails are well-regarded by local cyclists and offer a legitimate ride through wooded terrain.
The park is home to a rich ecosystem with over 400 species of wildlife and 190 species of birds. If you enjoy birding, the forested areas along the river are productive, especially in the early morning and late evening hours. The mix of hardwood forest, wetland and prairie habitats creates variety that keeps the landscape interesting throughout the walk.
River overlooks along the trail offer views of the Trinity River and quiet spots to sit. If your trip has been nonstop stadiums and restaurants, the contrast is welcome.
Adjacent to the park, the River Legacy Living Science Center is a 12,000-square-foot nature center with interactive exhibits, terrariums featuring native wildlife and environmental education programs. The Discovery Room has hands-on activities for younger visitors. Admission to the park is free; the nature center charges a nominal fee for certain exhibits and programs.
The park has large playgrounds, including a nature-themed playground with a T-Rex skeleton that kids enjoy. Picnic areas with grills and pavilions are spread throughout the park, and a canoe launch provides river access for visitors who want to get on the water.
Bring your own food (there are no concession stands inside the park) and set up at one of the picnic areas for a low-cost afternoon.
River Legacy Park is located at 701 NW Green Oaks Boulevard, Arlington, Texas 76006. The park is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. CT. Admission is free. Parking is available on-site, and the park has wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking areas.
The park is a short drive from the Arlington Entertainment District. A rideshare from Globe Life Field takes about 10 minutes.
Use the morning for a walk or ride at River Legacy Park, then head back to the Entertainment District for an evening Texas Rangers game. The transition from trail shade to ballpark air conditioning is a satisfying way to fill a day.
Get tickets to see the Rangers in 2026 and build the day around the park in the morning and baseball at night. Globe Life Field has a retractable roof and climate control, so the heat will not follow you inside.
The park is about a 10-minute drive from the Arlington Entertainment District.
No. The park is free to enter. The River Legacy Living Science Center charges a nominal fee for certain exhibits.
Over eight miles of paved trails for walking, jogging and cycling, plus 10 miles of off-road mountain bike trails.
Yes. Playgrounds (including a nature-themed playground with a T-Rex skeleton), picnic areas with grills and the Living Science Center all cater to families with children.
Early morning or late evening to avoid the peak heat. The park opens at 5:00 a.m. CT, which gives you cool morning hours for a walk or ride before the temperature climbs.
Yes. Picnic areas with grills and pavilions are available throughout the park. There are no concession stands, so bring your own food and drinks.
