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Grapevine, Texas about 20 miles from both Dallas and Fort Worth, shines in summer. Despite hot and humid weather, outdoor activities abound. And many of the things to do in Grapevine are free.
Though its nickname is “Christmas Capital of Texas,” the small town of Grapevine, is ideal for a summer family vacation. With its historic downtown district, wineries and scenic Lake Grapevine, Grapevine offers fun for all. Whether you are visiting Dallas or looking for a small town getaway, Grapevine fits the bill.
Besides the free family fun, things to do in Grapevine include staying at the Great Wolf Lodge and riding the Grapevine Vintage Railroad historic steam train. Great Wolf Lodge has an indoor waterpark where you can avoid the summer heat.
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Free Things to Do in Grapevine
SummerBlast
Running Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, includes a weekly fireworks display over Lake Grapevine every Friday night. The SummerBlast Fireworks Show starts at 9:30 pm and can be seen from the rooftop of the parking garage at Gaylord Texan Resort, as well as parks throughout Grapevine. There are even more fireworks at the annual July 4th Fireworks extravaganza.
The Grapevine Farmers and Artisans Market
An open-air market, the Grapevine Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from April – September. The market, held around Town Square Gazebo in Historic Downtown Grapevine, features Texas produce, baked goods, handcrafted and locally-made items.
Historic Nash Farm
Expect to find special ticketed events that charge a fee, but the self-guided tours are always free. The 52-acre farm is close to downtown Grapevine.
Grape Fest
The annual Grape Fest is the largest wine festival in the southwest. The family-friendly festival is held each September. Admission is free all day on Thursday, September 12, and until 5pm on Friday, September 13. Children under the age of 6 years old are free at all times.
Italian CarFest
Bring the whole family to this annual display of Italian automobiles to see Fiats, Alfa Romeos, Lamborghinis and Ferraris. Admission is free, but don’t blame us if you wind up blowing your bank account on an Italian sports car.
Things to do in Grapevine Year Round
Grapevine’s Glockenspiel Clock Tower
Kids (and their adults) love watching the show at the Glockenspiel Clock Tower¡. It features two 9-foot tall Glockenspiel characters, known as the Would-Be Train Robbers: Nat Barrett and Willy Majors. At 10 a.m., noon, 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m., these figures emerge from the Tower 75 feet above historic Main Street and put on their show. The story is set in 1890 and both characters have come to Grapevine to rob the train of its $60,000. When they meet up in the saloon and discover they both have the same plan, a gunfight ensues. Get there early to read the storyboards to the kids so they know what they’re seeing.
Delaney Vineyards and Winery
Don’t spend time in Grapevine without visiting a vineyard. Delaney Vineyards and Winery has free tours every hour.
Hiking and Biking
Grapevine has an extensive trail system for hiking and biking. The trails include 22 miles of hard-surface trails and four miles of soft-surface hiking trails, linking nine parks.
Feeling Flush? Don’t Miss These Fun Things to Do in Grapevine
All the fun in Grapevine isn’t free, but these three are worth the price of admission:
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
What kid doesn’t love a ride on a train?
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas/Fort Worth
This indoor family entertainment center is in Grapevine Mills Mall. Find rides, LEGO build & play zones, a 4D cinema and a store to supplement your LEGO collection. Best for ages 3-10 but do you really outgrow a LEGO obsession?
SEA LIFE Aquarium
This interactive aquarium is also in Grapevine Mills mall. Examine starfish, seahorses, sharks and jellyfish up close. There is a Sea Turtle Rescue Center.
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