Unlike other types of shopping (i.e. birthday boutique trips, girls' days, etc.), back-to-school shopping can be somewhat of a stressful experience for parents and kids.

The cost of rebuilding an entire wardrobe for a growing child, the whining involved in trying on clothes – it's a shopping event that many people dread.

But it doesn't have to be this way. Back-to-school shopping can actually be fun at Dallas' Grapevine Mills shopping center this year!

Grapevine Mills shopping mall — Photo courtesy of Grapevine Mills

Grapevine Mills is the most unique shopping center in Dallas. Different than standard malls, Grapevine Mills is a shopping hybrid, combining full-line, brand-name stores and outlet retailers.

Some of the most popular shops at Grapevine Mills include Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, H&M, Forever 21, J. Crew, Gap Factory Store, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Banana Republic Factory Store and Tommy Hilfiger Company Store.

Along with those in-demand retailers, Grapevine Mills also features the always-cool Nike Factory Store, a huge Disney Outlet and the trendy Oakley Vault.

Shoppers can take advantage of modern styles and in-style brands while saving money at the same time, which makes all parents happy.

While Grapevine Mills does keep budgets in mind, it also remembers the kids. That's right. Kids love this shopping mall more than their parents.

That's because there are several (not one, but many!) world-renowned, family-friendly attractions on-site. Parents can use this to their advantage and encourage their little ones to try on outfits quickly and happily to earn a visit to one of them.

Take them to the delightful Candy World, or one of several cookie and ice cream shops throughout the shopping center as a special reward for being little shopping troopers. There's also a Build-A-Bear workshop that will give them the opportunity to commemorate the new school year with a teddy bear twin.

Then, spend the rest of the day at the on-site LEGOLAND Discovery Center, complete with rides, indoor playgrounds, building stations, movies and an outdoor splashground.

Or take in the new exhibits at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium, like the Rainforest Adventure.

Close out your shopping trip with a special meal at the kid-friendly Rainforest Café, or take your pack to the onsite Chuck E. Cheese.

If you're worn out from all the shopping, grab a quick meal at the food court, which features a Sbarro, Steak 'n Shake, Subway, Sonic and Taco Bell.

Grapevine Mills gets crowded on the weekends, so come early and buy your LEGOLAND or SEA LIFE tickets online to save even more money!