We dare you not to be overwhelmed when you enter Gaylord Texan Resort & Conference Center. The expansive resort — situated on nearly 85 acres of land in Grapevine, Texas — gives new meaning to the phrase, “destination resort.” Inside, the atrium-style hotel features 4.5 acres of lush landscaping alongside winding pathways that lead to boutique stores, a fitness center, indoor pool, top-notch spa (with children’s services), restaurants, and more restaurants. Look up and you’ll see the hotel’s atrium-facing rooms, which — as you can imagine — offer the best views in the house.

Outside, the hotel features a 10-acre water park called Paradise Springs. Open during the summer months, it’s complimentary to all guests, who enjoy a lazy river, several pools, cabana rentals, refreshments and a separate area for tiny tykes.

While summer is an ideal time to visit and take advantage of the water park, the winter holidays are just as exciting. The City of Grapevine hosts 1,400 events for the holidays, including Lone Star Christmas at the Gaylord. The event brings 2 million lights, 15,000 ornaments, a 54-foot-tall tree and an ice display to the resort, along with snow tubing, character breakfasts and more. You seriously can’t miss this experience with kids.

At the Gaylord Texan Resort, it’s easy to get lost (we mean that literally) in all of the fun.

Other guestroom features include complimentary bottled water, large desks (that can double as dining tables), and shower/tub combinations. Rollaway beds are available for $25 per night, while cribs are available free of charge. Request in advance.

Guestrooms
Guestrooms feature one king or two queen beds, and either partial atrium, center atrium or outside views. Atrium view rooms -- which come with balconies -- are beautiful, and come at a premium for that reason. You can sleep up to five people in these rooms (if you order a rollaway bed or crib).

Deluxe Suite
This suite has a separate bedroom with a king bed, and a living area with a sofa bed. Families may order up to two rollaway beds or cribs to this room, sleeping a maximum of six people. Connecting configurations are available for extended family or large groups.

Executive Suite
The Executive Suite is similar to the Deluxe Suite, with a separate bedroom and living area with a pull-out sofa. Families may sleep a maximum of six guests in this room, with the option to order up to two rollaway beds or cribs.

Paradise Springs Waterpark
Guests enjoy complimentary access (wristbands required) to Paradise Springs Water Park, open during the summer months. The 10-acre complex has a lazy river, a 6,000-square-foot Family Lagoon with a waterslide, two heated pools and a separate area for toddlers. Private cabanas, food and lawn games, such as croquet and tossers, are also available.

Indoor Pool
The hotel has an indoor pool with private cabanas and waterfall features. It is quiet and relaxing in comparison with the water park.

Relache Spa and Boutique
The 25,000-square-foot Relache Spa and Boutique delivers the ultimate in pampering, from traditional massages to seasonal specials. It also has salon services and a special menu for kids; options include a Wiggle Worm Hair Cut for children under age 5, a Prince Hair Cut and Style and Princess Manicures and Pedicures. The spa is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 8 to 8 on Sunday.

Shopping
The hotel offers several shops, with everything from boutique clothing and jewelry to toiletries and souvenirs. There's even a store just for kids -- Kid's Korral sells toys and clothing for youngsters.

Lone Star Christmas
The Gaylord Texan hosts Lone Star Christmas -- a must-experience for any family. The event features grand light displays and ICE, a display with ice-carved creations made from 2 million pounds of ice! The display takes on a different theme each year. Other features at Lone Star Christmas include scavenger hunts, snow tubing (yes, snow tubing), and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Additional fees apply, or you can purchase a package deal that combines accommodations and admission to the holiday attractions.

Old Hickory Steakhouse
Head to Old Hickory Steakhouse for savory steaks, or order one of the restaurant's burgers, sandwiches or entrée salads. The casual restaurant offers a separate children's menu, and is open for dinner.

