Fun Things to Do and See in Frisco
If you live in one of the suburbs to the North of Dallas, you know that Frisco, Texas is experiencing unprecedented growth. In fact, population of the city has just about doubled in the last decade. So what do residents in and around Frisco do for fun?
What Is There to Do In Frisco, Texas?
In 2015 several high profile companies, including the Dallas Cowboys, invested billions of dollars in building The Star in Frisco, which houses the NFL team’s practice facility plus a huge surrounding development. Let’s explore some of the fun places to go in Frisco.
The Star
The Star should be high on your list of fun places in Frisco. This amazing entertainment complex offers fans many ways to learn about the Dallas Cowboys. The surrounding areas are fun for the whole family, even those who do not love sports.
- The Ford Center – A 12,000-seat indoor practice facility and also gives local high school teams the chance to experience the amazing facility the professionals use.
- The Omni Frisco Hotel
- Tostitos Championship Plaza – An interactive outdoor area with a replica 50-yard turf football field that gives fans a chance to put themselves in the action
- Nike @ The Star – A unique retail collaboration with the Dallas Cowboys and the famous sports apparel brand
- Ring of Honor Walk – Inspired by the Ring of Honor at AT&T Stadium, this area honors the most outstanding former Dallas Cowboys players
- The Star District – World class shopping, specialty services, and dining to suit all tastes
Numerous restaurants in the Star District are a paradise for those who love to sample flavors of all kinds. From Tupelo Honey’s Southern Kitchen and Bar to Dee Lincoln Prime (a high-end steakhouse), every palate will be satisfied.
Dr. Pepper Ballpark – Frisco Rough Riders
Frisco isn’t known as Sports City USA for nothin’. This thriving city is the home of the Frisco Rough Riders who play at Dr. Pepper Ballpark. Check out their website in the spring and summer for game tickets and fun promotions. Their season runs from April to September.
Toyota Stadium – FC Dallas
There’s something for soccer lovers in Frisco, too. FC Dallas is part of the legacy of Lamar Hunt, a sports visionary better known as the founder of the Kansas City Chiefs and the American Football League.
Hunt went to the World Cup in England in 1966 and brought soccer to the US the next year. He formed Dallas Tornado in 1967. For the rest of his life, he made history with achievement for soccer in the US, but especially for Dallas and the surrounding areas.
Comerica Center
Home of the Texas Legends basketball team and Frisco Fighters indoor football, the Comerica Center is not only a sports stadium, but also a high-profile event venue. On October 29th they hosted an episode of MasterChef and MasterChef Jr. – one of the world’s most renowned cooking competitions. This venue is also the practice facility for the NHL’s Dallas Stars. In addition to all this, it’s the home of numerous seasonal performances such as Cirque Musical Holiday Spectacular.
National Video Game Museum
Do you have a gamer looking for fun things to do in Frisco? For the video game fanatic in the family, the National Video Game Museum is a hotspot, complete with life-sized statues of Mario and Pacman that will make your toddler (or the toddler in your heart) squeal with joy!
Your older video game lovers can learn about the history of video games and how they work, and there are gaming stations are available for play. As the museum’s website says, this is the place to go in Frisco to experience “the games of yesterday, today AND tomorrow.”
Hope Park
A must visit for grown-ups and their littles near Frisco is Hope Park. Constructed for the purpose of entertaining kids of all ages and all abilities, Hope Park is a wonderland for all of the young members of your family.
From the wheelchair accessible ramps to the cushioned surface for safety, grown-ups can rest easy knowing that their little ones are safe. But don’t worry, this sense of security does not come at the expense to a good time. A train, a merry-go-round, and a sensory area are just the beginning of what all ages can enjoy at Hope Park.
Texas Sculpture Garden
Art lovers wondering what to do in Frisco will be transfixed by the works on display at the Texas Sculpture Garden. Indoor and outdoor pieces will challenge you to enter into the sculptor’s journey and see a part of the world through the eyes of a creator.
