Located on the southern shores of Grapevine Lake, there is a wonderful park system and 5 miles of paved hike and bike trails at Oak Grove Park in Grapevine. We loved discovering all the different things to see and do along the trail, and what started as a family bike ride turned into a day full of activities at the lake!
Check out my Mommy Tips for your own day trip to Oak Grove Park, or make it one stop on a weekend adventure in this popular town in North Texas.
1. McPherson Slough Park
We started our bike ride at the trailhead at McPherson Slough Park. There are plenty of FREE parking and covered, shaded picnic tables. There is also a boat ramp in the park. A nice cove off the main lake, it’s also a good place to launch a canoe or kayak.
2. Hike and Bike Paved Trail and Dirt Side Loops
The paved trail in the park runs for about 5 miles before it connects to the Dove Loop Trail on Dove Rd. The trail is nice and wide, with some easy rises and descents. For the most part, it was easy riding for my 6 year old. There are only a few street crossings along the trail. We had planned a longer ride, but the Dove Loop trail runs right beside Dove Rd., which is a busier street with a steep decline, and I worried about my 6 year old, so we turned around. The 10 mile round trip was a nice ride, anyway. There are several dirt side loops along the trail, but since my 6 year old refuses to ride without training wheels, we were committed to staying on the paved trail.
3, Horseshoe Trails Park
There are plenty of places to stop, play and explore along the trail, also. My kids loved playing at Horseshoe Trails Park, which had a fun playground, volleyball court, view of the lake, picnic tables and restrooms. We were thrilled to see that there is also an off leash dog park, built around a small pond where they can swim. It would definitely be a paws up with our 3 labradors!
4. Sand Volleyball
Enjoy a game of sand volleyball at Trawick Pavilion, which overlooks the lake. The pavilion can be rented out for family reunions and parties, but if it’s not in use anyone can serve up a fun game in the sand! Just don’t forget your ball!
5. Workout
Apparently a 10 mile bike ride wasn’t enough exercise for my kids, because they all wanted to stop and use the FREE workout machines along the trail.
The park also houses baseball, softball and soccer fields, as well as basketball and tennis courts and batting cages.
6. Local Art
We were surprised to find several fun paintings along the trail, on trees and down logs. It certainly put a smile on our faces!
7. Acorn Woods
Towards the end of the trail we passed Acorn Woods, a small picnic area, with grills and parking.
8. Scott’s Landing Marina
Grab a cheeseburger and drink at Big Daddy’s Ship Store, located at Scott’s Landing Marina. You can watch the boats coming in and out of the marina, including the lovely sailboats from the Grapevine Sailing Club. The marina often has live music on the weekends. Click HERE for more information and upcoming events.
9. Enjoy the flora
True to its name, Grapevine didn’t disappoint us as we spotted these wild Mustang Grapes, for which the city got it’s name, growing along the trail. The grapes ripen in mid-summer, and are made into jellies and wine, but seldom consumed raw due to their tart flavor.
1o. Enjoy the fauna, too.
While riding along the trail, we spotted several cottontail rabbits, a pair of roadrunners and a large Texas spiny lizard.
11. Grilling and Chilling
Although picnic tables and grills are scattered throughout the park, we choose a location across from the tennis courts, which was right on the lake for a cookout at dusk. Although there is not a swim beach or lifeguards, the shores were filled with families swimming and splashing in the lake.
Following dinner, my kids huddled around the remaining burning briquets of the grill for warmth, and we watched as the sky was lit up with fireworks! From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the city host a firework show each Friday night at 9pm. The twinkling lights of the many boats on the water, who had all tied off to watch the show, were almost as pretty as the fireworks, almost.
Friday Night Fireworks are EVERY Friday, from Memorial Day through Labor Day! For more information activities during Summer Blast in Grapevine, click HERE.
Oak Grove Park
2520 Oak Grove Loop South, Grapevine
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
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