Grand Prairie brings together a range of attractions: parkland at Joe Pool Lake, seasonal horse racing and a varied cultural program.

Water and Parkland at Joe Pool Lake

Loyd Park covers about 791 acres of pristine Texas landscape on the west shore of Joe Pool Lake. The Walnut Creek Trail runs through the park for more than three miles. Lynn Creek Park is on the lake’s northwest shore and covers about 784 acres. It has two boat ramps with a total of eight lanes, as well as a white sand beach for swimming. This offers several options for planning a visit: enjoy the landscape and trail at Loyd Park, or use the boat ramps and swimming beach at Lynn Creek Park.

Lynn Creek Marina rents boats that can be used for swimming, sunbathing, fishing and cruising on the lake. Before visiting, check the latest information about park amenities.

From Horse Racing to a Water and Light Show

Lone Star Park has two horse racing seasons: Thoroughbred racing begins in April, and Quarter Horses return in September. The Bar & Book at Lone Star Park offers betting on horse races from around the world seven days a week, year-round. This means you can choose between the seasonal racing meets and a year-round horse racing attraction.

Water and entertainment also come in different forms. Epic Waters is an indoor water park open year-round; check the latest operating information before your visit. EpicCentral is on State Highway 161, just north of Interstate 20. There you can see Illuvia, a Vegas-inspired water and light show, with fountains shooting up to 60 feet into the air.

The rides at Traders Village range from children’s attractions to thrill rides. Since individual rides may not always be available, check the current offerings before your visit. Alliance Skatepark offers private professional coaching for all skill levels.

Local History, Stages and Events

The Grand Prairie Historical Museum features exhibits, artifacts and photographs about the city’s history, and preserves the Copeland Home, built in 1902. Today, the Uptown Theater’s program features a wide range of live events, including concerts, theater performances and dance. The building first opened as a movie theater in 1950 and reopened in 2008 as a multipurpose arts center. These two venues offer different ways to explore the city’s history and current performing arts program.

A recurring event is the Flower Festival at Asia Times Square, held every year for Lunar New Year. If you want to plan your visit around the festival, you can time your trip to coincide with this annual event and check the exact festival dates before making plans.

Markets and When to Visit

The Grand Prairie Farmers Market at Market Square takes place on Saturdays from April through mid-December. This makes the market a seasonal option to consider when planning your trip. The Hong Kong Market offers fresh produce, meat and live seafood, giving it a different focus from the weekly market at Market Square.

The seasonal dates and recurring market day mentioned above can also help you plan your stay around your preferred activities and travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Richardson, Desoto, Garland, Cedar Hill, Irving, Hutchins, Coppell, Farmers Branch

For the main travel overview: Dallas.