Frisco, TX Continues to attract Unique Destination Development: Indoor Theme Park Kidzania Announces US debut

Frisco, TX has landed a new kind of indoor theme park where kids learn through role-playing. KidZania will make its U.S. debut next year at Stonebriar Centre mall in the North Dallas suburb.

KidZania is a highly detailed world of role playing set in a mini-city complete with buildings, paved roads, vehicles and even its own currency called kidZos. There are plenty of dress-up clothes and props that allow kids to choose from more than 100 different jobs.

KidZania is the world's fastest growing experiential learning center for ages 4 to 14. The 80,000-square-foot space will be custom-built just outside the mall along Preston Road and State Highway 121 in Frisco. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country Frisco is a perfect for KidZania. Frisco ISD is also one of the nation's fastest-growing school districts. Children make up about a third of the city's 160,000+ population.

"Frisco has always been drawn to partners which focus on families, education and entertainment, so we have a lot in common with KidZania," Frisco Mayor Maher Maso said. "The company's innovative approach to inspiring and learning will undoubtedly be a big hit here."

By giving kids access to real-life activities that both entertain and inform, they will build better life skills and stay focused in school. Companies will have the opportunity to sponsor landmarks and buildings in KidZania, similar to what's offered now at Frisco Fire Safety Town.

"The Dallas-Fort Worth area is a very family-oriented community and home to many of the forward-thinking educational partners and dynamic Fortune 5000 and local companies that we want to partner with to make KidZania successful,"Gregory Knoop, chief development officer for KidZania USA, said.

At KidZania, kids ther can try their hands at detective work for the local police force. They can test their piloting skills in the cockpit's flight simulator. Firefighters use real water to extinguish fake flames. Kids can go on an archaeological dig, preside over a trial or host a radio show. They can be dentists or artists.

Each job provides the child with some real-world skills and the also learn about teamwork and how society functions. Adult Zupervisors guide them through all the activities and the the job is done, kids earn a paycheck. Minus taxes, of course.

With kidZos in hand the kids can go shopping at the grocery store, which offers life-like samples or real food where appropriate. There are mini-electric cars for rent or other privileges throughout the experience where the kids can spend their hard earned money. They can also choose to save their doe for future visits.

KidZania USA will also base its corporate headquarters in Frisco, TX brining in an estimated 450 jobs in all.

"Young families in Frisco, North Texas and beyond will find this destination more than a fun day out," said Jim Gandy, president of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation. "KidZania offers a hands-on learning experience for the youngest of the future workforce by allowing them to role play what it's like to be an employee on the job." 

Founded in 1999 in Santa Fe, a suburb of Mexico City, KidZania now operates in 24 locations around the world, including London, Dubai, Tokyo and Bangkok. Each location receives about a half million visitors a year, according to the company. 

Its expansion into the U.S. is part of a joint effort with GGP Inc., which owns and operates Stonebriar Centre. The second U.S. location will open in 2019 in Chicago's Oakbrook Center, another GGP property. Frisco Stonebriar Centre is within one of the region's highest concentrations of retail. 

For more information on this project and other developments taking place in Frisco, TX give me a call at 972.292.5150. The Frisco Economic Development Corporation would love to help you develop your dream here in our community.

I'm a passionate father & husband, encouraging others to be a positive influence in the world around them. As an economic development renegade and vision caster I love inspiring others through talks on Leadership, Economic Development and Place Marketing. Connect with me in the social media world: Twitter, Instagram, and others @DaveQuinn247.