So the grandparents have the kids for a few hours (or maybe if you’re lucky, a few days) and they are looking for things to do. Let’s be honest, they are looking for ways to spoil their sweet little grandkids. Whether they want to spoil them with sweets, activities or presents, here is a list of some of my favorite ways to spoil grandkids in Dallas.
Shopping
It’s no secret that the Metroplex has endless options when it comes to shopping. Malls, shopping centers, outlets, etc. Here are a few shopping spots that are perfect for grandparent spoiling.
American Girl Dallas – The holy grail of spoiling for a little girl has to be a trip to the American Girl store. It can be simple, dessert in the Bistro with your own doll (AG or not, doesn’t matter) or borrowing one of their dolls as a dining companion. Or you can go big and shop to your doll loving heart’s content in the store!
Sweet and Sassy – Sweet and Sassy, located in the Shops at Willowbend is the ultimate destination for pampering and spoiling. Grandparents can spoil their grandkids with candy colored mini-manicures, specialty haircuts (for boys and girls), chocolate facials and a gift shop – all be found in one location.
Lego Store – Grandparents and kids can spend time in the store at either Northpark Mall or Stonebriar Centre playing and building with legos and then, because we are talking about spoiling here, take home a new set to build at home.
Build-a-Bear Workshop – Believe it or not, you can get out of Build-A-Bear for around $20-25. There are two locations, Northpark Mall and Stonebriar Centre. It is such a fun experience to do together – from picking the bear, helping with the stuffing and making a special “wish” before they close up the bear. For a little something extra, there is even an option to add a recorded message to the bear. My daughter loves her bear she made with her grandmother.
Disney Store – From Mickey to Disney Princesses to Miles from Tomorrowland, both locations (Northpark and Stonebriar) offer the widest selection of Disney merchandise and have fun things to spoil grandkids with.
Activities
Sometimes spoiling grandchildren can come in the form of treating them to extra special activities and outings.
Legoland Discovery Center – Grandparents can spend a few hours to a whole day spoiling their little grandkids with a trip to Legoland Discovery Center located in the Grapevine Mills Mall. There are attractions, rides, a 4D cinema a cafe and more.
Dallas Zoo – the Dallas Zoo is a great grandparent spot because, although we visit the zoo with some frequency, I rarely spring for extras while we are there. When we go with grandparents, it is so much more special because my kids are treated to treats I wouldn’t normally purchase (carousel rides, popcorn, train rides, sno cones, etc).
Dallas World Aquarium – Similar to the Zoo, I love keeping the DWA as a grandparent treat because every time you visit it’s a different experience. I think it’s a great way for grandparents to spoil their grandkids with something educational, fun and unique. Plus there is a gift store at the end, so the grandkids can leave with a stuffed version of their favorite animal.
Obstacle Warrior Kids – Formerly Lil’ Ninjas, this indoor obstacle course would be a treat for any kid to burn off some energy, challenge themselves and show off for their always proud grandparents. Grandparents can sit back and watch their little Warrior Kids climb, swing and play on the obstacle course, or they can try out their own skills on the Obstacle Warrior course located next door.
Bowling – We love bowling because it is an activity that requires very little skill and everyone can participate in. Even kids as young as 3 can enjoy a few rounds of bowling with the proper set up. Its been our experience that Dallas bowling alleys also seem to have delicious snacks! For example, Bowl and Barrel at Park Lane has the most delicious homemade pretzels. Other fun bowling alleys: Bowlmor and Pinstack.
iFly Indoor Skydiving – Are the grandparents in your life thrill seekers? Maybe your kids are! My dad is and this is totally the kind of thing he would love to take my girls to do some day. Unfortunately for him, my girls are more the “let’s eat cookies and color” type of gals and this probably won’t be in the future for them anytime soon. But for adventurous grandparents and grandchildren – this would be a great activity.
Eats and Sweets
Grandparents tend to be a *little* more lenient when it comes to sweets and their grandkids. Oh sweet grandchild, what’s that you want? An ice cream sundae with a cookie on the side? Sure…why not!
Sprinkles – A real treat when grandparents come to town is a trip to Sprinkles. For a little extra spoiling, grandparents can let their grandkids get their cupcake out of the Sprinkles ATM. And if they can’t decide between cupcakes and ice cream (or both) there is a Sprinkles Ice Cream shop just around the corner from the bakery.
Berrynaked Organic Pops – What kid (or adult) doesn’t love a popsicle? Berrynaked is located in Inwood Village and is the perfect spot for a frozen treat and chit-chat between grandparents and their grandkids. And because these popsicles are healthy, fresh and natural, they are a perfect snack for adults and kids.
Undivided Attention
There are literally hundreds of ways to spoil grandkids, but the absolute best way for grandparents to spoil their grandkids is with their undivided attention. Grandparents have the patience to play “couch airplane” or board games, or pretend for hours longer than mommy and daddy can. And grandparents generally aren’t thinking about household chores like laundry, dishes and preparing dinner.
The next time the grandparents in your life are looking for some ideas for grandchildren spoiling, I hope this list helps!
