A major new entertainment venue is arriving in North Richland Hills, Texas, this month. Malibu Jack’s, a 137,000-square-foot indoor theme park, is set to open its doors on June 15, making it the largest of its kind in Texas. The facility is expected to become a regional draw for families and thrill-seekers looking for year-round fun that doesn’t depend on the weather.
Malibu Jack’s, which already operates similar parks in Kentucky and Indiana, is opening its first Texas location inside a former Walmart building. The company has retrofitted the space to include a full-scale entertainment complex, offering go-karts, a small roller coaster, arcade games, laser tag, mini-golf, bowling, and a large soft-play area for younger children.
Variety of Attractions Under One Roof
Among the park’s largest features are a 30,000-square-foot go-kart track, a pirate-themed “Bounce Beach” playground, and more than 130 arcade games. Visitors will also find a glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course, a floor-drop ride called the “Whirlpool,” a 12-lane duckpin bowling alley, and a virtual reality arena.
For older guests, there’s a section called “Hang Ten Patio,” with self-pour beer taps, lawn games, and food options like burgers and wings.
According to Malibu Jack’s leadership, the goal is to provide a weatherproof environment where guests can find a mix of high-energy attractions and family-friendly activities without needing to split up or leave the building.
Community Impact and Timing
The new location is opening at a time when North Texas is seeing a surge in family entertainment projects, including the upcoming Universal Kids Resort in nearby Frisco. Malibu Jack’s expects to employ about 150 people at the new site, ranging from ride operators and food service staff to game technicians and event coordinators.
To mark the opening, the company is launching a citywide scavenger hunt in June, hiding branded surfboards all around North Richland Hills. Each board comes with prizes such as free play cards or unlimited-attraction passes. While the park opens to the public on June 15, a formal grand opening celebration is expected later in the summer.
Designed for Year-Round Use
One of Malibu Jack’s selling points is its ability to offer indoor fun year-round, which is something that could be especially appealing in Texas, where summer temperatures can make outdoor parks uncomfortable and nearly unbearable. In contrast to traditional amusement parks that close in the off-season, Malibu Jack’s aims to operate daily regardless of the weather.
The concept appears to fill a niche in the market between small arcades and large outdoor amusement parks. Its all-indoor format and multi-attraction model are expected to appeal to birthday parties, school groups, and weekend family outings alike.