A free attraction full of modern art experience, the Texas Sculpture Garden will mesmerize young artists and engage older ones. Whether they are transfixed by Sherry Owens’ Coming out of the Circle, or want to linger at Poetry Series II by Roger Colombik, there is something for everyone at this artist’s hamlet.
Sci-Tech Discovery Center
Do you have a young science enthusiast looking for places to go in Frisco? Great news! For the STEM obsessed, Frisco does not disappoint. Sci-tech Discovery Center is a place for mind-stretching fun with educational exhibits, a packed event calendar, and a venue for private events. Best of all, the Center has a Makerspace, presented by Raytheon and Siemens, where kids can design, build, test and iterate projects using a range of tools, materials and technologies.
Sci-tech has tools for everything from metalworks to electric, wood fabrication and film editing, even 3D printing. With programs for developing these skills in the works and numerous classes already available, every age will find something that will help them learn and grow.
Museum of the American Railroad
Historians, or curious littles, will be excited to visit the beginnings of a Frisco-based Museum of the American Railroad.
Currently hosting walking tours of their outdoor train collection and an indoor small size TrainTopia, the foundation is raising funds to build a full-on museum to celebrate both the history and the future of the railroad. We can’t wait to see the finished product!
Frisco Events and Festivals
Here’s one of the best benefits about being close to a city but not living there – you’re far enough away that traffic and chaos doesn’t affect you, but you can drop everything and get there when the mood strikes you.
Frisco has events and festivals all throughout the year, but here are just a few to get you started.
Frisco Fair – This midsummer celebration of life, complete with art and music, carnival style food, rides for the whole family and a fresh market, extended their time this year because the Fair was just too much fun to end it.
Freedom Festival – With a countdown already running on their website, Frisco will not disappoint on the Fourth of July. Races, fireworks, games and food fill the city with lights and celebration.
Festival of Colors – Last but definitely not least, don’t forget to come to the Frisco’s color and water party, hosted by the city in partnership with Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple. Enjoy the festivities with food and music then play in the citywide colorful water fight just like when you were a kid. You can purchase bags of color and water shooters there.
Come Visit Lilyana by Hillwood
Do you wish for the simplicity of small-town life, but worry about leaving behind the fun and excitement of the big city? As we grow families or look for our permanent home, many of us want to achieve that balance, but it can be hard to find. If you’re looking for that special place and you haven’t yet checked out Lilyana by Hillwood in Celina, TX within Prosper ISD, you might discover it’s just what you’re looking for! Take a virtual tour of Lilyana or contact us for more information.
Things To Do and See In McKinney, TX
Whether you’re new to the area or are a native Texan, if you’ve never explored the many fun things to do in McKinney, you are in for a treat. There’s a lot going on in this Collin County town that is home to more than two hundred thousand people. Take a look at all this historic town has to offer. Our collection of fun stuff to do in McKinney includes something for everyone!
Things to Do in McKinney
Wondering what to do near McKinney, TX? You’ll find a variety of activities for all ages. McKinney is a historic town that offers art galleries, live performances, outdoor recreation, shopping, great dining, and nightlife.
Explore McKinney’s History
McKinney was founded in 1848 as the county seat for the newly created Collin County. Visitors can learn more about the area’s history at the Collin County History Museum which is located in the historic 1911 post office building.
Just a five minute walk away is the Chestnut Square Historic Village which houses many historic buildings and is home to the 1854 Faires House, known as the oldest house in McKinney. The 501(c) (3) non-profit Heritage Guild of Collin County operates the village and offers tours of the village, larger city tours, and community farm tours. The guild also hosts a Saturday Farmer’s Market at the village and puts on various fun events such as family workshops, holiday tours, murder mystery dinners, ghost walks, and much more!
Visit Downtown McKinney
McKinney’s historic downtown square is a lovely marriage of historic architecture and modern commerce. The centerpiece of the square is the majestic old Collin County courthouse which was thought to be the tallest building north of San Antonio when it was completed in 1875. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of McKinney’s downtown historic district. Guided and trolley tours are also available.
