February 11, 2026 – Welcome to Spring Break Central, where Grand Prairie’s EpicCentral Entertainment District has established itself as one of the hottest entertainment destinations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With more than 2.8 million visits annually and EpicCentral welcoming approximately 150,000 visitors each March, this 172-acre entertainment playground has become the ultimate spring break destination for Texas families. Whether you’re dodging unpredictable Texas weather or seeking the perfect blend of adventure, entertainment, and unforgettable memories, EpicCentral delivers thrills, fills, and chills for every age and interest.
The Dinosaurs Are Back (And They’re EPIC)!
Travel back 65 million years without leaving Grand Prairie! From March 8-22, the GrandLawn welcomes back life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that bring the Jurassic period roaring to life. Come face-to-face with a towering T-Rex, spiky Stegosaurus, and neck-craning Brachiosaurus—all courtesy of The Dinosaur Company, the same experts who create exhibits for major zoos, museums, and theme parks across the country. The animatronic dinosaurs remain on display throughout the entire run, making every visit to EpicCentral a prehistoric adventure all month long. Best of all? It’s completely FREE for all ages.
The Ext-ROAR-dinary Dino Fest activities hit on Saturday, March 21, from 12-5 PM courtesy of the Grand Prairie Libraries. This FREE family festival features:
- Dino Storytimes – Interactive tales of prehistoric creatures
- Fossil Dig & Dino Games – Unearth ancient fossils and test your aim in Tricera-Toss
- Dino Arts & Crafts – Create DIY dino masks and more
- Fun Fact Dino Trail – Discover mind-blowing dinosaur facts as you walk among the giants
- Live Music by DJ Astronaut – Dance to beats on the Jambox stage during the festival
Escape to a Tropical Paradise at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
Why check the weather app when it’s always a perfect 85 degrees inside North Texas’s largest indoor waterpark? Epic Waters delivers spring break excitement regardless of what Mother Nature has planned, attracting over 400,000 visitors annually. Throughout March, experience:
- 12 thrilling waterslides, including America’s tallest indoor looping slide
- Texas’ longest indoor lazy river – the Rio Grand
- FlowRider® surf simulator with complimentary lessons
- 4,000-square-foot arcade for when you need a break from the splash
- Enormous interactive children’s area with a bucket that dumps hundreds of gallons of water every few minutes
New at Epic Waters for 2026: Experience Two Amazing Attractions for One Incredible Price!
Epic Waters is thrilled to introduce an all-new Circus experience coming to the EpicCentral lawn—and the best part? Your Epic Waters admission includes FREE access to all the big top excitement! One ticket. Two unforgettable attractions. Enjoy daily entertainment featuring aerialists, magicians, hula hoop artists, dance parties, arcade challenges, classic games, hands-on crafts at Waddles Workshop, and pop-up appearances by a magical mermaidursts of theatrical wonder, this all-star cast brings the magic of the big top to our year-round indoor paradise! Check circus showtimes and buy tickets now!
Epic Waters’ Spring Break Special Programming brings extra entertainment with aerialists, magicians, and hula hoop artists dazzling crowds daily. Kids can get creative at Waddles Workshop with tie-dye, slime, and glitter tattoos, then join the Epic Waters Spring Break Dance Party or take on the Arcade Challenge. Keep your eyes peeled for magical mermaid pop-up appearances throughout the month! Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended to guarantee admission during peak spring break weeks. Purchase Epic Waters Tickets →
The Newest EpicCentral Thrill: Topgolf
Just opened in late January, Topgolf Grand Prairie brings cutting-edge golf entertainment to the EpicCentral corridor. Located at 3670 South State Highway 161, this two-level venue features 80 climate-controlled hitting bays where groups of up to six can enjoy modern golf games regardless of skill level or outdoor conditions. March highlights include:
- Monday-Thursday: 50% off golf (yes, really!)
