Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Plano, Texas

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Oak Point Park covers 800 whole acres out there with 8 miles of trails running right along Rowlett Creek. The Heritage Farmstead keeps an 1895 schoolhouse and an active working farm on the whole of the 4 acres. Legacy West runs a whole 225 acres of the development that came along afterwards out there as well. The Bur Oak out there is 200 whole years old. Recorded.

Known today as one of the largest suburbs of Dallas, Plano grew into a busy city from a modest beginning.

What started as a small farming community in North Texas reached great heights and earned itself the City of Excellence. It runs both the city and the suburban feel, which gives you wide options of things to do and places to visit.

Coming to Plano, Texas, expect a diverse chance at discovery, art, exceptional dining, and outdoor and indoor recreation.

Canoe across Texas saltwater lakes, stroll in the nature preserves, or see a farmstead that carries you centuries back. Downtown, take Courtyard Texas Music, try good old-fashioned drinks, or hop into the city’s scenic nightlife.

The good thing about sitting near Texas cities like Dallas and Forth Worth is that planning does not have to be long. You can plan a day trip, an overnight, or a getaway weekend.

By all means, bring this list of the best things to do and places to visit in Plano, Texas along with you.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Outside downtown Plano sits a 200-acre park and green space for recreational activities across the range.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is an immaculate place for hiking, running, or biking, with occasional sightings of wildlife. This nature preserve in Plano, Texas runs paved hiking trails and about the same length again in unpaved trails.

If you prefer biking, do so on their 2.8-mile off-road bike trail and take the fresh nature air.

Look out for wildlife sightings, or visit the iconic tower whenever you are around. For your convenience, the park runs clean, well-kept restrooms where you can change or tidy up.

After a hike, take a picnic in the park’s expansive playground or slow down in the covered pavilion. You can also reserve the pavilion as a venue for a special event or celebration. Its outdoors and serene surrounding suit just about any occasion.

For a preserve with wildlife and green landscape across the range, you would not think Arbor Hills sits right among the suburbs. So much for the long drives to the countryside just to take this natural setting.

No better air to breathe on one sunny summer afternoon runs than in the peaceful Arbor Hills. Its convenient location in the middle of Plano, Texas suits quick getaways and outdoor fun.

Address: 6701 W Parker Rd, Plano, TX 75093, United States

Crayola Experience

After amusement parks in the Plano area? Dive into the colorful world of Crayola at The Shops at Willow Bend, a downtown shopping mall.

This 60,000-square-foot space of over 20 hands-on attractions should not be skipped in Plano with the kids.

Crayola Experience is an interactive amusement park in Plano, Texas, known as the most colorful family destination in the state. This place is a big hit for families year-round, and it made Parents Magazine’s list of Top 10 Trips to Take Before Your Kid Turns 10.

Among the creative things and unusual adventures you can do in Crayola is starring on your own coloring page.

To build child play and creativity, the amusement center helps kids unleash their potential through attractions across the range. These include a 4-D coloring adventure, naming and wrapping your own Crayola crayon, and learning how crayons are manufactured.

Something art and something craft always run in Crayola Experience, and the possibilities are endless. Sparing part of an afternoon in this nurturing space can mean a lifetime of memories for the mini-artist.

Lastly, treat the kids with something to take home, like a fresh box of crayons or cool store merch on-site.

Address: 6121 W Park Blvd Suite A100, Plano, TX 75093, United States

Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park

How far would you go for a crazy, fun adventure? One of Plano’s best parks runs everything you seek in an adventure park.

With over 27 feet up in the woodland canopy and 8 miles of trails and zip lines, Go Ape is not for the feeble. This destination in Oak Point Park ranks among the strongest in Plano, Texas, not far from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The park runs more than 40 obstacle courses, the treetop and high-ropes adventure courses among them. Navigate all the challenging crossings while dangling from the treetop to the zipline crossing over Rowlett Creek.

This outdoor adventure in Plano is an adventure like no other. Work the 800-acre park from different angles and heights, surrounded by lush forests.

You cross from one tree to another and swing through the Tarzan swings in no time. It only takes 2-3 hours to complete this obstacle.

After a shortened version of the original Treetop Adventure? You can take exciting obstacles within 60-90 minutes with Treetop Discovery. However, this limited session runs on select days only.

Face the fear and find your niche. You need physical and mental endurance to take on this Plano adventure.

Address: 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano, TX 75074, United States

Haggard Library

This community library in Plano, Texas is worth the visit for good books and informational community resources.

Haggard Library was established in 1989 and named in memory of William Owen Haggard, Jr., husband of Merle Haggard. The Haggard family provided the six-acre property on which the library now stands.

The 40,000-square-foot facility runs a sunken courtyard that lets light pass through the main floor and lower level of the building.

The upstairs runs study pods, study spaces, room rental for digital equipment and advanced computers. Down on the lower level, you can take their Genealogy Center and see the library’s administration offices.

Work the library and peruse aisles of books you may find interesting. Haggard Library runs eBooks and Audio Books alongside the computer class and Children’s and Family Programs they offer.

They also run scanning and printing services, just so you know in case you need one while in Plano.

Haggard Library sits conveniently near a long list of Asian restaurants, markets and bakeries.

Bring the kids or little siblings for a Storytime and Puppet Show, or join one of the Plano reads yourself. Learning is fun in this facility, with everything you need to get some work done.

Address: 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, TX 75075, United States

Heritage Farmstead Museum

Welcome to the premier historic site interpreting the Texas Blackland Prairie heritage in Plano, Texas.

The Heritage Farmstead Museum shows life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through collections and exhibits across the range. Examples include replicas of the 1895 schoolhouse and the 1892 Farrell-Wilson House, Victorian-era items, and furniture and domestic accessories.