Downtown McKinney is home to more than 100 businesses. Browse for antiques, books, clothing, jewelry, and art. Stop in for a relaxing spa treatment, a fresh baked treat, a coffee or a gourmet meal. Even geocaching enthusiasts will find treasure hunts to enjoy.
Enjoy Outdoor Recreation in McKinney
Some of the best things to do in McKinney, TX involve outdoor activities. Here are a few examples of great places to visit in McKinney, TX when you are feeling active and ready to burn off some energy.
Towne Lake Recreational Area is maintained by McKinney Parks & Recreation and offers activities for all ages including paddle boating on the lake, a fishing pier, a disc golf course, volleyball and horseshoe courts, and baseball fields. There is also a recreation center with a gym, a weight room, an outdoor play structure, a nature trail, and a multi-purpose rec room where programs and classes are held. Contact the rec center for more information on programs and hours of operation and any restrictions due to COVID-19.
Another outdoor option is Erwin Park, a beautiful 110-acre suburban park in North McKinney. There are swings, picnic areas with grills, overnight camping, 3 pavilions, and a 9.5-mile natural-surface trail for hiking and mountain biking.
Visit a Brewery or Vintner
If you are a fan of adult beverages, you’re in luck. You may find the local breweries and wineries to be among your favorite places to visit in McKinney, TX. Franconia Brewing Company produces Bavarian-style beers using traditional German methods. This environmentally-friendly brewer offers weekend tours with tastings. Tupps Brewery is located on the premises of an old cotton mill. Though they are not currently offering brewery tours, the taproom is open.
Wine lovers wishing to try a new varietal have two places to go in McKinney, both located in the historic downtown area. Lone Star Wine Cellars offers food and wine pairings, flight tastings and live music. Landon Winery offers their award-winning wines along with appetizers. You can enjoy them on site at their location or take anything with you to enjoy at home.
Places to Go in McKinney
If you’re looking for more exotic things to do around McKinney, read on. How about a thrilling high-altitude adventure or an all-natural experience? Here are a few more exciting places to visit in McKinney, TX.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
One of the coolest places to go in McKinney, TX is up! Yes, you read that right! Rohr balloons offers hot air balloon rides year-round on weekdays and weekends. Rides can accommodate large groups, you can arrange a private ride for two, three or four passengers, or you can book a shared ride. Free digital photos and video are included with each flight. Special options such as tethered flights, proposal packages, and wedding packages are also available.
Heard Wildlife Museum
One of the best things to do with kids in McKinney is to visit the Heard Wildlife Museum. This 289-acre nature preserve and museum has been connecting people and nature for more than fifty years. Heard is a wildlife sanctuary with an amazing assortment of wildlife, natural science exhibits, animatronic dinosaurs, miles of nature trails, a native Texas plant and butterfly garden, a ropes course with a zip line and much more. The museum hosts events and programs for kids and adults throughout the year such as night time hikes, summer and break camps, and Halloween and holiday themed events.
Events Near McKinney, TX
The greater North Texas area is home to so many great things to see and do, there’s no wonder it’s growing by leaps and bounds. That’s one reason so many families are buying new homes in Celina, just minutes away from all fun things to do in McKinney. In addition to all the attractions we’ve reviewed above, our area hosts some wonderful seasonal festivals that offer additional excitement for residents and visitors alike.
Some examples of the wonderful events near McKinney, TX include the following:
Arts in Bloom in Historic Downtown McKinney. For this April festival, more than 100 artists set up on the streets surrounding the performing arts center in downtown. The festival includes fine arts, dance, performance art, music, food vendors, Texas wineries, and more!
Red, White and BOOM! This July 4th celebration offers free fireworks, entertainment, and family activities.
McKinney Oktoberfest. Held in late September/early October, this festival features local breweries, food trucks, and live entertainment.
Home for the Holidays, a McKinney Christmas. Celebrate the season in historic downtown McKinney with Santa Claus, a Christmas carousel, family activities, an art market, and much more.
We hope you find a few things to try amongst all these McKinney, TX things to do! When you are ready to explore master-planned residential communities in North Texas, get in touch with us at Lilyana by Hillwood.