Epic Waters Ranked Top Two Indoor Waterpark by USA Today

Published on May 13, 2026

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Epic Waters is a USA Today nation’s best waterparks award winner for the fourth consecutive year
The signature Grand Prairie destination is the top-ranked single-location indoor waterpark on the list

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark has once again earned a place among the top indoor waterparks in the country, ranking No. 2 in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This marks the fourth consecutive year the signature Grand Prairie attraction—also the top-ranked single-location waterpark on the list—has been recognized among the nation’s best.

The USA TODAY 10Best program highlights top travel, food and lifestyle experiences, with winners determined by public vote from nominations curated by travel and lifestyle experts. This year’s No. 2 ranking reflects Epic Waters’ continued rise on the national stage and confirms its growing reputation as a year-round destination for family fun.

“Earning another top-two ranking nationwide is a tremendous honor and a testament to the consistency and care our team brings to creating a world class guest experience every day,” said Richard Coleman, CEO of American Resort Management, the waterpark’s operator. “From our slides and signature attractions to the overall affordable resort-styled atmosphere we’ve created, every detail of an Epic Waters visit is designed to deliver something memorable. We’re delighted that our guests and the Grand Prairie community rallied to help us achieve this recognition once again.”

The USA TODAY recognition is the latest in a long string of accolades for Epic Waters, including a recent “Best Indoor Waterpark” nod by Travel + Leisure, along with national honors from Newsweek, Tripadvisor and the Travel Channel, and local recognition from the Dallas Observer, DFW Child and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The ranking further cements Epic Waters and the surrounding EpicCentral entertainment district as an international destination, according to Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen.

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“Grand Prairie is proud to see Epic Waters ranked among the best attractions in the country yet again,” Jensen said. “This summer, we welcome visitors from around the world to splash, shop, eat and make memories at EpicCentral.”
Known for delivering year-round summer fun in an indoor park with an outdoor feel, Epic Waters features slides offering thrills from mild to wild, a surfing simulator, the longest indoor lazy river in Texas and an outdoor wave pool, along with dry-land amenities including an arcade and café. Located within the 172-acre EpicCentral entertainment district, the waterpark is surrounded by waterfront dining, hotels and additional attractions, making it a convenient hub for extended visits.

The honor follows a season of well-received programming, including a standout spring break experience highlighted by the cirque-style Epic Circus Spectacular. Summer programming plans are underway now, with the annual opening of Epic Waves, the waterpark's outoor wave pool, set to take place mid-May; and FlowaPalooza, a free family-friendly festival packed with live entertainment, set for Memorial Day weekend. Plan your next waterpark visit at epicwatersgp.com.  

More About Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
Epic Waters is a year-round destination in Grand Prairie, Texas, offering over 80,000 square feet of indoor aquatic attractions. Known as a "cruise ship on land," the park provides a climate-controlled environment for guests of all ages.  

Epic Waters is a signature destination of EpicCentral, a 172-acre recreation and entertainment development owned by the City of Grand Prairie that is growing in prominence as a top destination for North Texas, particularly in the southern Dallas-Fort Worth sector. Centrally located off Highway 161 north of I-20, EpicCentral boasts adventure parks, waterfront dining for all budgets, special events, live music, scenic paths, play spaces and green spaces, hotels, an event and convention center, and Illuvia, a nightly Vegas-style water and light show. In addition to Epic Waters, notable EpicCentral destinations include Bolder Adventure Park, PlayGrand Adventures, Chicken N Pickle, as well as dining options that include Vidorra, Serious Eats, and The Finch restaurants. Learn more.

About American Resort Management
American Resort Management, LLC (ARM) is a full-service national hospitality management and hotel development company. ARM’s concentration is on the development and the long term management of select and full service hotels, indoor waterpark resorts, outdoor waterparks, family entertainment centers and franchised and independent restaurant concepts. ARM achieves positive results from a “hands-on” management style that focuses on the guest experience. Driven by success, ARM’s focus is providing excellence at every level, resulting in measurably higher returns. Projects are operated to the highest standards in the hospitality industry. The aim is clear: to establish strong, profitable operations by providing well-maintained facilities staffed by friendly, highly trained individuals who embrace a commitment to exceeding guests' expectations on every visit.