- Full-service bar and restaurant with creative food and handcrafted drinks
- Toptracer technology that tracks every shot
- The Sure Thing golf club, designed specifically for beginners
- Fire pits, music, and rooftop terrace for the ultimate hangout experience
Whether you’ve never swung a club or you’re looking to practice your game in a relaxed atmosphere, Topgolf delivers entertainment that’s as much about the social experience as the sport itself. Book Your Bay →
Get Your Adrenaline Fix at Bolder Adventure Park
For those who prefer their thrills vertical, Bolder Adventure Park offers year-round indoor adventure across 66,000 square feet of climbing, zipping, sliding, and free-falling excitement. Activities are tiered by difficulty—green, blue, black diamond, and double black diamond—so everyone from cautious beginners to fearless thrill-seekers finds their perfect challenge. Purchase Tickets →. Challenge yourself with:
- Rock climbing walls reaching up to 75 feet
- Multi-level aerial obstacle courses and suspended ropes challenges
- Zip lines soaring through the indoor space
- Via Ferrata mountaineering challenge
- Tubing slides for family-friendly thrills
- Adventure net play area perfect for younger explorers
- 50+ arcade games when you need to touch solid ground
Race Into Action at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Get your heart racing at Andretti Indoor Karting, a Grand Prairie premier entertainment destination. The 95,000-square-foot facility provides climate-controlled excitement with in-house gourmet catering and over 9,000 square feet of event space. Whether you’re racing for bragging rights or strategizing in laser tag, Andretti delivers non-stop action. View Pricing & Book →. March activities include:
- High-speed electric Superkarts on a multi-level track
- Mini Mario Karts for drivers ages 4-7
- Two-story laser tag arena for team battles
- 7D Motion Theater Experience for immersive adventures
- VR experiences and augmented reality duck pin bowling
- State-of-the-art arcade with the latest games
Pickleball Paradise at Chicken N Pickle
Looking for a more social spring break experience? Chicken N Pickle combines America’s fastest-growing sport with scratch-made food and a vibrant game yard atmosphere. The wood-fired chicken dishes, full-service bars, and family-friendly atmosphere make Chicken N Pickle the perfect spot for groups looking to play, eat, and gather. Reserve Your Court →. March activities include:
- 10 pickleball courts (6 indoor, 4 outdoor)
- Sunday Brunch Buffet featuring Chicken N Waffles, graze boards, eggs, bacon, and more ($20.99 adults, $9.99 kids)
- Brunch & Bingo every Sunday starting at 11 AM (free to participate!)
- Weekly Trivia nights for competitive fun
- Happy Hour specials with $2 off signature cocktails, margaritas, and local beer
- Cornhole, yard games, and outdoor patio for perfect spring weather days
Shamrock Social: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day EpicCentral Style
Mark your calendars for EpicCentral’s inaugural Shamrock Social on Saturday, March 14! This festive St. Patrick’s Day, featuring free and ticketed activities, promises an unforgettable day of Irish-inspired entertainment throughout the district. Whether you’re Irish or just Irish for a day, join us for live music, special dining experiences at waterfront restaurants, and the perfect setting to celebrate the luck of the Irish. Visit the Shamrock Social Event Page for the details.
Free Live Music on the Jambox Music Stage
Throughout March, the Jambox Music Stage brings FREE live musical performances to EpicCentral nearly every day! From DJs to singer-songwriters, rock bands to Tejano fusion, this outdoor music venue delivers diverse entertainment for all tastes. Bring your blankets and low-back lawn chairs (first-come, first-served festival seating) and settle in on the expansive lawn for an evening of entertainment. The Jambox Music Stage is just steps away from vibrant waterfront dining options and the spectacular Illuvia water show.
