15 Best Things to Do in Grand Prairie (TX)

Written by Veronique Raes
Updated on
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Close to both Dallas and Fort Worth sits the mighty city of Grand Prairie, which has often been voted one of the best cities in the state of Texas. The city can easily be visited as part of an exciting road trip around the United States, and if you are looking for some legendary Texas hospitality then you will definitely find it here. Families in particular will find a lot to enjoy in Grand Prairie, as there are a wealth of attractions well suited to younger visitors, such as sports venues and outdoor play areas.

Aside from family fun, you can also enjoy the great outdoors here and take in some of the beauty of Texas, as you will find parks scattered all over Grand Prairie. In addition to the green spaces themselves, you can also find other attractions like outdoor skate parks and golf courses that will let you get some fresh air as you have fun. For some shopping in the region, Grand Prairie also has you covered with a range of venues such as premium shopping outlets or quirky flea markets, where you can dig for buried treasure among the various stalls. If you want to shop for some food and souvenirs, then there is also a farmers market with some of the best produce in all of Texas.

Lets explore the best things to do in Grand Prairie:

1. Lynn Creek Park

Lynn Creek ParkSource: facebook
Lynn Creek Park

For a taste of the outdoors in Grand Prairie, head to Lynn Creek Park which is located on the stunning Joe Pool Lake.

Here you will find boat ramps so that you can go boating on the lake, as well as picnic grounds, beach areas, and volleyball courts.

There are also nature trails that bisect the park so that you can walk around and take in the beauty of the local area, and if you head to the Joe Pool Lake area then you will even find a driving range where you can practice your swing.

2. AirHogs Ballpark

AirHogs BallparkSource: airhogsbaseball
AirHogs Ballpark

AirHogs Ballpark is the place to come if you love baseball, and here you will find the home ground of the Texas Airhogs, the South Independent Baseball Team.

During the baseball season you can catch a game here, but you will also find much more here than just a baseball field.

In addition to the grounds, there is also 17,000 square feet of Kids Zone for youngsters to play in, as well as a swimming pool and a restaurant and bar area.

3. Uptown Theater

Uptown TheaterSource: venueviking
Uptown Theater

Uptown Theater is famous in Grand Prairie for having first opened in the 1950s, and it recently underwent a restoration project that has seen it returned to its previous vintage style.

Should you visit this historical landmark you can catch a show by the Grand Prairie Arts Council and these can include dance recitals, musical shows, and theatrical performances.

4. Lone Star Park

Lone Star ParkSource: flickr
Lone Star Park

Lone Star Park is famous for its horse racing, so if you want to place a bet while you are in town then this is definitely a great venue to visit.

There is a Class 1 track here and both dirt and grass surfaces for the races and you can enjoy watching the races from a seven storey grandstand that also features penthouse suites.

There are dining options located at Lone Star Park so you can enjoy some food while you watch which makes this the perfect afternoon out if you fancy some light entertainment in Grand Prairie.

5. Ripley’s & Palace of Wax

Ripley’s & Palace of WaxSource: nashdalleh.smugmug
Ripley’s & Palace of Wax

Ripley’s & Palace of Wax is actually not one but four different attractions that are all located in the same building in Grad Prairie.

These include the Louis Tussaud Palace of Wax where you will find an array of celebrities that have been crafted from wax and look so realistic that you will think they are about to come to life.

You will also find Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium, which is made up of a series of galleries that contain amazing facts that you would never believe actually existed.

In addition to the ‘odditorium’, you can also enjoy an Enchanted Mirror Maze, as well as an Impossible LaseRace.

6. Alliance Skate Park

Alliance Skate ParkSource: flickr
Alliance Skate Park

The Alliance Skate Park cost $1.2 million to build, so know that you are about to experience the latest in skating technology and venues in the Texas area.

The skate park is the perfect place to come if you like in-line skating, biking, and even skateboarding, and there is an outdoor skating area as well as an indoor rink where you can skate even if the weather is against you.

There is a pro shop on site if you need to pick up any equipment, and whatever level of ability you may be, you can skate in different designated areas for anything from beginners to advanced skaters.

7. Asia Times Square and Hong Kong Market

Asia Times Square and Hong Kong MarketSource: visitgrandprairietx
Asia Times Square and Hong Kong Market

For something a little unexpected in Texas, head to Asia Times Square and Hong Kong Market, where you will be able to experience some of the best Asian produce in the state.

Asian Times Square is a cultural center that has a range of Asian grocery stores where you can pick up products from places as diverse as China, Korea, Africa, Indonesia, and Thailand.

You can also get meat and delicious seafood here, and there are cultural events held throughout the year such as at the Lunar New Year.

