American Airlines sponsors C.R. Smith Museum, which examines the history of commercial airlines and explores their inner workings. Visitors have ample opportunities to check out seminal principals of flight first hand; they can experience a wind tunnel, see how a jet engine works, try out the pilot's seat in the cockpit or enter the Flight Lab to learn more about air pressure at high altitudes. The IWERKS large-screen theater shows movies about airline history while the patrons sit in authentic first-class seats. Moreover, there is a gift shop.
On the edge of Lake Arlington lies the picturesque Richard Simpson Park. Offering a number of recreational activities, the green space offers scenic views of the lake, along with a boat ramp and a fishing pier. Spread across 3.6 hectares, enjoy a family picnic with barbeque or take a stroll through the garden here. The park pavilions are available for private parties and events on rental basis.
Named after Carlisle Cravens, former president of Arlington National Bank, Cravens Park is one of the most popular recreation zones in the neighborhood. Stretched at a massive 86 acres (34.8 hectares) this park is a dream destination for sports enthusiasts and fun-seekers alike with its six baseball fields, a basketball court, a fishing zone and several picnic spots and playgrounds. The park also contains a pavilion which hosts a number of local events throughout the year.
The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo is a pioneer in using natural habitats to showcase animals. Exotic animals are kept out of cages and left to freely roam in a natural environment. On most occasions, visitors are separated from the residents by only a river or a waterfall! Special exhibits include the world of primates, African Savannah, Asian falls and Texas wild. An onsite restaurant serves hamburgers, fries, pizza and BBQ, while a canopy of magnificent oak trees provides shelter from the hot Texas sun.