Summer of Dinosaurs
What Do Dinosaurs & Dreamers Have in Common? Come Find Out this Summer in Grapevine!
Historic Grapevine is turning back the clock as it transforms into Prehistoric Grapevine, a citywide celebration where dinosaurs ROAR to life and adventure lights up every corner!
At House of Shine, we believe in the magic that happens when people come together, each bringing their talents, energy, and SHINE. It’s not just about what any one of us can do, but what we can build when we pool our strengths, support one another, and dream big together.
We are reminded of this collective effort through all the hard work, creativity, and collaboration that came together for the “All Tracks Lead to Grapevine” summer initiative that opened on June 10! We are so grateful to gather so many volunteers to bring this DINO-DREAM to life!
Get ready to shine a light on the past like never before—because House of Shine is thrilled to be part of the dino-riffic adventure that is Be the Dinosaur! This immersive experience transports curious minds straight into the Age of Dinosaurs with interactive learning games, simulator pods, and a brilliant blend of high-tech fun and hands-on discovery.
House of Shine is excited to offer three hands-on, heart-filled interactive experiences as part of our exhibit, designed to spark curiosity, ignite imagination, and help every visitor shine a little brighter. Visitors can plant a dream in our Canopy of Dreams, where writing down your hopes and goals adds to our growing International Dream Garden. Uncover hidden messages in Prehistoric Prints, using crayons and fossil-like textures to reveal what lies beneath—just like real paleontologists. Crack open meaningful conversations in Hatch a Conversation, where questions tucked inside dinosaur eggs invite guests to share stories and connect.
Each activity invites explorers of all ages to reflect, connect, and discover the power of their own unique shine—past, present, and future.
Discover your SHINE
This summer, uncover what makes you SHINE—your Strengths, Hobbies, Interests & Irritants, Needs, and Experiences—that make you unique. Just like a paleontologist digs for fossils to learn about the past, you can dig deep to better understand yourself and why your story matters.
Name That Ray
Meet Ray Wattson, our adventurous mascot! He’s just returned from a dino-sized trip to prehistoric times—and he brought back some Jurassic friends. Now, it’s up to YOU to give Ray a dino-inspired name. What will you choose?
HelloYello Scavenger Hunt
Our HelloYello wall has gone prehistoric! Grab a scavenger hunt page and search for hidden dinosaurs scattered throughout the space. Can you find them all?
Dinosaur Surprise
Each visitor gets an opportunity to dig into our dinosaur egg nest for a surprise! Pick an egg and instantly win a dino-themed prize, no excavation tools required!
Gifts at the Shine Shop
Wrap up your visit with a stop at our SHINE Shop, stocked with brand-new, dinosaur-inspired gifts and treasures that are perfect for the dino-lover in your life.
Discover your SHINE
This summer, uncover what makes you SHINE—your Strengths, Hobbies, Interests & Irritants, Needs, and Experiences—that make you unique. Just like a paleontologist digs for fossils to learn about the past, you can dig deep to better understand yourself and why your story matters.
HelloYello Scavenger Hunt
Our HelloYello wall has gone prehistoric! Grab a scavenger hunt page and search for hidden dinosaurs scattered throughout the space. Can you find them all?
Dinosaur Surprise
Every visitor gets a chance to dig into our dinosaur egg nest for a surprise! Pick an egg and instantly win a dino-themed prize, no excavation tools required!
More Dino-Themed Activities
Hop aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad and ride the rails through Jurassic joy, then let your creativity beam at the Palace Arts Center with Dino-themed arts, crafts, and throwback cartoons that’ll light up little minds and big hearts alike.
All along Historic Main Street, local shops are joining the prehistoric party with dino-mite treats, radiant retail specials, and surprise moments that are sure to make your summer memories shine bright.
City-wide Dino Hunt
Can you find the dino tracks around Grapevine? Follow prehistoric footprints at local shops and businesses and become a dinosaur hunter! It’s an adventure the whole family can enjoy as you explore the town and uncover ancient clues.
Parks & Recreation – Dino Trail
Embark on a dinosaur adventure along C. Shane Wilbanks and Wall-Farrar Trails. Look for prehistoric findings and learn about Grapevine’s ancient past as you roam through scenic paths filled with surprises.
