If you have a dinosaur lover in your family, there are more reasons than ever to make tracks to historic Grapevine, Texas.
Located a short distance from Dallas in the Texas Metroplex, you’ll find dinosaur footprints all over town that lead you to a Megasaurus prehistoric world.
It’s all part of a campaign initiated by a new fossil discovery in Grapevine and a tribute to Mayor William Tate who has served as the mayor of Grapevine since 1988. Tate is considered one of the longest-running mayors in the state of Texas. In his honor, this dyno-mite promotion, which was introduced in the summer of 2024, will once again run during June and July in 2025, and 2026.
One of the really cool things about Grapevine is how easy it is to get there from the Dallas Fort Worth airport via train. The Trinity Metro TexRail is a 27-mile commuter train that connects riders from Terminal B at DFW to Grapevine Main Station, North Richland Hills, and Downtown Fort Worth for just $5 round trip. It’s been said that between the three routes of the free Grapevine Visitors Shuttle and the Tex Rail, you don’t even need a car to get around.
Dig Up a World of Fun and Learning
The “All Tracks Lead to Grapevine” is designed to get visitors excited about dinosaurs and encourage them to learn more. More than 30 local businesses are also getting in on all the action with dino-themed items and special discounts.
Millions of years ago, dinosaurs roamed North Texas during the Cretaceous Period. Last summer, fossil hunter Murray Cohen discovered a new type of dinosaur jawbone at Lake Grapevine, which generated new interest in the prehistoric creatures. Last summer, he spoke at the Grapevine Dino Discovery Talks about his findings.
Looking for more dinosaurs or more Texas ideas? Read on:
- Best Family Resorts in Texas
- In the Heart of Texas: Fun Things to Do in Grapevine
- 14 Fun Things to Do in Glen Rose, Dinosaur Capital of Texas
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Here are some of the other cool things you can do in Grapevine.
Start at the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau where you’ll see the dinosaur exhibit. Check out the Dino-Dig, where budding paleontologists can unearth hidden dinosaur bones and other fossils. Take a picture with the mighty T-Rex. Play with dinosaur puzzles and learn more from the dinosaur-themed books.
Go to the top of the Grapevine Observation Tower and get a bird’s eye view of where the jawbone was discovered from 150 feet up in the air. Admission: $3 per person.
Catch your favorite dinosaur movies at the Palace Theatre where movies will play throughout the summer on “Dinosaur Thursdays.” These kid-friendly movies are shown at 10 a.m. and admission is only $5. Check the schedule for exact dates and times.
Board the Dino Train!
Check out where dinos used to roam while riding on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. The dyno-mite fun extends aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s “Dinos on the Tracks” at the Cotton Belt Depot. The 1920s era authentic coaches travel along several routes.
Learn about all things dinosaurs with their free “Dinos On the Tracks” activity booklet. The booklet includes information, a timeline, games, and coloring pages so kids can learn more about the mega-creatures as they ride the rails. Later this year, there’s also a Trick ‘r’ Treat Train on October 24 and Santa’s North Pole Express that runs from November 29 – December 30.
“Tracks on Main” along historic Main Street has more than 25 retailers getting in on the fun as well like special dinosaur treats at Dr. Sue’s Chocolates and The Tar Pit at Beth Marie’s Ice Cream. Check out special dinosaur toys at shops like Little Orange Fish. Just follow the dinosaur tracks on the sidewalks to find participating stores.
Create a Dinosaur Egg
In keeping with the dinosaur theme, Vetro Glass Studio invites visitors to learn more about the glassblowing process and create a colorful dinosaur egg. I took my turn dipping into the glass colors, turning it, and heating the glass. Admire the beautiful pieces in their collection or take a glass-blowing class where you can create an ornament, wine glass, or pumpkin.
For more information about the “All Tracks Lead to Grapevine” promotion, visit GrapevineTexasUSA.com/dinosaurs.
Chow Down in Grapevine
Grapevine is filled with tons of unique family-friendly eateries, everything from burgers to pizza. Some of my recommendations include Tolbert’s Restaurant and Chili Parlor, known for their “Bowl of Red,” that’s chili without beans or tomato sauce. Their menu offers salads, burgers, steaks and more.
Chill out at Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream with more than 40 flavors to choose from. You’ll have a hard time deciding from Pralines in Cream, Tin Roof, Butterfinger, and more.
For tasty, over-the-top sandwiches, stop at Weinberger’s Deli. Find a souvenir or two to bring home like a treat from Dr. Sue’s Chocolate—natural dark chocolate handcrafted by a physician. My bar of choice was the Moonlight Mocha Bark.
The Chez Fabien Bistro is a great way to start the day. Chez Fabien Bistro is a French-inspired restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the historic downtown. We had breakfast there and was delighted with the almond croissant, churro French toast, and banana Nutella crepes.
Hang out at Peace Plaza at Grapevine Main
Bring your family to this outdoor plaza and listen to music from popular cover bands while you enjoy fare from their European-style indoor food court. Choose from eight venues at Harvest Hall from Texas Sliders to pizza to Mexican street food. Add a cool craft brew or artisan cocktail for a perfect Texas starlit night.
Shop and Learn all Grapevine Mills Mall
Find Texas-style deals at Grapevine Mills Mall with over 180 stores, including popular, high-end retailers. See a movie at the AMC 30 Dine-In Theatres, explore SEA LIFE Aquarium, and have fun at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Recently opened is Meow Wolf, The Real Unreal, an interactive art space that tells the story of an ordinary family that unfolds in each room with psychedelic, multi-sensory experiences.
Head to Grapefest!
When you think of the great state of Texas, you probably don’t think about Texas for wine production. But Texas actually ranks 5th in the U.S. More than 2 million tourists visit Texas wineries every year. And, aptly named Grapevine is the headquarters of the Texas Wine Industry.
Grapevine’s 38th Annual GrapeFest will take place this year from September 12, 13, 14 and 15 with lots of family-friendly activities during this four-day festival. Kids will love the games and rides when Main Street turns into a Carnival and Midway. Don’t forget to stop by the KidZone, for arts and crafts, plus booths from LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium.
GrapeFest celebrates wines from around the world, but takes special pride in wine produced in Texas. There are a variety of annual events, special wine tastings, a Grape Stomp, ItalianCarFest and other activities.
Looking ahead to the holidays, Grapevine is also known as the “Christmas Capital of Texas” with the “Parade of Lights,” the North Pole Express train, ICE! Exhibit, Snowland, and much more. For more information, visit https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com.
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