With a snip of the ceremonial ribbon and a wave from some familiar little blue friends, The Smurf Experience officially opened its doors on May 7 at Arlington’s Esports Stadium, marking its highly anticipated U.S. debut. 

After delighting over 2 million visitors across Europe, this 13,000-square-foot immersive attraction has landed in the heart of Texas for a limited summer engagement. Families and fans of all ages gathered for the grand opening celebration, eager to step inside the whimsical world of Smurf Village and embark on a mission to save it from the villainous Gargamel.

Designed for kids and parents alike, the 75-minute journey through The Smurf Experience features nine interactive zones filled with obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, VR adventures, and character meet-and-greets. It’s a high-energy, hands-on experience filled with “Smurftastic” fun and imaginative play.

“The Smurfs may be small, but their journey has been anything but,” said SBX Group CEO Danny Fritz at the ribbon-cutting. “We’re thrilled to bring this beloved brand to life in such an immersive way for families in DFW.”

Véronique Culliford, daughter of Smurfs creator Peyo and President of Peyo Company, added, “When my father first sketched these characters decades ago, I don’t think he ever imagined they’d one day become a full-scale interactive world. It’s truly special to see the joy they continue to bring.”

Perfectly timed with the upcoming July release of The Smurfs movie from Paramount Pictures—starring Rihanna as the voice of Smurfette—the attraction offers fans a chance to dive into Smurf Village just ahead of the film’s debut.

Situated near AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and Six Flags Over Texas, The Smurf Experience is a summer must-see for visitors and locals alike.

Tickets are now on sale at www.SmurfExperienceUSA.com, with a variety of options available for families and groups. The attraction will remain in Arlington through the end of summer 2025.