- Monday, March 9 – DJ Astronaut – Dallas-based DJ blending jazz, hip-hop, country & Top 40 (6:00-8:30 PM)
- Tuesday, March 10 – Paul Renna – Visionary Dallas singer-songwriter (6:00-8:30 PM)
- Wednesday, March 11 – Jade Nickol – Live performance (6:00-8:30 PM)
- Thursday, March 12 – Paul Renna – Singer-songwriter returns (6:00-8:30 PM)
- Friday, March 13 – BranooFunck – Classic hip-hop jams (7:00-8:00 PM)
- Saturday, March 14 – DJ LX (2:00 PM), Wavyy (2:00-6:00 PM), Zillamatic (3:00 PM), and AviiGlow (4:30 PM) during the Shamrock Social celebration
- Sunday, March 15 – Grupo Pression – Live performance during Dino Fest (6:00-8:30 PM)
- Monday, March 16 – Moors & McCumber – Live performance (6:00-8:30 PM)
- Tuesday, March 17 – Moors & McCumber – St. Patrick’s Day performance (6:00-8:30 PM)
- Wednesday, March 18 – David Tribble – Live performance (6:00-8:30 PM)
- Thursday, March 19 – Monica Saldivar – Live performance (6:00-8:30 PM)
- Friday, March 20 – Double Ace – Live performance (6:00-8:30 PM)
- Saturday, March 21 – Double header with DJ Astronaut (12:00 PM-5:00 PM) and BranooFunck (6:30-7:30 PM) closing out Dino Fest
- Sunday, March 22 – Dezi 5 (6:00-8:30 PM)
Illuvia: A Vegas-Style Water Show Like No Other
As the sun sets each evening, EpicCentral’s Illuvia Water & Light Show transforms the lakefront into a mesmerizing spectacle that’s become a social media sensation, drawing over 30,000 visitors weekly. This FREE, first-of-its-kind installation in North America features:
- 60-foot water sprays choreographed to music
- State-of-the-art video projections creating shimmering images across sheets of illuminated water
- Dynamic lighting effects with 398 LED lights producing over 2 million colors
- Never-before-seen interactive technology that responds to visitor movement
- Multiple nightly performances lasting approximately 15-20 minutes each
Show Times:
- Daytime fountains begin running at 11:00 AM.
- Full Illuvia experience (water, lights, music, and video projection): 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:30 PM, and 11:30 PM nightly
Grab a spot on the lawn, feel the cool mist on your face, and witness phantasmagorical fountains dance to synchronized beats. It’s the perfect way to cap off your evening.
Dining That Delights
After working up an appetite with all that adventure, EpicCentral’s diverse dining scene has you covered:
- The Finch – Waterfront dining at its finest with scenic views
- Vidorra – Modern Mexican cuisine with bold cocktails
- Radici – Chef Tiffany Derry’s Italian-inspired wood-fired dishes (voted #3 by USA Today!)
- Chicken N Pickle – Nashville hot chicken and comfort food
- Serious Eats – Pizzas, hand-crafted shakes, and sliders
Don’t Miss The Waterfront Market
Spend your evening on Thursday, March 6 from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM strolling along Grand Prairie’s premier waterfront destination, where The Waterfront Market transforms the lakeside into a lively hub of creativity and commerce. Discover one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods from talented local artisans, savor diverse flavors from food vendors bringing their best dishes, and support small businesses making their mark in the community. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift, treating yourself to something special, or simply soaking in the atmosphere with friends and family, The Waterfront Market delivers an authentic, curated shopping experience against the backdrop of EpicCentral’s stunning waterfront views. Free to attend and open to all—come see why The Waterfront Market is quickly becoming Grand Prairie’s must-visit monthly tradition.
Stay & Play: Hotels at EpicCentral and Beyond
EpicCentral offers the ultimate convenience with two premium hotels right on campus, connected to the 10,000-square-foot Grand Prairie Events & Convention Center:
- Hilton Garden Inn – Modern amenities with easy access to all attractions
- Homewood Suites – Extended stay comfort perfect for longer spring break visits
Both hotels put you steps away from the adventure parks, dining, entertainment, and the nightly Illuvia show—you can literally walk to everything!
