10 Ways to have Fun with Kids in Grapevine Texas

If you're looking for things to do with kids in Grapevine, I have some fun ideas for you! I've had the pleasure of visiting Grapevine, Texas, twice and can't wait to go back!

The first time I visited was for a conference, but I also spent a couple of days at a girlfriends getaway drinking wine and eating my way through this laid-back city opened to homesteaders almost 175 years ago, way back in 1843.

There is so much to do in Grapevine, and it does make a fun getaway for adults, but I was surprised to see all the activities available for kids, too.

Fun with Kids in Grapevine Texas

1) The Donald Schoolhouse

Kids of all ages will enjoy seeing what a schoolhouse looked like in the early 1900s at The Donald Schoolhouse. Take a seat at one of the desks.

Pick up a piece of chalk and write on a slate board just like the students did back then.

A teacher's desk has stamps and pencils for writing. Bring your camera and take some photos for that memory book! The kids will also enjoy showing their friends at school how different life was before Smart Boards!

Check out the Spelling Books, too.

2) The Keeling House Museum

The Keeling House Museum is full of things to see from early life in Grapevine. From nostalgic items from the police and fire department to the working 1881 Chandler and Price Press ( yes, I saw it in action!) the kids will be amazed to see how things were printed over 130 years ago.

3) The Grapevine Historical Museum

Explore family life of the early residents at the Grapevine Historical Museum.The collection of farm equipment reminds us all that life was not so easy back then. You'll also see exhibits like a trip through Grandma's attic and restored wedding gowns.

Paying at the store was not as easy, either. No scanners here!

4) Cotton Ginner's Museum

Stop in the Cotton Ginner's Museum to see what a gin looks like and try the hands-on activities.

Now that you've worked up an appetite exploring the history of Grapevine, you'll need to stop for nourishment.

5) Main Street Bakery & Bistro 

Visit the Main Street Bakery & Bistro for the Croi-Doughnut Brûlé. Your kids are going to stare in wide-eyed wonder at this piece of gastronomic delight. Watch their faces as they bite in. It's worth having your camera ready to capture the sheer bliss of tasting this masterpiece. 

Main Street Bakery has a huge menu and everything is fresh and delicious. Join the E Gourmet Club and get a free dessert. You're welcome!

6) Sea Life Aquarium

The Sea Life Aquarium in Grapevine is a bit deceiving from the outside. One on the other side of the door, I was amazed at the size!

With 20 different areas to visit, you really need some time to explore. To give you an idea, be sure to check out these exhibits:

• 360˚ Ocean Tunnel
• Stingray Bay
• Clownfish Caves
• Jellyfish Discovery
• Dinosaur Dive
• Submarine Play Zone

You'll find a plethora of hands-on activities that will keep the kids busy for hours if you have time to let them explore!

Starting your day at Sea Life is a great option, and you'll be just across the hall from LEGOLAND and in the mall already to grab lunch at the huge eatery and do some shopping.

Tickets for Sea Life Aquarium are $20 for adults, $16 for kids over 3, and kids under 3 are free. TIP: If you buy online you get a better price! Also, buying admission to both Sea Life and LEGOLAND online will save you quite a bit, too.

Visiting with toddlers? On Toddler Tuesday, one adult and two toddlers can get admission for just $15. I guess that's your reward for being able to keep up with two toddlers! Been there!

If you are in the area on a regular basis, the annual membership is the only way to go. If we had lived near a Sea Life Aquarium when my kids were little, we would have been there once a week!

7) LEGOLAND Discovery Center

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center is another great find if your kids are full of energy as there is so much to see and do. My kids were obsessed with LEGOs when they were younger.

Truth be told, we still have a huge bin in the garage that they won't part with! I figure at this point, with them being 17 and 20, we might as well hold on to them for the grandkids!

I've never met a kid that didn't like LEGOs, and with 13 Play Zones, 3 LEGO rides, a 4D Cinema, and the Pirate Beach water playground, they will be mesmerized at LEGOLAND.

8) Shopping at Grapevine Mills

With 180 stores and more opening all the time, you will have a blast shopping at Grapevine Mills! From Vera Bradley to Michael Kors to the Disney Outlet (such great prices!) there is something for everyone.

My favorite store was The Dollar! This is not your typical dollar store. I came home with a bag full of items for my girls for under $15!

9) Glassblowing Class at Vetro Glassblowing

Vetro Glassblowing is really for teens, but the younger ones can sit and watch. The heat is very intense when making a glass ornament or other item, so a team member will help you with the different steps.

Call ahead to check out the different themes, like Mother's Day or Christmas ornament making, before you visit. This was such a fun experience and I love my ornament!

10) Dr. Sue's Chocolate

You cannot go to Grapevine and not stop by Dr. Sue's Chocolate. I visited both times I was in Grapevine, the second time solely to purchase 15 boxes of chocolate for friends and neighbors for Christmas!

Dr. Sue is really a physician, and created Dr. Sue's Chocolate out of the desire to see people eat the healthiest (and most delicious!) chocolate available.

The Ginger Fig Bark is to die for! You can taste many of the varieties when visiting the store, but you can also order online.

Wondering where to stay in Grapevine? I have to suggest the Gaylord Texan or Great Wolf Lodge. Both are so much fun!

Great Wolf has a huge indoor waterpark for kids, but adults love it, too. The Gaylord is luxurious and always has a fun theme going on. The first time I visited, the theme was Alice in Wonderland. The second visit was over the Christmas holidays when they pull out all the stops!

Whether you're planning a family getaway with kids, a girlfriends getaway, a couple's weekend, or even a guys getaway (there's golf!), you will find a lot to see and do in Grapevine, Texas. Did I mention the food?

Have you visited Grapevine? Share in the comments!

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