Things to Do in Arlington

Kittrell/Riffkind Art Glass has offered customers an opportunity to peruse an ever-changing selection of artwork since 1990. Sculptures, goblets, jewelry, scent bottles, paperweights, platters, wall art, and an array of trinkets line the gallery’s art-filled abode. One-of-a-kind handcrafted works from many talented artists are available for purchase. Their friendly staff will help you select the perfect item and even pack it safely for you to take home or ship. Check out a blue cosmo perfume bottle ($48), a striking fish paperweight (starting at $75), or colorful tumbler ($36). Or pick up a beautiful vase ($65) to store your glass bananas and hand-blown daisies. Exhibits change every 4–6 weeks, so there's always something new to see. You have the option to either visit the gallery with Groupon in hand or browse online and phone your order in.

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.

The six-headed hydra of spontaneous comedy known as Four Day Weekend has been wreaking havoc on North Texas doldrums since 1997. Critically adored by the metroplex’s most prominent presses, the group squelches laughter droughts with their weekend bouts of unscripted hilarity. The professional troupe of cut-ups, many with film and Second City Conservatory of Chicago credentials, happily share the tricks of the trade in their four-level training center. Emphasizing “truth in comedy,” the curriculum covers fundamentals such as characterization and long-form improv, giving students the tools they need to extract their inner hilarity or survive an hour in a prop closet with Greg Proops.

Boneyard Haunted House has been featured in numerous local media outlets, including in a story on CBS 11 news exploring whether or not the space is actually haunted. Rumors swirl that the large, formerly abandoned building that operator Dan Hall has converted into a haunted house harbors some very real ghosts. To give his guests a proper Halloween fright, Hall has outfitted the building's downstairs area with more than 40,000 square feet of realistic-looking skeleton scenes, elaborate designs, and passageways that reduce one’s line of sight to up the surprise factor. But, as Hall told CBS 11, other unintentional things have been happening inside the haunted house. Rolls of receipts have rolled across the floor and trash cans have accelerated across the room, all seemingly of their own volition. The phenomena have even caused paranormal investigators to come in with recording technology to try to contact the spirits of any lingering souls or prolific Ouija boards that might be stuck on the premises.

For guests who have walked through the haunted house in previous years, every season brings new and scary surprises. A writer from the North Dallas Gazette reported on the effort, noting that "each year, the haunt is completely taken down and the team starts fresh building exclusive rooms and new props." The attraction also boasts an indoor festival area with games, music, concessions, and vendors.

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.