For a true escape this summer, take a road trip to beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas, where the beautiful and historic Arlington Resort and Hotel is a top- notch getaway. The stately 1920-era hotel is situat- ed in the heart of the Hot Springs historic down- town area, and minutes from Hot Springs National Park. But even if you never leave the confines of the iconic hotel, this trip will be one to remember. Book themed suites, classic rooms or a mineral wa- ter room, where legendary healing waters from the hot springs are piped directly into your private tub. Guests can book complete spa services, including a thermal bathhouse experience that spans two hours of mineral baths, saunas, cooling stations and massage. Facials, body wraps, aroma therapy, mani/ pedis, and hair services are all available. Book your stay today at arlingtonhotel.com. Take a trip a few hours north for a weekend at Oka- na Resort and Waterpark in Oklahoma City: this complex offers a fun family getaway where you can spend hours splashing around indoor or out- door waterparks. Stay in the air conditioning at the 100,000 square foot Splash park, and try out 15 thrilling slides, interactive water features, surf simu- lators, and plush cabana rentals. Soak up the sun at Okana Beach at the sand beach and lagoon, swim up bar, and do plenty of sliding, diving and pad- dling. When everyone’s had their fill of chlorine and sunbathing, head to the Okanarama complex for arcade games, laser tag, virtual reality adventures, escape rooms and more heart-pounding fun. There are plenty of restaurants on-site, with something for every palate, including barbecue, tacos, pizza, slid- ers and upscale offerings. Book your Okana experi- ence today at okanaresort.com. Indulge in a high-stakes getaway at the Golden Nugget Lake Charles in Southwest Louisiana. This ultimate resort experience offers up a full casino, with over 1,600 slots, table games, live action pok- er tables, and sports betting. Guests will also find a championship golf course, private marina, lake- front beach and a two-acre tropical pool paradise. Deluxe rooms and suites offer comfy stays, while world-class restaurants serve up cuisine that rang- es from steaks to seafood to bar and grill favorites. Book your Golden Nugget experience at golden- nugget.com/lake-charles. Need an escape a little closer to home? Sandbox Dallas VR lets you explore the limits of your imag- ination without ever leaving the Metroplex: stand face-to-face with prehistoric creatures in the “Age of Dinosaurs” experience, created in partnership with the Natural History Museum of London; dive deep into Netflix’s “Stranger Things” with an immer- sive exploration of Hawkins Lab and the Upside Down; try to survive a zombie horde in “Deadwood Mansion”; and become a futuristic gladiator in “Un- bound Fighting Live”. Sandbox VR features four virtual reality rooms, with full-body motion capture ARLINGTON RESORT AND HOTEL EXPLORE AND ESCAPE 26 DALLAS OBSERVER • SUMMER GUIDE 2026
