Known as the beautiful city by the lake, The Colony is one of the fastest-growing communities in North Texas. Situated about 34 minutes north of Dallas in between Frisco and Plano, it’s the perfect place to go for outdoor adventures on the lake. Its spectacular views along the eastern shoreline of Lewisville Lake have always been what the town is best known for, but that might be changing.
With the new Grandscape shopping center on the other side of town, the city now has something else to boast about and is no longer the best-kept secret it once was. The Colony will soon, if not now, be known for having one of the best shopping areas in North Texas. Here are a few things to keep you and your family busy on a day trip into town.
Things To Do In The Colony
The Colony is a great place to visit for shopping, eating, and playing. Whether you want to immerse yourself in acres of wildlife, camping, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, or go on a shopping spree, you’ll find activities and attractions to keep the family entertained all day long and into the night if you want.
Grandscape
Some of the best things to do in The Colony are located at this one central location. Grandscape is The Colony’s premier entertainment district that provides family-friendly attractions, restaurants, gift shops, locally-owned boutiques, and large retail stores. But that’s not all — the Grandscape Wheel with roomy gondolas is its latest attraction. And from the looks of all the construction going on, there’s more to come. With all the fun attractions, the Grandscape lawn, great selections of eateries, and shopping galore, there’s no doubt you could spend the entire day right in this area.
Restaurants at Grandscape vary from pizza to Tex-Mex, sports bars to a winery, and everything in between — even a delicious chocolate store.
There are also weekly events, happy hours, hotels, and so much more. Heck, you can even live there at the new apartment complex right in the center of it all!
Pro Tip: Large public parking areas with free parking and valet are available. The entire Grandscape is walkable if you’re looking to get in some steps.
Jurassic World: The Exhibition
If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to walk among the dinosaurs, this exhibition is for you! Jurassic World: The Exhibition, located at Grandscape, is a one-of-a-kind 20,000-square-foot interactive exhibition the kids are definitely going to want to see. I almost guarantee a roar or two! And, parents, you’ll “dig it” too!
Andretti Indoor Karting And Games
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is the ultimate family indoor entertainment and event center, with several attractions under one roof. But the best of all is the super karts on the multi-level track. Or the kids might want to choose the latest virtual reality experience and arcade games, multi-level laser tag arena, and more. Look for 2-for-1 on Tuesdays. And, yes, parents, there is a bar.
Scheels Outdoors
You don’t have to be in the mood to shop for outdoor gear, hiking shoes, hunting clothing, and the like to visit this incredible store. Make a point to go inside to see the spectacular wildlife mountain on display in the middle of the store. And while you’re there, let the kids ride the indoor Ferris wheel for only a dollar a ride. Scheels is the place for all outdoor adventures and comfy blankets in which I indulged. Also, if you find yourself in the store a bit longer (because it’s very easy to do) and need a boost, Ginna’s Cafe & Coffee is located inside that offers premier coffee, several meal options, and don’t forget to pick up fudge to go.
Pro Tip: The front of the store has impressive statues of Abraham Lincoln, and the back of the store steps right outside on the Grandscape lawn.
Nebraska Furniture Mart
No doubt Nebraska Furniture Mart put The Colony on the map when it opened in 2015 with 560,000 square feet on two levels of shopping. It’s been recorded as being one of the world’s largest retail stores — I believe it. It took me this long to make it out to the store, and now it’s my go-to for the latest modern furniture for my home. A trip to this furniture store is every bit of an experience. You may even get lost in it. With rows and rows of couches, chairs, lamps, and tables stacked upon each other, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find that exact piece of furniture whether you want it or not! Look for it at Grandscape.
Pro Tip: A large area of clearance items exists in the back of the store.
Kilwins
Treat yourself to the “world’s best fudge,” Kilwins Grandscape claims. A must-try, if anything else, is its original ice cream made right in the store. It got two thumbs up from my boys. If ice cream is not your thing, try loads of fresh candy and chocolate treats also made right in the store.
Galaxy Theatres
Now showing… all the latest films you and the kids will want to see. Galaxy Theatres Grandscape provides first-class entertainment with a super sound system, IMAX, Dolby, and several other experiences. Grab a seat, and don’t forget the popcorn.
Relax At Lewisville Lake
Lewisville Lake is one of North Texas’s largest recreational lakes that’s great for boating, fishing, and swimming. The Colony shoreline trail features a 10-foot-wide, 3.5-mile hiking trail made of concrete and decomposed granite. Playing around here will surely dazzle your group all day.
Stewart Creek Park
Stewart Creek Park provides a full schedule of outdoor recreation on 65-acres located along the shoreline of Lewisville Lake. Complete with swimming, boating (boat ramp included), fishing, covered picnic areas with picnic tables, a nature trail, and two playgrounds. Campsites and fire pits are there, too — perfect for a day at the park.
Pro Tip: A small entry fee is required for day use.
Golf Clubs At The Tribute
If you like to swing a club, you can enjoy a round of golf at the upscale Golf Clubs at the Tribute, which offers the golfer two courses to choose from. Not only that but lovely views of Lewisville Lake and fantastic dining are included. It’s been on the Best Public Golf Course list in Texas a time or two. Member rates, as well as non-members rates, are available. No matter the skill levels of your group, you’re sure to have a good time out on the green.
Pro Tip: Golf clothing is required. Read the dress code here.
Hawaiian Falls The Colony
Kids and grandkids of all ages love this waterpark. Hawaiian Falls The Colony is in my opinion the best place to take the kids for a day in the water. There’s one near me, and when we go, my time is spent solely in the lazy river. And, of course, the wave pool is where all the action is and where the kids will be if they haven’t checked in with you in a while. I always find my kid there!
Pro Tip: Life jackets provided.
Best Restaurants In The Colony
The Colony offers a diverse dining scene from cozy coffee shops to popular chain restaurants and many one-of-a-kind restaurants to satisfy the entire family.
Lava Cantina At Grandscape
Lava Cantina is a family-owned rock n’ roll-themed Creole-Mexican fusion restaurant at Grandscape. The restaurant provides live music and an awesome atmosphere with seating of over 1500 guests. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the atmosphere is probably the best part about eating here.
Parry’s Pizzeria And Taphouse
Parry’s Pizzeria is where we chose to eat. We checked in, and were told it would be a 30-40 minute wait, so we went to Kilwin’s for dessert! Fifteen minutes later, the text on my phone said our table was ready. With ice cream in hand, we had pizza, too! My boys were full and happy after a large pepperoni pizza, spicy wings, and ice cream.
Truck Yard
Located behind Nebraska Furniture Mart, Truck Yard is an outdoor adult venue where you can let your hair down and party with your buds. But strollers and dogs are often seen out there, too. Live music, food, beer, and games are what you’ll find here.
Pro Tip: Food trucks rotate out, but the cheesesteak is always there, and the owner boasts that it’s better than any you’ve ever tried.
The Rice Bar
The Rice Bar is a Korean delight featuring casual dining for dinner and ample space for groups. Come for an early dinner or a late one. Hours are 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. — closed Sunday.
K-Pop Burger
A locally sourced premier hamburger joint with over 20 ways to order a hamburger and lots of sides to boot. K-Pop Burger is your go-to for a hamburger your way.
Pro Tip: With the growing population in The Colony, this area has become one of the best places to raise a family in North Texas. It’s a well-rounded, safe place to live as well as to visit.
Looking for other interesting Texas towns to check out? Consider: