Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SOUTH OF DALLAS & FORT WORTH
From the big attractions in Arlington to the prehistoric sights in Glen Rose, the lands south
of Dallas and Fort Worth are diverse. Enjoy Waxahachie, one of the state's best small
towns, and feel the bliss of wide open spaces as you head southwest.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Arlington
POP 367,500
For once the hype is real: Arlington really is the home of sports and thrills. Blockbuster at-
tractions draw people from far and wide to icons of today's Texas.
Sights & Activities
Six Flags Over Texas
( 817-530-6000;
www.sixflags.com
;
I-30 & Hwy 360; admission $42-60, parking from $20; )
The most
popular attraction in the state and only 20 minutes' drive from the downtowns of Dallas
and Fort Worth, this amusement park can be a blast - plan ahead to avoid the worst crowds
(weekends, midday in summer). Roller coasters rule: there are 13 of them, including two of
the old-fashioned (wooden) kind.
Plan to hit the most popular rides either first thing in the morning or in the evening,
when lines are shortest. Aside from the mighty, scream-inducing roller coasters such as
Batman the Ride, Mr Freeze, and Shock Wave (once the world's tallest coaster), other reli-
able thrills include the adrenaline-charged Superman: Tower of Power, which shoots brave
souls up into the sky at 45mph (cape not included) and La Vibora, a bobsled ride that gives
riders a fun taste of the Olympic sport.
New in 2013, the Texas SkyScreamer whisks you around 400 feet from the ground. Oth-
er highlights are the legendary Texas Giant, which has the steepest drop (79 degrees) of any
wooden coaster in the world.
To ease your visit, stow valuables and bags in lockers at the entry mall just inside the
park gate, where you can also rent strollers and wheelchairs, or board your pets ($10). Re-
AMUSEMENT PARK