This isn’t just a visit to Grapevine—it’s a full-on light-up-your-life adventure where history, imagination, and family fun collide. So grab your explorers and get ready to dig into a brilliantly bold, dinosaur-sized summer!
Check out all the Main Street Businesses taking part in the dino adventure below!
Ready to join the hunt?
- AJ’s on Main | Free kids drink w/ purchase of Dino Nuggets or any meal and diners can munch on Dinosaur Bones (Ribs)
- Alpha Wellness Center | Check your “Tracks” for discounted price (orthotics)
- Bermuda Gold & Silver | 10% off retail price of jewelry, large dinosaur photo op on the side of building
- Beth Marie’s Ice Cream | Ice cream flavor “The Tar Pit,” and get 10% off if you mention All Tracks Lead to Grapevine
- Big Fish | 1/2 off kids meal with purchase of adult entrée
- Chez Fabien | Dinosaur cupcakes and dinosaur kids lunch boxes
- Chocolate Hangover | Dino-themed fudge flavor offerings: Dino Butter, Dino Candy and Dino Tar Pit
- Dr. Sue’s Chocolate | Dino pops – dark chocolate pops of different dino species
- Farmers Market of Grapevine | Dinosaur egg pluots (plum/apricots)
- Good Things for All Seasons | Brontosaurus, T Rex and Triceratops ornaments
- Grape Vine Springs Winery | Raptor refresher drink
- Grapevine Escape | Use code DINOHISTORY25 and receive $5 off per person
- Grapevine’s Market on Main | Kids dino toy section and dino dog toys in pet space
- Grapevine Vintage Railroad | Dinosaurs on the Tracks from May 29 – August 2: A family-friendly adventure running Thursdays at 10, 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 10 and 11 a.m. Each ticket includes access to the Tower Gallery’s Be The Dinosaur exhibit and a thrilling 22-minute dinosaur-themed train excursion
- Holder Dane Gallery | Artie the Guardin’ Dinosaur sculpture, 8-foot dinosaur chalk mural for kids and a dino art “draw your own story” contest
- House of Shine | Enjoy interactive activities like dinosaur egg painting, discovering your dino-like senses, take a picture with our dino-themed photo-op and take a piece of House of Shine home with our limited edition dinosaur footprint Shine tokens.
- Inspired Wings Fashion | Dinosaur slime, dinosaur keychains and a dinosaur necklace
- IPAT Museum of Porcelain Art | Make and take dinosaur projects and dinosaur porcelain projects
- Judy Pie
- Kilwin’s | Speckled Dino Eggs and new Chocolate Dinosaur Pops
- Main Street Bistro | Dinosaur cupcakes and dinosaur kids lunch boxes
- MilkShake Factory | Dinosaur-themed milkshake topper for their classic shakes
- Nomad Outfitters | Dino shades, 20% off
- Palace Arts Center | Dino movies and dino-themed Cartoons and Crafts
- Rocket Fizz | Dino toys, treats & novelties
- Roses on the Vine | Dinosaur pop-up books and dinosaur toys
- Ruthie Jane’s | Dinosaur warmie, dino toys, dino ornament, bracelets, cards and coasters
- Talking Animals Books | Dino-themed books, puzzles and toys, as well as a chance to color your own dinosaur mask. Mention All Tracks Lead to Grapevine and get 10% off
- Tim Hogan Carpet | A 10% off discount with mention of All Tracks Lead to Grapevine
- Vetro Glassblowing Studio | Prehistoric inspired glass blown artwork called the Skeletal Series, glass blown “dino” eggs and dinosaur medallions
- Weinberger’s Deli | The Brontoburger – Gound Brontosaurus meat (meatloaf), Grilled, with grilled Onions and Mushroom, Neanderthal brown gravy (Brown Gravy), an earthy Swiss, on a Bronto Kaiser roll (Plain Telera roll)! Served with chips and pickle spear
- Willow Cottage | 10% off Dinosaur books and warmies
- Wine Fusion Winery | Dino-Daiquiris for adults – Choose a frozen margarita, frozen peach Bellini or frozen sangria in a special dinosaur cup! Pterodactyl Pops for kids – Frozen popsicles of all flavors for the kiddos!