Grand Prairie’s Wide Variety of Accommodations:
Grand Prairie offers a wide variety of places to stay, making it easy for visitors to find accommodations that fit their travel style and budget. From well-known hotel brands and budget-friendly options to extended stay properties and RV parks, lodging is conveniently located near major highways, popular attractions, and entertainment venues. Many hotels offer amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and on-site breakfast options to help guests feel comfortable during their stay. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended spring break adventure, you’ll find the perfect home base for exploring EpicCentral and the greater DFW area.
The Experience That Ties It All Together
What makes EpicCentral truly special isn’t just the individual attractions—it’s how everything connects to create a complete spring break experience. With walkable distances between venues, free parking throughout the district, and the stunning Illuvia water and light show lighting up the night, you can easily spend an entire weekend (or week!) discovering something new.
March weather in Texas is notoriously unpredictable, but at Spring Break Central, it simply doesn’t matter. Rain or shine, hot or cold, EpicCentral offers climate-controlled indoor adventures and weather-resistant outdoor experiences that keep the fun going no matter what.
Plan Your Spring Break Central Adventure
Location: 2961 State Hwy 161, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Free Parking: Available throughout the district
Hotels: On-site at Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites, plus many more nearby
This March, families from across Texas are making the pilgrimage to Grand Prairie for one simple reason: EpicCentral delivers spring break memories that last a lifetime. From dinosaurs to waterslides, go-karts to pickleball, golf games to circus acts—Spring Break Central has it all under one incredible roof (and a few incredible outdoor spaces too).
Where will your spring break adventure begin?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EpicCentral?
EpicCentral is DFW’s premier entertainment district in Grand Prairie, Texas—a 172-acre destination where phenomenal food meets friendly competition, unexpected adventures await at every turn, and “Wow!”-worthy attractions help you create unforgettable memories.
Is parking free?
Yes! Complimentary parking is available throughout EpicCentral.
Are there hotels nearby?
EpicCentral has two hotels on campus: Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites, with a connecting convention center offering a 10,000-square-foot ballroom. Grand Prairie also offers a wide variety of additional hotel options throughout the city.
What is the Illuvia Water Show?
Illuvia is a FREE Vegas-style water, light, and projection show featuring 60-foot water sprays choreographed to music with state-of-the-art video projections. Shows run multiple times every evening and are refreshed seasonally throughout the year. The show draws over 30,000 visitors weekly!
When does Illuvia run?
Daytime fountains begin running at 11:00 AM. The full Illuvia experience (water, lights, music, and video projection) runs at 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:30 PM, and 11:30 PM nightly.
How much does it cost to visit EpicCentral?
Your visit to EpicCentral is free, but individual attractions like Epic Waters, Bolder Adventure Park, Andretti Karting, Topgolf, and Chicken N Pickle have their own admission or activity fees. The Illuvia water show, concerts on the Jambox Music Stage, animatronic dinosaur display, and playground are all FREE to enjoy.
Are the Jambox concerts really free?
Yes! All musical performances on the Jambox Music Stage are completely FREE with festival-style lawn seating. Just bring your blanket or low lawn chair and enjoy! Come early too to get the best seats!
Can I bring my pet?
Pets on leashes are welcome in outdoor areas including the GrandLawn and at Jambox concerts. EpicCentral also features Central Bark, a dedicated dog park. Individual venues have their own pet policies.
Is EpicCentral good for all ages?
Absolutely! EpicCentral offers attractions and experiences for everyone from toddlers to grandparents, with activities ranging from gentle strolls along lake trails to extreme adventure challenges.
How busy does EpicCentral get in March?
March is one of the busiest months at EpicCentral, with approximately 150,000 visitors enjoying free and ticketed spring break activities. We recommend purchasing attraction tickets in advance and arriving early for the best experience.
How do I stay updated on events?
Sign up for the monthly email newsletter at epiccentral.com and follow @epiccentralgp on social media for the latest event announcements and special promotions.