DFW Picnics › Parks › Arlington
Arlington, Texas
River Legacy Park Picnic Guide
Free entry Solo Date Family Group
1,300 acres of bottomland forest along the Trinity River with shady trails, a big playground and three pavilions.
Open in DFW PicnicsPack a Picnic for This Spot
At a Glance
| Entry | Free Verified Free entry and parking. Reservable pavilions cost extra; unreserved pavilions are first-come. |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, 5 a.m.–10 p.m. Verified |
| Picnic Rules | Picnicking is a highlight: Legacy Pavilion and the Elm Grove and Raccoon Run picnic areas (with grills) can be reserved at 817-459-5473. Arlington requires a permit or pavilion reservation to bring alcohol or amplified sound. Verified |
| Pets | Leashed dogs welcome To verify Arlington's code allows walking a dog on a hand-held leash; park-specific rules to verify. |
| Best For | Solo, Date, Family, Group |
| Shade | Plenty of shade |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Playground | Yes |
| Pavilions | Yes |
| Water Views | Yes |
| Parking | Free lots along NW Green Oaks Blvd. |
Local tip: Weekday mornings are quiet and cool under the trees.
More Picnic Spots in Arlington
Sources
- River Legacy Foundation — Visit — https://riverlegacy.org/visit
- City of Arlington — Park pavilions — https://www.arlingtontx.gov/Parks-Places/Facilities/Park-Pavilions
- City of Arlington — River Legacy Park — https://www.arlingtontx.gov/Parks-Places/Parks-Trails/Park-Finder/River-Legacy-Park
- City of Arlington — How to responsibly enjoy Arlington parks (alcohol, amplified sound) — https://www.arlingtontx.gov/News-Articles/2025/June/How-To-Responsibly-Enjoy-Arlington-Parks-This-Summer
- City of Arlington — responsible pet ownership (hand-held leash) (pets) — https://www.arlingtontx.gov/City-Services/Animals-Pets/Pet-Information/Responsible-Pet-Ownership
Entry status checked against the official site on Oct 20, 2026. Amenity, shade and parking details are a general guide. Prices and rules change; always confirm with the park before you go.