Things to Do in Grand Prairie, Texas

Lone Star Park is Grand Prairie's signature venue — a Thoroughbred and Quarter horse racing track with a seven-level, glass-enclosed grandstand, penthouse suites, and terraced trackside dining. Live racing is the draw, and it's one of the few places in the Metroplex to spend a day at the races.

The park also hosts the Lone Star Music Series, bringing well-known country and rock acts to the track for concerts, so a race day can double as a live-music night.

EpicCentral is Grand Prairie's newest and biggest entertainment destination — a 172-acre complex anchored by The Epic recreation center, the Epic Waters indoor water park, and The Summit sports facility. Its showpiece is Illuvia, a free Vegas-style water-and-light show with fountains leaping 60 feet in the air, synchronized to music — the first of its kind in North America.

Between the indoor water park, the rec facilities, and the free fountain show, EpicCentral is built for a full family day, and it draws visitors from across the region.

For something completely different, Traders Village bills itself as America's number-one marketplace — a sprawling flea market with endless rows of vendors, carnival rides, games, live entertainment, and classic fair food like funnel cakes and turkey legs.

It's part flea market, part carnival, and a genuine Grand Prairie institution, the kind of place you can spend a whole weekend day hunting for treasures and eating fair food.

On the outdoor side, Joe Pool Lake on the south side offers swimming, boating, and fishing, with Loyd Park and Lynn Creek Park for camping, marinas, and boat ramps. And each winter, Lynn Creek Park hosts Prairie Lights, a drive-through display of some 4 million holiday lights.

Between the lake in summer and the lights in winter, Joe Pool Lake gives Grand Prairie a year-round outdoor draw to go with its big indoor attractions.