Things to Do in Arlington

Though she’s clad in her finest tiara and dress, the princess does not, in all the excitement, notice that there is icing on her nose. However, this potential party faux-pas goes unnoticed by her fellow princesses, as they’re all occupied with contributing to the symphony of giggles and jubilant chatter reverberating off the tea room’s pale pink walls. Despite their attire, this royal crew is not based in a fairy tale but rather partaking in one of Chelsea's Tea Room & Boutique’s glamorous princess dress-up parties. Dedicated to fostering magical moments such as these, the tearoom’s staffers help youngsters let their imaginations run wild via well-planned parties and events.

Amid the elegant tearoom, staffers gild the faces of partygoers in makeup and festoon their nails in fairy dust before unleashing them upon the wardrobe of dress-up clothes. Wee guests hop into the finery of their choice, solidifying their official princess status during a regal strut across the stage and down the runway. Newly minted sovereigns then sip giggle tea and snack on treats such as scones, teapot cookies, and chocolate truffles. Trained in the art of make-believe, staffers remain on hand throughout parties to entertain crowds with riveting stories and etiquette sessions that teach skills, such as table manners and the importance of saying "please" and "thank you."

Along with glitzy parties, Chelsea's Tea Room & Boutique also hosts Princess Summer Glamour Camps designed to promote values such as self-respect, spoken and written communication skills, and confidence among its campers. Its shelves brimming with vibrant decor and sparkly togs, the on-site boutique enables guests to stock up on all things girly during pre- or post-party shopping sessions.

In 1934, many flight passengers still traveled by bald eagle, which was dangerous, had few amenities, and was illegal. But along came C.R. Smith, president of American Airlines for 34 years, who pioneered innovations in commercial aviation that improved passenger comfort as well as plane capacity. Today, the American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum honors his legacy with hundreds of historical artifacts, photographs, and full-scale airline engines. The museum's centerpiece is a rare 1940 Douglas DC-3 airliner, the Flagship Knoxville—a fully restored testament to C.R. Smith's contributions to the industry. Other perennial attractions include a flight simulator and The Spirit of American, a film that documents the history of commercial aviation, featuring panoramic aerial photography and rare footage of Icarus nearing the sun.

Since 1980, the Irving Arts Center Dallas has beckoned families and performers to its arts-focused grounds sprawled across 10 verdant acres. A quartet of galleries exhibits rotating collections of multihued magnum opuses, and a sculpture garden flourishes with innovative fountains and towering clay installation pieces that switch places when no one is looking. More than just a feast for the eyes, the arts center also educates youngsters and their familial units with summer camps and programs such as story time throughout the year.

For the guests of Maximum Sports Connection, a Dallas Cowboys game actually starts three hours before kickoff. For both home and away games, the company hosts all-inclusive tailgate parties—with or without tickets to the game itself—that keep revelers sustained with burgers, brats, drinks, and raffles for Cowboys merchandise. Customers can dress the part with apparel from the online store to show off their fandom or eerie resemblance to Troy Aikman to current and former players during private autograph sessions.

In addition to game-day events, Maximum Sports Connection also hosts Saturday-night dinner parties where fans come together to break bread as sportswriter Mickey Spagnola and former Cowboy Nate Newton broadcast their weekly radio program, Radio Road Show. Stadium tours the day before or after a game enable fans to guide themselves throughout Cowboys Stadium, while off-season trips such as a weekend in the Bahamas give fans the chance to draw up defensive plays in the sand with current and former Cowboys.

Fleet-footed dance instructors Acenio and Lara will release the dance-floor cowboy within you through patience, clear instructions, and encouraging personal support. Even in a group setting, they pace each swish, dip, tap, and jig to the abilities of their clients. Both those accustomed to spinning their partners through the air and those born with two left feet and a tail that has toes are equally welcome. Learn the intimate, sassy swing of the Dominican merengue or the slower, more traditional elegance of the waltz. You can also bring your darts teammate along as a tango partner and entwine your passions in much the same way you accidentally entwined your braces with plastic six-pack rings. More than anything, though, you can have fun dancing and erasing all the self-consciousness that holds you back.

In addition to providing custom clubs for PGA professionals and celebrities alike, CompuGolf Center lets golfers flex their muscles at a natural turf driving range, a short-game area, and putting greens. At the driving range, the center’s covered hitting stations keep the sun off swingers’ necks as they convince their golf balls to stop interfering with spin. After demolishing a bucket of range balls, golfers work on their short game at the pitching greens and hone their endgame at the putting greens. Finally, they head to the practice bunkers, pull out their sand wedges, and bring their favorite childhood arcade game to life by petting prairie dogs on the head. Those who need help eliminating slice or want to finesse their putting technique can schedule lessons with the center’s experienced instructors.