SummerFest Wonderland Adventure: Fun for All Ages

Gaylord Texan Resort

For a creative escape from the north Texas heat and thunderstorms, check out the SummerFest Wonderland Adventure. From now through September 6th, 2010, visitors of all ages are invited to the Gaylord Texas Resort to enjoy special culinary events, artwork, games, and more spread throughout 4.5 acres of air-conditioned gardens. This year’s theme is Alice’s Wonderland Adventure, so you just might catch a glimpse of the Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit, or Alice, herself, as you explore the grounds.

Even though the Gaylord Texan Resort has gone to great lengths to bring Lewis Carroll’s classic tale to life, don’t get the wrong idea: The Summerfest Wonderland Adventure adventure is not just for kids. Some activities, in fact, such as the Drink Me Progressive Cocktail Sampling are strictly for the 21-and-over crowd.

Many Summerfest Wonderland Adventure activities are free, while others charge a fee. Check out the list below for a sampling of the myriad offerings that the Gaylord Texan Resort has for you and your family this summer.

Alice through the Atrium Glass
Enjoy an enchanted stroll through the resort’s colorful gardens, with costumed characters, unique art installations, musicians, stiltwalkers and other entertainers.

What: Alice through the Atrium Glass
When: Daily through September 6th, 2010
Price: Free

Giant Chess
Challenge your friends to a game of chess on the 256 square foot chess set. The oversized gameboard was custom-made from beautiful teak wood, and features a 4 foot tall King.

What: Giant Chess
When: Daily
Price: Free

Journey Down the Rabbit Hole 3D Blacklight Maze
Don your 3D specs and chase the White Rabbit – if you dare – down the rabbit hole for an exciting 3D adventure.

What: Journey Down the Rabbit Hole 3D Blacklight Maze
When: Monday – Friday 5:00p.m. – 9:00p.m., Saturday 12:00p.m. – 10:00p.m., Sunday 12:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
Price: $12 per person

Cheshire Cat’s Challenge Scavenger Hunt
Purchase a treasure map and use the Looking Glass Decoder to decipher a dozen secret messages from the elusive Cheshire Cat.

What: Cheshire Cat’s Challenge Scavenger Hunt
When: Daily
Price: $5 per person

There is lots to explore at the SummerFest Wonderland Adventure

Queen of Hearts Puppet and Magic Show
The Queen of Hearts reigns supreme as she commands her puppets to entertain audiences with magic and music.

What: Queen of Hearts Puppet and Magic Show
When: Fridays and Saturdays 7:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. through September 6th, 2010
Price: $10 per person

The Hatter’s Mad Tea Party
In your souvenir hat, you will fit right in with the other guests. The Mad Hatter will mix and mingle as visitors sip tea and decorate cupcakes.

What: The Hatter’s Mad Tea Party
When: Thursdays and Fridays at 6:00p.m. and 8:00p.m., Saturdays at 2:00p.m., 4:00p.m., 6:00p.m. and 8:00p.m., and Sundays 2:00p.m. and 4:00p.m. through September 6th, 2010
Price: $30 per person

Relache in Wonderland – Summer Spa Specials
The Gaylord Texan’s Relache Spa hosts a special evening of tea and treats each Thursday, featuring special green tea inspired products.

What: Relache in Wonderland – Summer Spa Specials
When: Thursdays from 5:00p.m. – 9:00p.m. in the Gaylord’s Relache Spa
Price: Varies according to treatment.

Drink Me Progressive Cocktail Sampling
Purchasing a Drink Me glow in the dark lanyard, is your ticket to a sampling of the Gaylord Texan Resort’s Wonderland-themed cocktails, such as the Queen of Heart-tini, Cheshire Cat Cosmo, the Tweedle Dee Daiquiri and more. Keep your Drink Me lanyard – it entitles you to free admission thoughout the summer, with a special souvenir glass for you to take home.

What: Drink Me Progressive Cocktail Sampling
When: Wednesdays – Saturdays
Price: $25 per person

SummerFest Wonderland Adventure at Gaylord Texan Resort

Wonderland Wednesdays at the Glass Cactus nightclub
Come to the Glass Cactus nightclub on Wednesdays throughout the summer for live music, costumed entertainers, Wonderland-themed cocktails, drink specials and more.

What: Wonderland Wednesdays at the Glass Cactus nightclub
When: Wednesdays
Price: Free before 8:00p.m., $10 per person after that. Must be 21 or older.

Friday Night Fireworks and Parade of Magic Hats
Every Friday, the Queen of Hearts leads a parade of costumed characters through the resort grounds, with a colorful firework display following at 9:30 p.m.

What: Friday Night Fireworks and Parade of Magic Hats
When: Friday nights, with a parade at 8:30p.m. and fireworks at 9:30p.m.
Price: Free

As you can see, there’s a lot going on at the SummerFest Wonderland Adventure this year. The Gaylord Texan Resort is only 6 minutes away from the Dallas – Fort Worth International Airport, as well, so it is worth checking out even if you are only going to be in town for a short time.

What: Gaylord SummerFest Wonderland Adventure
When: Now through September 6th, 2010
Where: Gaylord Texan Resort, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051 (map)
Price: Varies according to the event (see details above.) Tickets to specific events may be purchased on-site, or online.
Parking: Visitors receive validated parking when they spend $25 or more at the resort.
More information: Visit the Gaylord Texan official website.

Photo credit: Courtesy of the Gaylord Texan Resort