Top Rated Attracties in Grand Prairie

Located north of Six Flags on Green Oaks Boulevard in Arlington, this park offers something for everyone. There are areas for hiking, biking and inline skating. Four miles of paved trails wind in and out of the playground and greenbelt areas of this 958-acre (388-hectare) park. Eventually, Arlington hopes to connect this park to Dallas and Fort Worth via the Trinity River trail. Each Saturday, the River Legacy Park sponsors a guided trail hike. The River Legacy Living Science Center gives presentations on nature to promote ecological appreciation.

Often referred to as "The Entertainment Capital of Texas," Six Flags offers 200 acres (809,371 square meters) of rides, shows and attractions. For many years, this family amusement park has delighted Texans and others from around the world. Favorites include the 109-foot-tall (33 meters) "Batman the Ride," which travels up to 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour) and exciting re-creations of the Wild West complete with gunslingers in an action-filled street shootout. Rates and seasonal hours vary, especially in winter.

White Rock Lake covers 1,254 acres (507 hectares). It offers beautiful picnic spots and recreational areas, providing a peaceful break from city life. You can enjoy walking or biking on the many waterfront trails, with a full loop around the lake taking about three hours. Activities like fishing, sailing, and horseback riding are available for those seeking adventure. Bird watchers will love the variety of exotic species. The scenic views of lush landscapes and calm waters create a tranquil setting.

The beauty of Texas' nature can be experienced first-hand with a hike through this preserve. With guided and self-guided tours available along the ten miles of wooded trails, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Escarpment Nature Preserve, the highest point in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Along the way, you can view ponds, wildflowers, and a butterfly garden before arriving at vistas and an observation tower. The trails vary in difficulty and are all natural terrain paved with rock, mulch, or dirt. They are designed for foot traffic only; bikes and roller blades are not allowed. Hikes can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours, depending on the trail selected. A snack bar, gift shop, and amphitheater are also located on the grounds.

Off the shores of White Rock Lake lies the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The 66 acres (27 hectares) of lush, perfectly manicured landscapes hold a treasure trove of trees, shrubs, and flowers that are sure to make anyone green with envy. The DeGolyer House, a 1940s-style Spanish mansion, is also located on the grounds, where tours of the house and its sculpture garden are offered. The Jonsson Color Gardens and A Woman's Garden are exquisite features of the picturesque grounds.

A visit to the Dallas Children's Theater is entertainment for the entire family. Introduce your little ones to the world of live theater by involving them in activities here. Classes are offered here, and are conducted by established artists. A number of excellent plays including Rumpelstiltskin, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and several musicals have been shown here.