Spend a “Holi” Day in Grapevine!

While my family was in town last week for our pre-holiday visit, we wanted to do something the kids and adults would enjoy.   So we decided on Grapevine.   It was nice to be able to go out during the week and avoid the holiday crowds. We started at the Sea Life Aquarium at Grapevine Mills Mall.   We had heard so much about it and none of us had even been.   It didn’t disappoint!   There were times when you really felt like you were under the water, swimming with the fish.   There is a tunnel you walk through, water is all around you.   It’s an incredible view.   At the end of the tour, there is a “petting” station (so to speak).   The kids were able to touch some sea life (hermet crabs and shrimp).   It was a fun experience, a little pricey but worth it.   Make sure you have fun with the photo they take of you at the beginning of the tour.   At the end you can see how they work their magic and create different backgrounds. For lunch, we went to the other side of the Mall to visit the Rainforest Cafe.   If you have never been, this is another must see in Grapevine.   This restaurant is transformed into a rainforest, complete with the sound of rain,  loud animals and servers dressed for their role as animal tamers.   Every few minutes, the animals start their roar.   You hear and see gorillas, elephants, tigers and more.   It’s fun for the kids to watch and take photos with the animals.    It’s not a 5-star restaurant, but  it’s the environment you are paying for. Just outside the Rainforest Cafe, you will find Santa’s village.      If you haven’t already told Santa what you want for Christmas this year, this is an easy opportunity to talk to Santa.   Especially during the week, there was no line and we were able to even get past some nervous participants.   It was hard to find a place to visit Santa during the week, so this came in handy with our schedule. Before we left Grapevine, we took a stroll down Main Street.   Even before the city puts up all it’s decorations, Main Street is a fun place to visit.   Great antique shops, retail stores and wine bars.   Add the flair of Christmas, and it’s another must-see on your holiday tour of North Texas.   Each store front put up it’s own tree, decked out in all it’s Christmas glory.   And then you have the tall Christmas tree and gazebo — where you can imagine  Holiday Carollers singing your favorite Christmas songs.   If you are looking for a down-home, old fashion holiday, stop by Main Street in Grapevine. Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium: www.visitsealife.com/grapevine Hours Monday – Saturday 10am – 9:30pm Sunday -11am – 7pm Please view our opening times page for holiday hours You can also find discounted prices online. Rainforest Cafe: www.rainforestcafe.com Grapevine Mills Mall:   Right now if you purchase a  $100 in American Express SIMON Giftcards you will receive 2 complimentary tickets to your choice of LEGOLAND Discovery Center DFW or SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium!   Downtown Grapevine:   www.downtowngrapevinetexas.com