8. Farmers Market at Market Square

Farmers Market at Market SquareSource: localharvest
Farmers Market at Market Square

For some local produce in Grand Prairie, look no further than the Grand Prairie Farmer Market where you can get amazing local products and ingredients.

Some of these include fresh vegetables and fruits from local farms, as well as products like honey and spices.

You can even pick up some gifts or souvenirs in the shape of candles and soaps.

As well as the actual market, you can also experience live events at the farmers market such as musical performances.

9. Lloyd Park on Joe Pool Lake

Lloyd Park on Joe Pool LakeSource: joe-pool-lake
Lloyd Park on Joe Pool Lake

Lloyd Park is yet another park in Grand Prairie that is also located on the impressive Joe Pool Lake.

The park is made up of quaint features such as rustic cabins and there is a campsite so that you can spend some quality time here if you don’t want to leave at the end of the day.

There are hiking trails all over the park so that keen hikers can explore the area, and there is also the Walnut Creek Paddling Trail.

If you prefer to travel by bike, then you can take one of the off-road bicycle trails, and there are also equestrian trails if you want to go horseback riding.

Fishing is also popular here if you want to go down to the lake shore and try to catch one of the plethora of local species that swim in the waters here.

10. Prairie Lights

Prairie LightsSource: gptx
Prairie Lights

If you are in town from Thanksgiving Day to New Years Eve, then make sure not to miss one of the most spectacular sights in town.

The Prairie Lights are held every year, and are made up of over 4 million lights that are spread along a 2 mile trail.

The lights are made to form hundred of individual light installations and there are a selection of different motifs and shapes that cover roads, buildings, tunnels, and arches.

Part of the Prairie Lights show is the accompanying attraction, the Holiday Village, where you can have some seasonal food, meet with Santa, and enjoy an illuminated Walk-Through Forest attraction.

11. Traders Village

Traders VillageSource: flickr
Traders Village

Traders Village is better known by its nickname, ‘The Famous Texas Flea Market’, which tells you everything you need to know about what is on sale here.

Pretty much whatever you are looking for, you will have a good chance of finding, particularly as there are over 3,500 sellers here.

The markets spans more than 160 acres of land, and as well as stalls selling anything and everything, you will also find rides, arcade games, and food stalls.

12. Riverside Golf Course

Riverside Golf CourseSource: playriversidetx
Riverside Golf Course

The Riverside Golf Course runs along the side of the Trinity River in Grand Prairie and is known for being one of the most picturesque golf courses in the county.

The course is designed for a range of players in mind, so different abilities can play here, and you can take in the majestic views across the water at the same time.

13. Verizon Theater

Verizon TheaterSource: flickr
Verizon Theater

If you want to catch a show in Grand Prairie then one of the best places to do it is at the Verizon Theater.

The venue has a capacity of over 6,000 spectators and you can watch a huge array of events here as well as theatrical performances.

Some of these include magic shows, standup comedy nights, dance recitals, and more.

14. Tangle Ridge Golf Course

Tangle Ridge Golf CourseSource: golfadvisor
Tangle Ridge Golf Course

If you want to fit in a round of golf in one of the most picturesque parts of Grand Prairie, then there is no better place than the Tangle Ridge Golf Course.

The course is one of the top ranked in the area and is known for its gorgeous rolling hills that show off the best of the beautiful and famous Texas Hill Country.

As well as the green itself, you can admire the surrounding mountain landscapes as you practice your swing.

15. Grand Prairie Premium Outlets

Grand Prairie Premium OutletsSource: premiumoutlets
Grand Prairie Premium Outlets

For some serious retail therapy in Grand Prairie, look no further than Grand Prairie Premium Outlets, where you will find over 100 different shops that all offer discounts on their goods.

At the Grand Prairie Premium Outlets, you can expect anything up to a 65% discount on big name brands like Michael Kors, Coach, DKNY, and Tommy Bahama.

The discounts are given as many of the items are from previous seasons’ collections, but if you are looking to shop until you drop cheaply then this is not to be missed.



15 Best Things to Do in Grand Prairie (TX):

  • Lynn Creek Park
  • AirHogs Ballpark
  • Uptown Theater
  • Lone Star Park
  • Ripley’s & Palace of Wax
  • Alliance Skate Park
  • Asia Times Square and Hong Kong Market
  • Farmers Market at Market Square
  • Lloyd Park on Joe Pool Lake
  • Prairie Lights
  • Traders Village
  • Riverside Golf Course
  • Verizon Theater
  • Tangle Ridge Golf Course
  • Grand Prairie Premium Outlets