Universal Studios announced it will build a new theme park attraction for kids in Frisco, east of Dallas North Tollway and north of Panther Creek Parkway.
Alanna McCary/NBC Universal
This year was full of openings: Netflix House Dallas, the Skims store at NorthPark, Burger Schmurger’s brick-and-mortar and the DART Silver Line. What a busy year. Now that it’s all up and running, you may want to kick up your feet and relax, but don’t lean back too fast, because 2026 has a whole new roster of exciting openings, from fashion to fun.
The blueprints of our region is forever changing, and while discussions about major closings (looking at you, City Hall) wage on, we prefer to rally up excitement over what’s to come in empty lots and vacant storefronts. Here’s what to mark on your calendar with a big red circle.
Tormenta Rampaging Run at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington
In celebration of the theme park’s 65th anniversary, Six Flags Over Texas is opening its most daring coaster, the Tormenta Rampaging Run, inspired by the Spanish Running of the Bulls. The record-breaking thrill ride will be the tallest, fastest, longest and only “giga dive” roller coaster in the world, according to the launch website. A giga coaster is any ride with a peak between 300 and 399 feet. The massive 309-foot drop on the Tormenta is inverted, swooping down at a 95-degree angle. It is scheduled to open sometime in 2026, with construction of the coaster ongoing.
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Universal Kids Resort in Frisco
If a 309-foot drop with death-defying twirls and alley-oops isn’t quite your speed, then check out the family-friendly theme park opening in Frisco. The park, themed after Universal Studios’ most popular franchises, including Minions and Trolls, will span 97 acres. The smaller-scale park will not resemble the action-packed parks in California and Florida, but is more suited for small children. The opening is scheduled for 2026, with ground broken in 2023.
Sunset Amphitheater in McKinney
The city of McKinney is on a meteoric rise. Not only is it getting an airport, but it’s also getting a 20,000-capacity $300 million performance venue. The amphitheater is a part of the city’s efforts to boost tourism and economic growth by attracting main-stage acts. The 46-acre site is expected to be completed in 2026, just in time for the touring season. The massive venue is capable of supporting more than 70 shows a year, all with a state-of-the-art temperature control system. The venue also has a member’s only private club, the Aikman Club, which a lucky 350 people can join for a $150,000 annual fee.