Thank you to Gaylord Texan for providing us with Complimentary tickets to some of the events at Summerfest. All opinions are 100% our own.
If you grew up in the early 90’s, like me, then you remember Will Smith as a singer/rapper! Don’t mean to date myself but I always think of this song by him when summer is near! Summertime means one thing to us- it’s time for Summerfest at the Gaylord! Each year the Gaylord Texan has a themed Summerfest with lots of kid-friendly activities and fun for kids and families! Last year the Summerfest theme was Smurfs and 2019 brings us Peter Pan! If you are a fan (or not) of Peter Pan or all things Tinkerbell then you don’t want to miss it! Here is what you need to know about Summerfest Fun 2019 at the Gaylord Texan!
SummerFest Swim
Book a room and stay the night or a few days because there is seriously a western themed, 10-acre resort pool and lazy river complex named Paradise Spring. It features entertaining water features, tasty cuisine, sunbathing decks, cabana rentals and more.
You can only go if you are a resort guest and it is only open seasonally; Memorial Day – Labor Day! During Summerfest on Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s there is a Splash Party presented by bubly™ for the kids with live DJ music, games, hair braiding, airbrush tattoos, lawn games and more! My kids always have a blast! There is also an indoor and outdoor pool at the resort if the larger water park is not your thing or if you just want something different!
SummerFest Activities
Summerfest is full of fun activities for the kids to enjoy! This years theme brings Peter Pan-themed décor, escape rooms, canvas painting, scavenger hunts, dance parties and junior chefs camps – just to name a few.
- Hook’s Scavenger Hunt– Captain Hook has lost his prized treasure map that shows him the way to his loot. Hook suspects the Lost Boys are playing a trick on him and they have taken his map. Follow the clues left by the Lost Boys and find the map before Captain Hook finds it!
- Wendy’s Journey to Neverland: An Interactive Adventure Join Wendy- This was an awesome experience to say the least! I really feel I learned more about Peter Pan & friends on this interactive guided journey than I had watching the movie! Your kids will get to visit the fantastical world of Neverland and explore all the different lands and even meet their favorite characters from Peter Pan!
- Escape to Neverland & Pirate’s Revenge Escape Rooms– The Escape Rooms are back by popular demand with TWO unique experiences! Race the clock as you and your team attempt to solve riddles and puzzles to escape the one of a kind black light experience in Escape to Neverland or embark Captain Hook’s ship in the Pirate’s Revenge in search of Peter Pan’s shadow.
SummerFest Dance
Who doesn’t love a good dance party, especially in your PJ’s! Your kids will love a night of music, dancing and glow-tastic fun in the atrium every Friday and Saturday night for the Light Up The Night Pajama Dance Party! Make sure you stick around for the Video Mapping Show “Dream On” presented by bubly.™
The best part is these 2 events are free and totally cool as the Mission Plaza facade comes alive during this immersive video mapping show of the magical world of Neverland! If you request a room in the center atrium, go out on your balcony and watch the show, it is an amazing view from there!
SummerFest Explore
My kids (and even hubby) love to create and explore and Gaylord’s SummerFest has something for everyone! The Pan’s Painting and Treasures is a special area created just for kids and parents alike to let their inner artist come to life by painting a Peter Pan-themed canvas or decorating a treasure chest to store their prized possessions. It is in the retail corridor and runs Friday-Sunday during SummerFest!
If you have a little chef, put them in Junior Chef Camp while staying at the Gaylord! This fun and interactive day camp teaches junior chefs to cook, plate and serve a treat for two parents/family members to enjoy at the end of each session. There are only certain times/days available so make sure you check the schedule!
Another great way to enjoy art together as a family is the “Never Grow Up” Art Trail! This totally free journey is through the four-and-a-half acres of lush indoor gardens at the Gaylord and features Peter-Pan themed sculptures, paintings and more from local artists.
Like free, us too! While you are on your art trail adventure make sure you check out the “Second Star to the Right” Selfie Tour! Picture yourself as Tinkerbell and more as you fly around the Gaylord’s atriums and find perfect Peter Pan-inspired photo opportunities so you won’t ever forget your time at SummerFest 2019!
Enjoy your summer and make sure you check out SummerFest 2019 at the Gaylord Texan!
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