Zeppole Coastal Italian
Zeppole Coastal Italian is a casual restaurant that serves all your favorites -- from pasta to seafood -- plus a wonderful wine selection. The kid-friendly venue is open 5 to 10 p.m. daily.

Texan Station
Texan Station is the epitome of all sports bars, with a 52-foot, HD TV and barbecue and brew specialties. It is open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, and has a menu for children.

Riverwalk Cantina
Riverwalk Cantina looks like it's on the River Walk in San Antonio -- it's situated right on a man-made stream and features "al fresco" dining. Of course, it features delicious Mexican and Tex dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a separate menu for kids. Riverwalk Cantina is open 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served on Sundays, when the restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Cocoa Bean
Visit the Cocoa Bean, a quick-service stop for Starbucks coffee and pastries. Fruit, pre-packaged oatmeal and other snacks are also available. It opens at 6 a.m. daily and often remains open late into the night.

Paradise Springs
This is the water park's restaurant, typically open Memorial Day to Labor Day. It serves flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, salads and four kids' options: hot dog, chicken fingers, grilled cheese and funnel fries. Appetizers, desserts and specialty drinks, beer and wine are available, as well.

Room Service
In-room dining is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an All-Day Menu that's also offered until midnight daily. There's a separate menu for kids, with options such as Oatmeal & Berry Pancakes and Cowpoke Breakfast (eggs, potatoes, meat, fruit and juice or milk) in the morning, and grilled chicken, mac and cheese, penne pasta and cheeseburgers for lunch and dinner. Room service begins at 5:30 a.m. daily.

All About the Extras
Resort Fee
There is a nightly resort fee of $18, which covers access to the fitness center, bottled water, Wi-Fi and a coupon book for Grapevine Mills.

Fitness Center
The hotel has an extensive fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment, as well as free weights. It is open 24 hours, with key card entry only.

Packages
The hotel regularly offers packages and promotions, which include a Dallas Cowboys Game Day Package, Texas Rangers Fan Special and of course, the Lone Star Christmas Experience and Holiday Getaway ICE! Adventure Package.

The Lone Star Christmas Experience includes the following: overnight accommodations; tickets to ICE!; tickets to the Elf of the Shelf Scavenger Hunt; tickets to Gingerbread Decorating Corner (one kit per room); tickets to Santa's Wild Workshop Snow Tubing; and a souvenir family photo.

Holiday Getaway ICE! Adventure includes accommodations, tickets to ICE! and a souvenir family photo.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in is at 3 p.m. and check-out is at 11 a.m. Express check-out services are available via voice mail, text or on the TV in your room.

The Art of Smart Timing
The best time to visit the resort is the summer, when Paradise Springs Water Park is open and the hotel hosts SummerFest, or during the winter holidays for a Lone Star Christmas and package deals, along with some 1,400 festive events throughout Grapevine.

Getting There
The hotel is located about 10 minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, where you can rent a car. You'll have to pay a small toll on the way into Grapevine.

Your family can also take the Super Shuttle, which partners with the Gaylord Texan to provide one-way rates for $23 per person.

Getting Around
You don't need a car to get around town since the Grapevine Visitors Shuttle stops at the Gaylord Texan Resort. The city's shuttle transports guests to area hotels, restaurants, Grapevine Mills and Historic Downtown Grapevine. Passes are $5 per person or $10 for families (two adults and two children under the age of 18).

If you'd like to drive, you'll easily be able to find free parking (though it may be a challenge during the winter holidays). Both valet and self-parking are available at the Gaylord Texan; overnight self-parking is $19, and valet is $29.

For Mom and Dad
You certainly don't have to leave the resort to enjoy some time alone. Head to the Silver Bar or Glass Cactus Nightclub for cocktails, or make a reservation at one of the hotel's restaurants. If you want to have dinner elsewhere, try Dino's Steak and Claw House, followed by a nightcap at Sloan & Williams Winery (we recommend the Cabarnet Franc and Triplicity).