Winter has seemed to stretch on for miles this year. Maybe it’s because I lose interest in the snow and cozy sweaters and festive hot cocktails once Christmas and New Years pass. Ok, maybe NOT the festive hot cocktails so much! The truth is that Christmas lights and holiday decorations are the only thing that makes the frigid Oklahoma wind tolerable in the winter.
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Our Winter Escape to An Epic Grand Prairie Indoor Water Park
It’s safe to say that the kids and I needed an escape from old man winter, or at least the illusion of such an escape. So, when I received an invitation to experience Epic Waters, I jumped at the opportunity. Epic Waters in Grand Prairie is as its name implies. It’s an EPIC indoor water park and a perfect way to have a bit of summer fun during a frosty winter weekend.
Before we dive in, I’d like to stop and offer a big THANK YOU to Epic Waters and Grand Prairie Tourism for inviting my family to town and hosting us for the weekend. Lodging and activities were provided to my family at no charge in exchange for this honest article providing information and ideas for your family. As always, all opinions are my own.
An Epic Grand Prairie Getaway with The Kids
Grand Prairie isn’t far from home (OKC). In fact, it’s only a few hours away which makes Grand Prairie a super easy weekend getaway from OKC. I’m not going to lie. The distance and ease of travel was part of the allure. I’ve been so swamped lately that the idea of planning, even for travel, is enough to make me want to crawl in a hole and hide. I needed this trip. WE needed this trip.
The kids have been cooped up inside because of the gross weather and mom (me) has been buried under a pile of chores. Besides, 85 degrees and sunny – even if “sunny” is through a massive retractable roof, sounds amazing any day. Hopping into the car and arriving in 3 hours is doable. However, since no trip down I-35 in Texas is complete without a stop at Buc-ee’s, it took us more like 4 hours.
A Bit About Epic Waters Indoor Water Park
Opening in January 2018, Epic Waters Indoor Water Park in Grand Prairie is still a relatively new facility. It’s the largest indoor water park in Texas and the largest indoor water park under a retractable roof in North America. Filled with various attractions, the 80,000 square foot space offers enough to keep the whole family busy all day long.
Coming soon in May 2019 is another addition – a 10,000 square foot outdoor wave pool. This epic Grand Prairie indoor water park has made waves in family travel media as well. Not long after opening, the Travel Channel Placed Epic Waters Grand Prairie on the list of top 8 indoor water parks in the country.
Braving Three Unique Slides at The Epic Grand Prairie
So, what makes Epic Grand Prairie….epic? For starters, the eleven water slides of which three that are a first for the water park industry. If you’re brave enough -and big enough (weight and height restrictions apply), take a ‘plunge’ down their most daring attractions such as the Prairie Plunge or the Texas Twist. If you have some mini thrill-seekers to entertain, Rascals’ Roundup is filled with pint-size slides and a 300-gallon tipping bucket.
Lasso Loop
Perhaps the most dare-devilish ride of all at Epic Waters is the Lasso Loop. Half the experience is being able to handle the pre-slide suspense. While awaiting my own turn, I watched several people step onto this one only to hop right back off. You begin the ride by stepping onto a transparent platform inside a rocket-like tunnel. Next, the (also transparent) door closes in front of you.
At this point, there is no turning back. Following an audible 3-second countdown, the platform opens dropping you into a vertical free fall fast enough to send you uphill …and down again. It’s worth noting that the Lasso Loop is the nation’s tallest indoor Aqualoop. Due to design, this slide has height and weight requirements.
Yellowjacket Drop
Epic Waters has taken the Boomerango and the Constrictor and merged them into one epic indoor water slide. The Yellowjacket Drop is an enclosed ride that ends in an open drop. The steep drop shoots you high onto a wall creating the sensation of zero gravity. Unsurprisingly, this one was a favorite for the kids.
Aquanut
This Aquasphere inner tube slide featuring double-rider capability is the first indoor water slide of its kind. It’s not too fast but it’s a lot of fun. Grab a partner and take off to ride the high walls of this epic Grand Prairie slide.
