What is the best thing to do when you have Spring Break off with the kids? Or have some free time during the week or weekends, or want to do something fun no matter the day of the week or time of year? If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, you have probably heard of Epic Waters.
Epic Waters opened in January of 2018 and to date has attracted more than 380K visitors from nearly all 50 states and countries around the world. It is open every day of the year and yes that includes all major holidays and that is because it climate controlled and has a retractable roof, so there is always a great time to visit. It boasts three “first in industry” slides: The LassoLoop, the Yellowjacket Drop, and the Aquanaut, and let me tell you they are absolutely intimidating but way too fun to miss out on.
One thing I am excited for is the brand new outdoor wave pool that is scheduled to open May 4, 2019. Can you imagine how much more fun that will add to your day?
Our First Time Here
I saw this area attraction being built and thought, “what is that?” every time, we would drive by. Then as the building progressed and we realized what was about to come, we got excited! Since it opened, I have made plans to visit, but for some reason, the stars never aligned in the right way. Well, we got a chance. Check out what we learned and experienced.
Talk About Lazy
My son and niece had way too much fun lounging in the Rio Grand lazy river (with its occasional wave surge). I kept asking them to come back to check in and they said, “but we see you each time we go around”.
Time to Hang 10 with FlowRider®
My teenage daughter who has taken surfing lessons before decided to hang 10 on the FlowRider® surfing simulator and couldn’t believe how cool it was! She didn’t quite manage to master standing up this visit, but it is first on the list for our next visit.
Epic Eats from the Cabana Menu
The food!!! The food is not only tasty but offers a variety that everyone can get on board with. Up next, the cabanas.
Cabanas
We had our own cabana and I have to tell you, this is the way to go if you can. It is so comfortable that you forget you will have to leave the space to enjoy the park because I can see just sitting there with a good book while the kids go play. Not that you can’t do the same without it, but the cabanas are an extra incentive to bring a good book and lounge. Each cabana has enough room for 8 individuals and table service is available. Advance reservations are recommended and the cost can run from $150-$200 (plus the cost of admission) depending on the day of the week you visit. Personally, this is where I spent most of my time.
More Than Just A Waterpark
Epic Waters is the perfect location for birthday parties, church youth group events, overnight events, corporate events, etc. After this visit, we hope to have a party for my son and some of his friends this summer. The costs associated with the party fits within the budget and I know that everyone will have a wonderful time.
The Arcade and Retail Space
Did you know that not only does Epic Waters have a ton of aquatic spaces to roam, but there is also an arcade with a vast variety of appropriate games in addition to a retail space that allows you to pick up some of those “left at home” items or to pick up those much-needed souvenirs? Talk about one stop shop!
The Day Got “Epic”!
During our visit, we had the pleasure of touring The Epic (the waterpark’s sister property) The only words that sum up this place is “Wow”! The Epic opened in November 2018 and it is so much more than a mere recreation center, it has entertainment spaces for the entire family including interactive teen rooms and a treehouse children’s area. There is also a fitness facility with a million in equipment, futsal court, art classrooms, recording studio, The Epic Theatre Presented by Texas Trust, The Epic Theater and the Epic Culinary Kitchen by IKEA. Just like Epic Waters, it can host birthday parties and gathering of all sizes, including “wet and dry” events where guests can flow back and forth between The Epic and Epic Waters.
The view throughout the entire place was spectacular and I could see myself finding the perfect spot to just stare and enjoy myself with a good book. Speaking of books, there is an automated library kiosk in the lobby filled with some wonderful titles to check out.
My Personal Thoughts
I had NO idea what to expect, and both spaces blew me away with all they had to offer. On any given day, you have everything that you need to get in a good workout, learn a skill, hang with your friends (teens), have a place for your children to roam in a supervised environment, all while being able to visit to “the beach” in the Dallas / Fort Worth area no matter the time of year or the current temperature outside. I am still in awe and amazed at how much we “didn’t” get to experience because of its massive size. We walked into the teen space and it reminded us of one of the cruises we had gone on in the past (which is the point, I think).
I have not met the City of Grand Prairie officials who planned these facilities, but I would love to shake their hands for bringing this to an area the is immediately adjacent to the southern Dallas sector. I grew up in the area and never have we had anything of this magnitude arrive for the families in the area. Now, it’s not necessary to hop in your car and drive an hour plus to get there or to purchase a plane ticket to experience what The Epic and Epic Waters have to offer right here in our own backyard.
Thank You!
A Few Things To Remember Before You Arrive:
- To avoid missing out and having Epic Waters reach capacity, it is a good idea to arrive when they open.
- Plan a visit mid-week or before lunch during holidays and summer is also a good idea.
- Be sure to purchase tickets online in advance to save time.
- Bring your beach towels.
- Plan for the temperature. Layers are always best.
- If the plan is to enjoy The Epic or Epic Waters multiple times throughout the year, definitely take a look at the annual or season passes.
- Go! Just go and experience it for yourself.
Until Next Time!
This is a post sponsored by Epic Waters and The Epic. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for inviting us out!
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