Young Families Drive Growth, North Texas Entertainment Options

Two new family attractions, Universal And peppa pig theme parkwill soon call North Texas home.

Jack Bradshaw of the North East Tarrant Chamber of Commerce said yes, Texas is known as a great place to do business, but young families are driving the growth.

“There are a lot of young families here,” Bradshaw said. You are talking about Frisco. You’re talking about the northern hills of Richland and northeastern Tarrant County. It’s a great place for people who are raising families.”

A new Universal theme to be built by NBC 5’s parent company, the Frisco park will be built along Dallas’ northern toll road, north of Panther Creek Boulevard, and will target children ages 3 to 11.

The Peppa Pig theme park will take over the site of Mountazia, off Highway 26 in the North Richland Hills. It will be second in the country. The other is located outside of Orlando, Florida.

Grande Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen understands the importance of raising money for entertainment. He has seen the city-supported indoor swimming park Epic Waters attract new businesses. Soon Big Shots Golf, Andretti Indoor Karting and Bass Pro will appear in the city.

“It’s like restaurants,” Jensen said. They don’t want to be alone. The entertainment is the same.”

While Jensen said he would prefer the land of Grand Prairie for every new attraction, every new option in North Texas is a win for the region.

“Not many of us can go to Cancun next week for spring break, but don’t we want to take our kids to something fun?” Jensen said.

City council members and the city zoning commission approved the project on Tuesday despite opposition from residents.