North Texas has a lot to offer, but The Colony features attractions, restaurants and shopping experiences unique to Texas and the United States. Check out a roundup of the top experiences you can only find in The Colony.
Unexpected Entertainment
Whether it’s catching a major sporting event, exploring outer space or witnessing the majesty of Cirque de Soleil, Cosm turns every visit into an adventure. Located at Grandscape, the city’s premier indoor-outdoor dining, retail and entertainment destination, Cosm offers a one-of-a-kind immersive experience you won’t find just anywhere. This cutting-edge venue blends live entertainment, sports and cinematic visuals in a way that surrounds you so you’re not just watching the action, you’re inside it. With its massive 87-foot domed LED screen and 12K visuals, the line between screen and reality falls away. You have to see it to believe it!
Defy gravity, conquer heights and unleash your inner daredevil at Fritz’s Adventure and their only Texas location! Fritz’s Adventure brings high-flying, heart-pumping fun with over 100,000 square feet of multi-level explorable space and activities for all ages. This massive adventure park features four-story climbing walls, a network of tunnels, indoor-outdoor ropes courses and thrilling ziplines, culminating in an obstacle course playground built for both kids and adults. Whether you’re journeying through the real oil silo or zipping through the air, every corner of Fritz’s is packed with excitement, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and families looking for an unforgettable day of play.
Stepping into WorldSprings feels like embarking on a serene global journey without ever leaving Texas. Choose from 46 open-air mineral pools, each inspired by the healing waters of iconic hot springs from around the world. You can soak, unwind and let the day melt away. Venture into the first outdoor mineral pool experience of its kind in the U.S. and enjoy the health benefits of mineral spring treatments from around the world and the positive power of social connection in an experiential water retreat everyone can enjoy.
Existing somewhere between fine art and roadside attraction, Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum is home to over 1,400 pieces featuring mixed media affixed to toilet seat covers, reusing found objects while documenting a moment in time. The collection is the life’s work of retired plumber-turned-artist Barney Smith and has been amassed for nearly 30 years. You’ll find the permanent collection on the second floor of Truck Yard, a laid-back honky-tonk beer garden. This museum is truly a sight to behold.
Unparalleled Dining
Combining microbrews, live jazz concerts and refined fusion eats, Windmills makes for an unforgettable night out. The only U.S. location pays tribute to its Indian roots with a curated menu featuring tandoori favorites mixed with Texas flavors. Batter-fried Gulf shrimp and Texas redfish pakora (spiced fritter), parmesan and green chile kulcha (stuffed flatbread) and wagyu chicken-fried steak are all available daily. Craft brew lovers will appreciate 14 distinct beers, ranging from pilsner and blonde ales to a range of hoppy IPAs, all made with the highest quality ingredients. Settle in for an evening and feel transported as a curated set list features sounds of exceptionally skilled jazz artists.
The perfect pet-friendly dining experience awaits at The Shacks at Austin Ranch. Inspired by food trucks, this collection of small restaurants, known as The Shacks, boasts an assortment of cuisines. Order from a California-style taqueria or coffee shop/pizzeria while sipping on a local brew from the adjacent taproom. Dine al fresco on the expansive patio, connecting the restaurants and overlooking Bacon’s Dog Park. The one-acre dog park is open to the public and is a great excuse to bring man’s best friend along for mealtime.
Step into another era at Red Phone Booth, a prohibition-style speakeasy tucked away in the Grandscape Grotto. This upscale lounge offers a one-of-a-kind experience, where the entrance is hidden behind a classic London-style phone booth and access requires a secret code. Inside, you’ll find a moody, sophisticated atmosphere with leather seating, expertly crafted cocktails, small plates and a humidor stocked with premium cigars. It’s an unforgettable night out for those looking to sip, savor and socialize in style. Pro tip: contact Visit The Colony to get the secret code. Dress code required.
Discover a complete list of restaurants in The Colony for more exceptional dining experiences.
A Huge Selection of Shopping
Yes, it’s true. Everything is bigger in Texas, including the shopping. SCHEELS is the World’s Largest All Sports Store with more than 331,000 square feet of retail adventure. Easily spend a day browsing more than 85 specialty departments ranging from golf equipment and hunting gear to women’s apparel and fashion footwear, all staffed with knowledgeable team members. SCHEELS is more than just a store; it is a shopping destination with entertainment for the whole family around every corner. Take a ride on the 65-foot indoor Ferris wheel, watch exotic fish swim around the 16,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, snap selfies in front of the wildlife mountain, sample handmade fudge from Ginna’s café and much more.
Not to be outdone, NFM offers selections for home and lifestyle within the nation’s largest home furnishing store. The 1.8 million square feet of showroom and warehouse space is not a typical furniture store. “The Mart” offers goods for everyone with the hottest electronics, on-trend décor, kitchen essentials and more. A walk through the expansive showroom will also reveal a wide variety of appliances, fitness equipment, flooring and furniture for every room.
Neighboring the retail giants is a collection of makers, artisans and curators inside The Homestead at Grandscape. Each storefront in the Homestead is a small business with local ties. These boutique shops offer goods ranging from handmade leather wares to handcrafted candles and body products.
A Look Inside: The Homestead at Grandscape
Tucked inside Grandscape is an assortment of boutique shops, sweet treats and sommelier favorites. Take a closer look at the small businesses offering some of the coolest finds in the city.
Truly Special Events
The Colony has a long-standing tradition of annual events, which have become some of the most distinct in the state. One of the largest events is the much-anticipated American Heroes: A Salute to Veterans every November. In conjunction with Veterans Day, American Heroes honors former military members while celebrating their service with family-friendly entertainment. Carnival games, fair foods, car shows and veteran ceremonies await at The Athletic Club – The Colony. The biggest attractions at American Heroes is the live music series, featuring past performances by The Oak Ridge Boys, Eli Young Band, John Michael Montgomery, Jack Ingram, Sawyer Brown and Tanya Tucker, and the patriotic drone show finale.
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