Historic Grapevine, Texas is turning back time to the Age of Dinosaurs this summer.
In June, July and August, Historic Grapevine transforms into Prehistoric Grapevine, offering a host of dinosaur activities, photo ops, fossil finds and the chance to explore where dinosaurs once roamed the area.
Dinosaur History
Grapevine celebrates dinosaurs because Lake Grapevine and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport have been the sites of exciting dinosaur fossil discoveries over the years.
The first fossil find was in 1974, when a Plesiosaur was unearthed at DFW Airport during construction. In 1981, there was significant flooding at Lake Grapevine and the ensuing receding of the water unearthed Hadrosaur tracks.
There have been multiple discoveries over the years, including a new species, the Ampelognathus coheni in 2020 at Lake Grapevine, and the area continues to be researched by paleontologists.
Grapevine Dino activities
Step back in time at the Be the Dinosaur Exhibit located in the Grapevine Tower Gallery, featuring interactive learning games and immersive simulation pods. Admission is $3 for ages 3 and up and complimentary for children two and under. Pick up a complimentary Dinosaur Guide to easily find all the dinosaur fun.
Follow dinosaur tracks along Historic Main Street and discover dino treats and hands-on activities at local shops and cafés. There are chocolate dinosaur lollipops from Dr. Sue’s Chocolate, dino cupcakes from Main Street Bistro & Bakery, make your own Dino eggs at Vetro Glassblowing Studio, and help create an eight-foot dinosaur chalk mural at Holder Dane Gallery & Art Studios.
Climb aboard Grapevine Vintage Railroad for Dinos on the Tracks and meet dinosaurs onboard the historic train, running May, June and July.
Walk through the mouth of a T-Rex into an elevator that will take you 150 feet in the air into the Grapevine Observation Tower to see where dinosaurs once roamed.
Step into weekly Dino Cartoons & Crafts at the Lancaster Theatre and watch dinosaur movies at the Historic Palace Theatre. Try Dino shadow drawing at Peace Plaza, where the sun will help trace larger-than-life dinosaur shape.
Stroll through Pterodactyl Wings Alley (aka Weems Alley) and spot Pterosaurs flying above.
Climb into the dinosaur Jeep photo op at Liberty Park Plaza and imagine embarking on a thrilling prehistoric safari adventure.
Print dinosaur cards at the Settlement to City Museums and see a real Grapevine dinosaur track inside the Grapevine Historic Museum’s Ice House exhibit.
In the Grapevine City Hall lobby, check out authentic dinosaur bones and fossils up close. Then, uncover adventure at Historic Nash Farm with a real-life size Dino dig garden and stories from the real-life “Bone Wars”.
Continue the fun at Grapevine Public Library, where guest speakers bring paleontology to life. Learn about fossils, ancient ecosystems and Grapevine’s own dinosaur discoveries through interactive games and educational activities.
Follow the Dino Trail along the C. Shane Wilbanks and Wall-Farrar Trails and keep an eye out for fossil finds while uncovering more about Grapevine’s prehistoric past.
For more information, visit GrapevineTexasUSA.com/Dinosaurs.