Other Things to Do at Epic Waters Indoor Water Park
Let’s be honest. Often, family travel becomes a struggle that is reduced to a series of compromises. Parents, children, and siblings take turns sacrificing pleasure for the sake of the next activity. That’s the really nice thing about Epic Waters. Here, there’s a little something for everyone. It’s refreshing to see everyone from tiny tots to grandparents having a fun time. For us, this trip meant a weekend where an 11 yr. old and 13 yr. old had fun doing something together all day. I don’t know about you, but in my book, that’s a huge win. Here are a few of the attractions at Epic Grand Prairie that help cater to the young and young at heart.
Splash Around Rascal’s Round Up
Rascal’s Round Up is built especially for the little adventure-seekers in the family. This little oasis of fun has slides, geysers, and more to keep the littles busy in a safe environment. Of course, an indoor water fort isn’t complete without a 300-gallon bucket that tips and drenches everyone below!
Float the Rio Grande Lazy River
Take a break from high adrenaline slides and float the longest indoor lazy river in Texas. Since we’re in Texas, there’s no better name for it than the Rio Grande!
Learn to Surf or Boogie Board on the Flowrider
The Flowrider Wave Surf simulator is a fun way to test your skills on a surf or boogie board. This ride features two lanes where both kids and adults can take on waves. Be careful not to wipe out!
Take Home a Prize from the Arcade
The kiddos are always down for a great arcade and, admittedly, so am I. The arcade at Epic Grand Prairie will keep kids and fun-loving adults busy with forty-five games and a ton of awesome prizes.
Shoot Hoops or Ride a Shark in the Swimming Hole
Relax poolside or hop in and challenge your friends to a game of water basketball. Kids can ride the big shark floating in the deep end of the pool.
Where to Stay in Grand Prairie
For our Grand Prairie getaway, we were set up at Home2Suites. This was my first time to stay at this particular brand. Although we had a couple of minor hiccups, it was nothing that would prevent me from staying again. I enjoy space when it comes to a hotel room, so I was pleased to walk into a spacious room. I did have to request a light room cleaning for Saturday (weekends are by request only for conservation) because our soap was empty in the shower. They did come and do the cleaning but, unfortunately, still didn’t refill the soap. Luckily, we had brought some along.
If you are visiting Epic Waters in Grand Prairie, Home2Suites is very conveniently located. It’s right off the highway, about a 5-minute drive from Epic. It’s also close to a few good restaurants like Texas Roadhouse for steak eaters and Beto’s for great Mexican food. For breakfast, the hotel provides several options including fruits, yogurt, breakfast sandwiches, cereal, bagels, and more. Overall, it’s a terrific value for families.
Photos of Our Room at Home2Suites by Hilton Dallas/Grand Prairie
Epic Waters Location, Hours, and Cost
Hours & Events: Epic Waters is open year-round including major holidays. Summer, Spring, and Winter hours are 10am to 9pm. Fall hours vary. Since hours are subject to change due to events, be sure to check the schedule here for current hours and a calendar of events.
Location: 2970 Epic Place, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052
Cost of Admission: Admission varies for residents and non-residents. Rates as of March 2019 are below.
Grand Prairie Residents Day Pass – $17 (under 48″), $22 (over 48″)
Non-Residents Day Pass – $29 (under 48″), $34 (over 48″)
Children 3 & under are free.
Jenna Walker is a travel writer from Oklahoma who lives with her husband, two children, and three rescue pets. While out and about in the world, she loves spending time outdoors, exploring local culture, and trying new foods. Jenna knows that, often, we overlook our own backyard. You can also find her stories and guides on the website, The Oklahoma Experience.
Hey! I'm Jenna Walker and this is where I share stories and guides about adventure, culture, and good food. I hope this website inspires you to live your best travel life and encourages you to explore the world with an open mind and adventurous spirit.