Dig World Katy.
Dig World, a construction-themed adventure park featured on ABC’s “Shark Tank” and co-founded by Lake Highlands neighbors Kelsey and Alex Carroll, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for their newest location. The second Dig World will open in early 2026 along the outer ring of Grapevine Mills Mall.
“I couldn’t be more excited to launch Dig World in my hometown of DFW,” said Carroll, who touted the success of the first park in Katy, Texas. Since its opening in 2022, Dig World has welcomed more than 200,000 visitors, hosted more than 2,000 birthday parties and attracted more than 150 million views on social media. “We’re combining real machinery, creative play and the power of partnership with Dude Perfect to create an unforgettable experience for families.”
Dude Perfect is the wildly popular YouTube channel known for sports videos, competitive challenges and comedy skits. They’ll provide trick shot zones and family challenges featuring construction equipment such as excavators and scissor lifts, combining their signature stunts with building machines for original, hands-on fun.
“The mission of Dude Perfect is to honor God by helping families flourish,” said Coby Cotton, co-founder of Dude Perfect. “This fits squarely in the mission for Dude Perfect. We really are excited to see what comes of this location and can’t wait to see how it actually unfolds.”
Dig World Katy.
Irving-based Caterpillar has signed on as title sponsor for Dig World.
“Caterpillar is super excited to partner with Alex and Dig World to get the next generation of young kids behind Caterpillar equipment and interested in construction,” said Joe Creed, the firm’s CEO. “But it’s not just for kids — no matter your age, when you get in the cabin and machines, I guarantee you’ll become a kid very quickly. You’ll put a smile on your face.”
“This is just such an amazing, amazing attraction,” Creed continued. “I can’t wait to bring my kids, to bring my family here for opening day. We’ll try to be customer number one. I don’t know if we’ll be first in line, but we’ll do our best.”
Alex Carroll speaks at Monday’s groundbreaking. Photography by Carol Toler.
“Caterpillar’s sponsorship is a dream come true,” Carroll said in a previous announcement. “When kids climb into a Cat machine, they’re not just pretending — they’re experiencing the real thing. Caterpillar helps us deliver an authentic and exciting construction adventure for children of all ages.”
“Dig World brings something truly unique to our community — a place where kids and adults get behind the controls of real equipment in a safe, immersive environment, a kind of attraction that not only entertains but educates,” Grapevine Mills General Manager Joe Szymaszek said at the groundbreaking. “We look forward to next spring when this wonderful attraction opens. This is a special milestone, and we look forward to welcoming families from all across the United States.”
“We have thoroughly enjoyed working together up to this point, although when I see Alex’s name on my phone, I’m like, ‘do I take it this time?’,” Szymaszek joked. “And I usually do.”
So, this is where I should probably confess two things. One, I am Alex Carroll’s adoring aunt. Two, Alex will drive you crazy with his incessant phone calls. It’s how he became a successful entrepreneur, it’s a trait he’s well aware of and it’s something he takes extensive ribbing for with family and friends. Szymaszek provides just one case in point.
If you’re interested in getting your child into the cab of a real, working Caterpillar, Dig World expects to open in the spring. If you simply cannot wait, Dig World Katy is just four hours away.
Grapevine Mayor William Tate, Grapevine Mills GM Joe Szymaszek, Alex Carroll, Dude Perfect Co-Founder Coby Cotton, Holt Cat GM Adam Casey, MEP Engineer Bill Lee, Emma Creative’s Michael Allen and Kelsey Carroll. Photography by Carol Toler.
Dig World Katy.
