While we usually feature “cheap” and “free,” today we’re featuring “worth.” The Gaylord Texan is definitely worth going to for a stay-cation with the kids, a night or two alone with your hubby, or better yet, go with some girl friends and you can split the cost!
In May, the Texan opened up a 10-acre pool complex called Paradise Springs. I saw there was a lazy river and a big slide and that was all I needed to seal the deal. So my friend and I packed our bags, left the hubbies at home and headed to this oasis, just 25 minutes from Dallas!
With The Fam
There is so much to do at this resort, especially during their SummerFest. If you decide you want to go somewhere with your kids but dread driving long distance, this would be a great place. Their summer schedule for kids includes so many fun things like fireworks over Lake Grapevine, airbrush tattoo stations (this line was filled with giggling kids trying to decide what design they wanted!) hair braiding stations, cooking classes, evening movies by the pool and tons of games and prizes.
Paradise Springs is free for all hotel guests and is not open to the public. However, you do have the option of buying 2 extra passes if you wanted someone to meet you there for the day. Ask the front desk for pricing. Paradise Springs is open from 9 am to midnight and you can even start swimming before your room is ready!
A few tidbits of info: valet parking is $25/day so either pay up or have your gentleman of a husband drop you, the kids and the bags off at the front door; meals for a whole family can get pricey so you might consider bringing your own fruit and granola bars for breakfast; see below for my recommendation for a cabana.
Adults Only
While you probably can’t avoid running into tons of kids at this resort during the summer, you can avoid being in charge of any of them! (whew- doesn’t that sound nice?) Whether it’s you and your sweetie or you and a group of gals- this is a great place to do a lot or to do absolutely nothing. You can’t go wrong with any of the restaraunts- from the high-end Old Hickory to the casual Texan Station, you’re sure to have good food. Feeling the club scene? Head over to the Glass Cactus for late-night drinks and a view of the lake.
Also, another plus which I think families and adults would benefit from is renting a cabana. There are several private cabanas spread out around Paradise Springs. The prices range from $79-$99 a day. These will offer respite from the sun and, since there are small fridges and safes in each one, will be a great place to keep drinks and valuables. If you dont feel like splurging for a cabana, don’t worry, there are plenty of free chairs to claim.
