At Dig World in Katy, Texas, it is never too early to try your hand at operating heavy machinery. The construction equipment-themed amusement park is the first of its kind in the state. The 3.5-acre park is designed to safely provide an educational and hands-on experience for both children and adults.
Park goers can operate heavy equipment, including full-size Caterpillar mini excavators, skid steers and UTVs.
Dig World has partnered with the Texas A&M Department of Construction Science with the objective to safely educate on the dynamic construction industry. Mechanics have modified the capabilities of each machine to ensure safety. The company requires seatbelts to be engaged before any machine will operate. The speeds on drivable machines also have been governed and other equipment utilizes hydraulic limitations to reduce total movement.
Jacob Robinson, the founder of Dig World, says he grew up around equipment on the family farm but the idea of creating Dig World came from his son.
“My son loves all things construction equipment. I became aware of a park in New Jersey like this and decided we needed one in Texas for us to enjoy,” he says.
Other attractions at Dig World include a gem mining station, a playground, and a turf field with games such as Cornhole and TowerBall. Dig 
World also will host group events including corporate outings, birthday parties and field trips. The park offers tickets for two-hour passes.
“We wanted to build something that kids and families could enjoy, creating the best and most unique consumer experience in Texas,” Robinson says.
He adds that it’s not just for kids.
“We have already seen groups of just adults come to the park and have a great time. This park is for anyone that has always wanted to operate real construction equipment,” he says.
The company plans to build 10 parks throughout the U.S. over the next few years with the goal of creating 10 million smiles along the way. Robinson says the company will announce new park locations soon.