DFW layover with a 6 year old
 

In July we will have a layover at DFW from 9 AM until 5 PM with our 6 year old grandaughter. Are there any hotels nearby that would sell us a pass to use their pool, or is there somewhere we could go to entertain her during the day? I know the airport is pretty much out in the boondocks. Thanks for any help.

Actually you've been somewhat misinformed DFW airport is not in the boondocks. DFW is only about a 30 minute drive from both downtown Dallas and Fort Worth - with a 8 hour layover you have plenty of time leave the airport and visit one of the local attractions. The Dallas World Aquarium comes to mind (http://www.dwazoo.com/d/) - it's and easy drive by taxi and a great way to spend a few hours with your granddaughter.

You could also go to the Fort Worth Zoo (about a 35 minute drivefrom the airport - well worth the trip. Fort Worth also has a Botanical gardens and the newly renovated and upgraded Science and Natural History Museum which has extensive exhibits that are geared toward children.

If you are a bit more ambitious you might consider Six Flags Amusement Park which is less than 15 minutes from the Airport.

Do a google search using such topics as "Things to do in Dallas" (or "Fort Worth") for other places of interest.

Lots to do - just an FYI - depending on where you're coming from, July in Dallas can be HOT - might want to factor that in to your outdoor plans. DFW is situated between Arlington (out the south exit) and Grapevine (out the north exit) for planning purposes. There's Grapevine Mills Mall if you just need to stroll and shop.

You might also consider Great Wolf Lodge. It is a family friendly resort about 15 minutes from the airport. If you can get a day pass your 6 year old can spend the day playing in the pool and at other amusements, perhaps allowing for a more restful flight in the evening.

Good Lord, DFW Airport sits right in the heart of the DFW metropolis--hardly the boondocks!! You have a lot of great ideas here, my favorite is the Grapevine Mall, mainly because it's an indoor thing and you will be there in July. She might enjoy seeing the big fish tank at the Bass Pro shop. The Great Wolf Lodge is a beautiful hotel and that is a great idea too.

If you are considering Six Flags, be advised the admission price is $50 for adults and $31 for children under 48". Given your time constraints I don't think this is worth the expense. The Ft. Worth Zoo is also very nice and a heck of a lot cheaper, but it's not something I would do in mid-summer. The heat is brutal.

If you are going to be there on a weekday be very mindful of the rush hour traffic and head back to the airport in plenty of time for your 5pm flight.