Sunday Funday at Trader's Village!

Trader's Village is a place I've driven by hundreds of times during my years in DFW and never stopped to check out. I was always too busy, too broke, too full of excuses not to.

When I told friends, however, that I was taking my husband and girls this past Sunday to check out the Grand Prairie hot spot, they were all quick to offer advice. "Bring cash and be sure to ask for deals. All the vendors want to make you a happy customer!" Or "pack a cooler with some beer and juice boxes and enjoy the day." "Be ready to walk and shop!" It seems I was in the minority of people who had yet to visit Trader's Village.

So Sunday we headed out to spend some time together as a family and see Trader's Village. We barely got ourselves parked (parking costs $4, FYI) before the girls begged to try out the rides, which could be seen from the parking lot as we drove up. For $12.99 per person for an unlimited-ride wristband (you can also buy individual ride tickets for $2.49 each), the girls were able to enjoy the 12 rides Trader's Village offers over and over again. From bumper cars to swings and a coaster-esque ride called the Village Vortex to a carousel, Trader's Village has a great selection of amusement rides to keep kids happy throughout the day- and ample seating for mom and dad to relax and enjoy people-watching while kids ride. While many rides have height restrictions (my 4 year old wasn't tall enough for the Village Vortex, which required a minimum height of 48 inches), there were several offerings for younger kids, as well. They even have a large padded play structure called the Rumpus Room where kids can climb while parents enjoy refreshments and entertainment on the Big Red Patio stage (just don't forget socks- kids can't play in the rumpus room without them!).

After you've checked out ALL the rides (more than, say, six times each, if you're my kids!), head over to Gary's Grill to grab a bite at America's number one flea market. Named after Trader's Village's founder Gary, Gary's Grill is located just beyond the amusement rides and offers an array of delicious food, from roast beef sandwiches and taco salads to chicken fingers and, my personal.favorite, sopapilla sundaes. Not only does Gary's Grill offer something for everyone (nachos, anyone?), it does so at reasonable prices. A sopapilla sundae is only $3.50.... And worth every penny!

After you've played and eaten, get ready to shop your heart out! I dare you to go to Trader's Village and NOT find what you are looking for. From vintage toys and housewares to furniture and clothing, Trader's Village has vendors who sell it all. My girls enjoyed combing through toy collections that included American Girl dolls (authentic- I'm a massive fan!), McDonald's Happy Meal toys from my childhood (I know because my parents still have a lot of them!), Beanie Babies and loads of modern toys including Sophia the First and so on. My husband and I enjoyed looking at furniture and comparing prices to what we know stores by the mall are currently offering (spoiler: Trader's Village is significantly less expensive!), and he really liked looking at accessories and parts for his Dodge truck. We also stopped off at the Cactus Cantina for a beer (they sell margaritas, too!) because Sunday Funday!

After five hours at Trader's Village, we dragged my girls out with promises of returning in the near future. We had such a great time! They oftentimes have weekend events, as well. This coming weekend is both Taste of Grand Prairie (Thursday) and the Polynesian Festival (Saturday). See the full schedule of events at www.tradersvillage.com.

Trader's Village is open Saturday and Sunday, and the Website suggests that best shopping times are 10 am to 5 pm.

*I was given complimentary ride passes and food and beverage from Trader's Village in exchange for my post. All thoughts and opinions are my own*