From the largest indoor water park in North Texas to some of the finest barbecue in the metroplex, Grand Prairie’s EpicCentral has it all.
If you’re still searching for those last-minute spring break plans to keep the family entertained over a few days of vacation, you can breathe easy knowing the perfect spot exists in Fort Worth’s own backyard. Just a 25-minute car ride from Cowtown is the newly christened EpicCentral, a 172-acre entertainment destination in Grand Prairie that’s sure to quench everyone’s need for a good time.
The park offers an array of activities for the whole fam — no matter its size, childrens’ ages, or entertainment preferences. From rides, games, water activities, live music, unique adventures, and delicious barbecue to boot, there’s something for everyone. And hanging out in Grand Prairie for the day won’t cost you an arm and a leg, either. In addition to saving money on hotels and other travel expenses, general admission for Epic Waters, the onsite, indoor waterpark, is only $59 (and $34 for Grand Prairie residents). Heck, even if the above activities don’t sound appealing, you and the kiddos can come, hang out, walk around, and listen to live music — you won’t have to pay a dime.
“Not everyone can afford to go to Cancun on Spring Break,” Grand Prairie mayor, Ron Jensen, says. “But we all want to take our kids someplace fun, affordable, and memorable. And that’s available right here in Grand Prairie.”
Since we admit the entertainment options at EpicCentral can be overwhelming, we thought we’d help out our family spring breakers with a list of things they won’t want to miss during their time at EpicCentral.
1. Epic Waters – The largest indoor waterpark in Texas is also home to a giant wavepool, swimming holes, twisting luges, and a new waterslide, the Locura — a 70-foot-tall flatline slide that includes a translucent flume and a seven-story launch tower. And, because it’s indoors, you won’t have to concern yourself with that fickle North Texas spring weather.
2. Loop 9 BBQ – A new barbecue joint from the same mind that brought the world the epically popular Chili’s franchise, Larry Lavine. This spot offers some of North Texas’ best pulled pork, brisket, and tangy sauce — which is really saying something.
Loop 9 BBQ invites you to chow down on the best handcrafted Texas barbecue.
3. Bolder Adventure Park – Packed inside an air-supported dome structure is North Texas’ biggest playground for the kiddos. From rock climbing, zip lining, archery, gem mining, and even a place to shoot squishy balls at one another, Bolder offers countless opportunities for any member of the family to let off a little steam. Tickets start as low as $14.99.
The new Bolder Adventure Park is 66,000 square feet of family fun.
4. Jambox – Every night through March 19 (conveniently during most schools’ spring breaks), live bands will take the stage at Jambox. Bands include family-friendly acts performing a diverse range of music, including a U2 cover band, a DJ spinning Top 40 hits, a New Orleans funk and soul band, and many more. Added bonus: You’ll also be able to check out the rehearsals for the upcoming Fountains & Music Show, which will debut in the coming months. And admission is free.
5. Chicken N Pickle – Eleven pickleball courts (both indoor and outdoor), shuffleboard courts, a bar and entertainment space, an outdoor game yard, and a game room with ping-pong and TV screens for watching sports.
6. PlayGrand Adventures – PlayGrand Adventures is a safe, fun playground experience of epic proportions for all ages and abilities. The playground includes adventure areas designed to stimulate, challenge, and encourage the development of several skill sets, while providing social interaction, a sense of discovery, creativity, and exercise.
To learn more about EpicCentral and everything the entertainment destination offers, check out their website here.
2961 State Highway 161, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
(Reproduced with permission of Fort Worth Magazine. To preview the original article, click here.)
