Looking for a fun day trip that won’t drain your wallet? Grapevine, Texas, is packed with history, fun finds and plenty of family-friendly activities. Even better, you can enjoy a full day without overspending. From strolling Historic Main Street to lakeside picnics, here’s a budget-friendly itinerary designed with you and your family in mind.
Morning: Wander & Discover on Historic Main Street
Start your day with a walk through Historic Main Street. The entire area is an adventure, featuring vintage-style storefronts, colorful murals and plenty more to see. As you wander, keep an eye out for Grapevine’s Public Art Trail, a collection of murals, sculptures and creative installations sprinkled throughout Historic Main Street. It’s like a built-in scavenger hunt that makes exploring even more fun!
If you’ve got curious kids or you just love a good dose of history, head to the Settlement to City Museums. (Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) Admission is free, and inside, you’ll find the Donald Schoolhouse, Keeling House Museum and the Grapevine Historical Museum.
Midday: Picnic & Play by the Lake
Pack a cooler (or grab to-go sandwiches from a local restaurant) and head to Lake Grapevine for lunch. With more than 8,000 acres, there’s plenty of space to spread out a blanket for a picnic, relax and skip rocks by the shoreline. If your crew has extra energy to burn, there are more than 22 miles of hiking and biking trails throughout Grapevine just waiting to be explored.
Afternoon: Historic Nash Farm or Historic Palace Arts Center
Head over to Historic Nash Farm, a 5.2-acre farm in Grapevine. This late 19th-century homestead offers an authentic glimpse into pioneer life, and the best part? General admission is free for self-guided exploration.
Kids can roam the open grounds, peek into the barn and see heritage animals including turkey and sheep. Depending on the season, you might catch animals grazing in the pasture, see heritage gardens in bloom and even witness hands-on demonstrations of old-fashioned farming skills.
If you’d like an afternoon indoors, the Historic Palace Theatre is a great spot for affordable kids’ events and movies. From live performances and children’s favorites to classic cartoons with accompanying crafts, there’s something for even the smallest guests.
Evening: Choose Your Family Dinner Style
After a full day of exploring, everyone’s ready to eat, and Grapevine has plenty of family-friendly spots that won’t break the bank. Here are a few options depending on what you’re in the mood for:
Tex-Mex Comfort: Head to Esparza’s, a Grapevine classic known for its delicious Tex-Mex and margaritas. It’s casual and perfect for hungry families who want something filling and flavorful. Pro tip: try the Fried Avocado.
Family-Style Pizza Night: If you’re craving something shareable and kid-approved, grab a table (or a to-go pie) at Wise Guys Pizzeria. Their New York–style pizzas are great for groups and splitting a large one is an easy way to keep dinner affordable.
Seafood with a Local Twist: For something a little different, try Big Fish Seafood Grill & Bar on Historic Main Street. The vibe is relaxed, the portions are generous and the menu balances classic seafood dishes with options even picky eaters can enjoy.
Scrumptions Sandwiches: Dig into hearty sandwiches stacked sky-high at Chicago-style Weinberger’s Deli. With classics like Italian beef alongside fun, quirky creations, there’s something for everyone at the table (and plenty big enough to share).
No matter which direction you go, you’ll find a meal that wraps up your Grapevine adventure on a satisfying (and budget-friendly) note.
Bonus Tips for Saving and Making the Most of Your Day
Check the local calendar: A quick peek at Grapevine’s Events Calendar may help you add something special to your day at little or no extra cost.
Pack your own snacks and water: Especially if you’ll be out at Lake Grapevine or wandering Historic Nash Farm.
Use free parking near Historic Main Street: Take advantage of Grapevine’s free public parking options.
Plan around Historic Nash Farm events: Many of the Farm’s seasonal programs are free or cost only a few dollars and are a great value.
Mix in free attractions: Between the Public Art Trail, free museums, complimentary visitor shuttle and exploring Lake Grapevine’s trails, you can fill most of the day without opening your wallet.
