This North Texas shopping destination named one of 10 best malls in the US

When Grapevine Mills shopping mall opened in October 1997, the pop group Hanson performed in the food court. Of course, it included their hit “Mmmbop” released earlier that year.

While some might be surprised to find that Hanson is still around — in fact, they are considering a 2026 tour —there can be no mistaking the longevity of Grapevine Mills. Not only is it a shopping landmark in the Fort Worth area, it is also among the top malls across the entire United States, according to “USA Today.”

The publication listed the shopping destination — billed as the largest in North Texas — as the No. 8 best mall in its 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards recently.

“Grapevine Mills in Texas is no mere shopping mall,” USA Today wrote.

“The honor of being named the No. 8 shopping mall by ‘USA Today’ readers is remarkable and emphasizes the commitment Grapevine Mills has to the community while continuously evolving the shopping center experience,” said Trudy Cresswell of Grapevine Mills marketing.

While Grapevine Mills officials don’t release visitation numbers, suffice to say millions have gone through the 1.8 million square feet of retail shops that include the likes of Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks OFF 5th, Coach Outlet and many more.

And with Grapevine being the Christmas Capital of Texas and being named Best Christmas Town in the U.S. as recently as 2025 by Newsweek, the traffic throughout is at its busiest this time of year.

Entertainment venues include Sea Life aquarium, Legoland Discovery Center, Peppa Pig’s Land of Play, Rainforest Cafe and Meow Wolfe museum. After-hours entertainment features The Escape Room, a bowling alley and an AMC movie theater.

International shoppers can also shop tax-free and get their refunds at the new TaxFree Shopping inside Grapevine Mills. The state of Texas is the only state that allows international visitors to get their sales tax back on qualifying purchases at participating stores.

“TaxFree Shopping provides on the spot, cash, sales tax refunds rather than having to submit a request to the state comptroller and wait for the refund check to arrive,” Cresswell explained.

The destination is also expanding with the recent opening of a Primark affordable fashion retail store, only the fourth in Texas. Entertainment growth in the coming months will include the addition of Bubble Planet and Dig World.

Bubble Planet is a global, interactive, and immersive experience with themed rooms, VR technology, and fantastical landscapes designed to appeal to all five senses. It features activities like a giant ball pit, a bubble room, and simulators.

Dig World, fresh off an appearance on “Shark Tank,” is the first construction-themed adventure park in Texas. It will feature construction-inspired trick-shot attractions that complement its existing signature construction-themed experiences.

Dig World’s underdog story took center stage on “Shark Tank,” where co-founder Jacob Robinson of Houston pitched his vision to millions of viewers in March. His son Pierce, who lives with significant special needs due to suffering from bacterial meningitis as a young boy, has always been mesmerized by construction equipment.

“Grapevine Mills has led the industry in merging together highly desirable retail shopping with best-in-class family entertainment, making Grapevine Mills a destination of choice in North Texas and beyond,” Cresswell said.