Relax and enjoy the outdoors at one of the many recreation parks in Arlington, Texas. There’s no better place to refresh yourself after being cooped up indoors with your college textbooks — the perfect solution to recharge your mind and body after intense study sessions. Check out this list of which parks in Arlington might be your next favorite relaxation spot during your college years.

Crystal Canyon Natural Area

Amaze yourself with the geological wonders of the Crystal Canyon Natural Area. The 40-acre park showcases marine shales, gypsum layers, fine-grain sandstone, siltstones, and mudstone with inner beds of calcareous fossil clams. These marvelous natural attractions provide clues that a marine environment once existed in the area during ancient times. This geology lover’s paradise is one of the relatively new parks in north Arlington. Hit the half-mile soft-surface trail with your college besties to learn something outside of the classroom.

Rush Creek Dog Park

Have a blast with your pets at the Rush Creek Dog Park and stay fit together at this dog-friendly biking and hiking trail. This seven-acre park features special fenced-in areas where your dogs can play and frolic without a leash. Your four-legged buddies will be delighted with the pet-friendly water fountains and dog wash stations while they also have a chance to meet and interact with their fellow furry creatures.

Veterans Park

Take a moment to appreciate the past while enjoying the present at Veterans Park. It was built to honor Arlington citizens who served the U.S. through their outstanding military service. This spacious 103-acre park also is the ideal place to create your own college memories — challenge your friends at the disc golf course, watch plays at the performing arts stage, and gallop on a horse at the equestrian trail.

Tails ‘N Trails Dog Park

Get ready for exciting adventures with your pets at the Tails ‘N Trails Dog Park. This off-leash dog park is fully fenced so your pups can run around in freedom, or explore the open and woody areas. You and your pets are welcome to spend quality time at this 5.7-acre park as you hike and bike with your dogs on the pet-friendly trails.

River Legacy Park

Marvel at the ecological attractions of the River Legacy Park with the star of this urban oasis being the Trinity River in north Arlington. This sprawling 1,300-acre park features a bottomland forest, prairie, and wetlands, and is the home of various mammals, birds, fish, and local plants. Make sure to take a tour of the River Legacy Living Science Center to boost your knowledge about native wildlife, and then traverse the 8-mile hike and bike trails and the 10-mile off-road mountain bike trail. Grab the opportunity to observe the Trinity River up close through the canoe launch.