10 Fun Things To Do In and Around Plano, Texas (Collin County)
If you’re looking for a relaxed, family‑friendly spot in North Texas,
Plano, Texas is a great pick. It has that cozy suburban feel, but you’re still close to Dallas, Frisco, and other busy cities. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, visiting friends, or even thinking about moving here, there are plenty of things to do in and around Plano.
Below are
10 fun things to do near Plano in Collin County that are easy to reach, easy to enjoy, and perfect for all ages.
1. Stroll, Shop, and Dine at Historic Downtown Plano
Historic Downtown Plano is the heart of the city and one of the best places to start your visit. It mixes old‑school charm with modern restaurants and shops.
You’ll find:
- Local boutiques with clothing, gifts, and antiques
- Cafés and dessert spots perfect for an afternoon treat
- Public art, murals, and sculptures for great photo ops
- Live music and events on weekends and during festivals
On a nice evening, you can walk along the brick sidewalks, grab tacos or pizza, and end the night with ice cream or coffee. If you like a laid‑back “small downtown” vibe, this area will feel just right.
2. Explore the Shops at Legacy and Legacy West
If you’re in the mood for a more modern scene, head to
The Shops at Legacy and
Legacy West on the west side of Plano. These two mixed‑use areas sit across the tollway from each other and are favorites with both locals and visitors.
Here you’ll find:
- Trendy restaurants ranging from casual burgers to upscale dining
- Stylish shops with clothes, jewelry, and home décor
- Rooftop bars and patios with evening views
- Hotel options if you want to stay where the action is
At night, Legacy West especially comes alive with string lights, music, and people walking around. It’s a great spot for a date night, girl’s night out, or just people‑watching with a coffee in hand.
3. Get Outdoors at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
If you love the outdoors,
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a must‑visit. It’s about 200 acres of green space on the west side of Plano.
You can:
- Walk or jog the paved trails
- Explore natural dirt trails through wooded areas
- Let kids burn off energy at the playground
- Enjoy views from the observation tower
On weekends, you’ll see families, runners, and dog walkers enjoying the fresh air. If you go at sunrise or just before sunset, the light over the open fields can be surprisingly beautiful for such a suburban area.
4. Spend the Day at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve
Plano doesn’t have mountains or beaches, but it does have
Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, the city’s largest park at over 800 acres.
Things to do here include:
- Hiking and biking more than 8 miles of trails
- Kayaking or paddleboarding on the small lake (check for rentals and seasonal hours)
- Attending outdoor concerts and festivals near the amphitheater
- Picnicking in wide open grassy areas
If you’ve ever thought, “There’s no real nature in the Dallas area,” this park might change your mind. It’s a good place to escape traffic for a few hours and just enjoy open sky.
5. Learn and Play at the Crayola Experience in The Shops at Willow Bend
If you’re visiting Plano with kids, put the
Crayola Experience on your list. It’s inside
The Shops at Willow Bend mall and is basically a colorful, hands‑on play zone.
Kids can:
- Create their own crayons and labels
- Color and craft at different stations
- Enjoy interactive exhibits based on art and creativity
- Burn energy in play areas while parents take a breather
It’s indoors, which makes it perfect for those super‑hot Texas afternoons or rainy days. Plan on spending at least a few hours here if your kids love arts and crafts.
6. Step Back in Time at Heritage Farmstead Museum
Curious what North Texas looked like long before the tech offices and tollways? The
Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano gives you a peek into farm life from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
On this 4‑acre historic farm, you’ll see:
- A preserved Victorian farmhouse
- Barns and outbuildings with old farming tools
- Heritage animals and gardens (depending on the season)
- Special events, tours, and hands‑on activities for kids
Walking through the property, it’s easy to imagine how quiet and simple life used to be here, long before Plano became a busy suburb. It’s a good stop if you enjoy history, architecture, or you’re teaching kids about the past.
7. Cool Off and Have Fun at Hawaiian Falls Waterpark (The Colony) & Local Pools
Texas summers are no joke, and you’ll probably want a way to cool off. While Plano has its own community pools and splash pads, many families also drive a short distance to nearby waterparks.
One popular option is:
- Hawaiian Falls The Colony – about 20–30 minutes from most parts of Plano
Here you’ll find:
- Water slides for thrill‑seekers
- Lazy rivers for floating and relaxing
- Wave pools and kid play areas
If you prefer something simpler, check out Plano’s own:
- Jack Carter Pool – known for its lazy river and slides
- Other city pools and splash pads dotted around town
On a 100‑degree afternoon, a couple of hours at the pool can feel like a mini vacation.
8. Catch a Game or Event at Ford Center at The Star (Frisco)
Just north of Plano in Frisco, still in the Collin County area, you’ll find
The Star—headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys. Even if you’re not a huge football fan, the
Ford Center at The Star is a fun place to visit.
You can:
- Watch high school games, special events, and youth sports
- Join a tour of the Cowboys’ practice facility (check schedules and prices)
- Walk around the outdoor plaza lined with restaurants and shops
- Take photos with team statues and displays
The Star has a true “sports village” feel, with families tossing footballs in the plaza and fans wearing jerseys just about any day of the week.
9. Visit the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary (McKinney)
A short drive from Plano, in nearby
McKinney (also in Collin County), you’ll find the
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary.
This 289‑acre nature preserve offers:
- Walking trails through woods and prairies
- Wildlife exhibits and educational displays
- Seasonal events, camps, and programs for kids
- Fun extras like animatronic dinosaur displays during certain times of year
If you’ve ever wanted to see what North Texas looked like before neighborhoods and shopping centers, this is about as close as you’ll get. It’s peaceful, educational, and a nice change of pace.
10. Wander McKinney’s Historic Downtown Square
To round out your Plano trip, consider visiting the nearby
Historic Downtown McKinney Square, another gem in Collin County.
Around the courthouse square, you’ll find:
- Local restaurants serving comfort food, brunch, and Texas‑style dishes
- Antique shops and vintage stores
- Boutiques with art, handmade goods, and clothing
- Seasonal festivals, live music, and holiday events
The square has a classic, almost movie‑set feel—with brick buildings, cozy storefronts, and friendly shop owners. It pairs nicely with a day spent at the Heard Museum or other nearby parks.
Tips for Enjoying Your Time in Plano, Texas
To make the most of your trip to
Plano and Collin County:
- Plan for the weather: Summers are hot. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat if you’ll be outside at places like Arbor Hills or Oak Point.
- Use a car: North Texas is very spread out. Having a car makes it much easier to get from Plano to Frisco, McKinney, and beyond.
- Check event calendars: Many of these spots—Downtown Plano, The Star, McKinney Square—host special events that can make your visit even more fun.
- Mix indoors and outdoors: Balance nature spots with indoor locations like the Crayola Experience or local malls.
What Will You Do First in Plano?
From
historic downtown streets to
nature preserves, family attractions, and nearby towns, Plano offers more than many people expect. It’s the kind of place where you can hike in the morning, shop and eat in the afternoon, and end the day listening to live music under the Texas sky.
Have you visited Plano or Collin County before?
Which of these 10 things to do would you try first?
I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences.
Share this post with friends or family who are planning a trip to North Texas, and
drop a comment with your favorite Plano spots or hidden gems I should include next time!
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