All these items are homed in the restored Farrell-Wilson Farmstead, which also happens to be an active farm.

Once lived in by a Plano settler family, the Victorian farmhouse is now a heritage site that runs significant farm-like interaction for visitors.

Visit their barn and see healthy livestock across the range like donkeys and cows through an informative guided tour. The farmstead hosts unusual events through the year, Little Farmer Friday and summer camps and Springtime on the Farm among them.

It is a good time to coordinate the visit to one of these seasonal events for more things to do and learn.

North of Downtown Dallas, this 4-acre property is a fine example of a living history museum in North Texas. You begin the tour in the Visitor’s Center and most likely end the day at their gift shop.

Here you can find unusual gift-worthy items and locally handmade items like soaps and candles.

A little fun weekend outing in this Plano destination will be worth the drive.

Address: 1900 W 15th St, Plano, TX 75075, United States

Hilton Dallas Plano Granite Park

Take an upscale waterfront run at a contemporary, award-winning hotel at Granite Park in Plano, Texas.

Hilton Dallas is a major hotel in the mixed-use workplace community of Granite Park. You can stay in and take its top-tier amenities for an exceptional stay in the business district. The outdoor patio through the upscale bar Prairie Fire, Hilton Dallas adds a sophisticated touch to the travels.

You can swim in the outdoor pool, stop by their fitness center, or take dishes across the range in their on-site restaurant.

Its amenities include a free area shuttle, hot tub, fireplace by the lobby, and a convenient location for grocery stores and cafes.

In the mood for waterfront dining? See a row of restaurants on The Boardwalk just behind the hotel. The Boardwalk also runs popular at Granite Park, with eight walkable eateries.

For travelers after a place to stay near Heritage Farmstead Museum, Hilton Dallas sits just 20 minutes away. And you are only steps away from numerous shops, area restaurants, entertainment facilities and shopping.

It also sits near local attractions not to be skipped like the Interurban Railway Museum, National Videogame Museum and Legacy West.

Address: 5805 Granite Pkwy, Plano, TX 75024, United States

Interurban Railway Museum

Enter the portal to Texas history inside the site of Plano’s first train station and find its impact on the city.

Now a site of the Interurban Railway Museum, the historic train station became a local hotspot for learning and ideas. It runs interactive exhibits and interpretive displays across the range telling the story of Texas Electric Railway and Plano, Texas.

Sitting in Historic Downtown Plano, the museum walks you through the details of the regional transportation history between 1908 and 1948.

Learn how an interurban car took the passengers of Texas from one town to another across the Blackland prairie region. The sub-station in Plano remains the last one around, which serves the greater purpose of educating visitors about Texas history.

Walk through the history room with permanent exhibits such as the Downtown Plano model train and Texas Electric Railway. Something new is always up in their temporary exhibits and mini-exhibit shows every season.

Make the trip more special by taking a guided tour through the Historic Car 360 Virtual Reality.

It has been decades since the operation of the Texas Electric Railway came to a halt. With the rise of alternative, non-polluting transportation systems, this could be something you see again in the future.

Address: 901 E 15th St, Plano, TX 75074, United States

This is not a bedroom suburb that forgot where it came from at all out there now. The Blackland Prairie farm is still working out there and the schoolhouse still stands right on it. The interurban ran the passengers across that whole prairie from 1908 until 1948 out there. Farm first, suburb second.

Legacy West

Howdy.

Legacy West runs the most spectacular entertainment district and largest mixed-use community in North Texas.

It is the newest addition to the best shopping and dining destination in the city and a strong place to stay and slow down. Sitting in the heart of Plano, Texas, Legacy West brings a city within a city far from out of reach.

Shop until you drop with exciting collections of retail stores, clothing and fragrance and beauty through bags and accessories and footwear. You see a bunch of the favorite high-end retail brands, such as Chanel, Tory Burch, Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

While at it, take a break from shopping and satisfy the craving with over 20 delightful restaurants and eateries in Plano’s lifestyle center. Dig into Texas comfort food or try modern Asian cooking with family or friends.

Meet old friends, share conversations and make good memories in the city’s hotspot for dates and nightlife. Legacy West’s food hall, the Legacy Hall, is the easiest destination if you have difficulty thinking about where to eat.

The 225-acre development and business district recently added local shops and small businesses from across Dallas-Fortworth into their space.

Finally, catch live music, pop-ups and community events in the Legacy Hall or Renaissance Plano. Nearly 20 eateries and craft cocktail bars run there to raise the evening.

Address: 6085 Water St, Plano, TX 75024, United States

Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve

See the best of all worlds in Plano, Texas’s largest park and nature preserve.

Oak Point is an 800-acre park with 8 miles of concrete and soft nature trails along Rowlett Creek. It runs a 16-acre lake, a Native prairie restoration zone, an open meadow and a wooded riparian Rowlett Creek corridor.

You get the best of lakes, woodland, streams and trails all in one place. A quaint equestrian area runs there for visitors to ride horses, along with the Go Ape treetop adventure course for group events.

Use the paved multi-use trail to get an unusual encounter with the 200-year-old Bur Oak, the oldest tree in Plano. To get better views of the preserve from the streams, paddle down the lake in a canoe or kayak. It is a good point of view to watch the sunset, too.

Oak Point is generally a good location for about anything outdoors. But it also runs entertainment venues for fun indoor activities and events.

Watch a show in the Amphitheater concert venue or join indoor events at the Oak Point Park Nature and Retreat Center.

This part of the growing urban city of Plano reminds you of the timelessness of abundant green space. Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve is a good example of the best of Plano, Texas’s park system.

Address: 5901 Los Rios Blvd., Plano, TX 75074, United States

Plano Art Walk

Divulge in Plano’s artistic side through a self-guided tour of downtown Plano, Texas.

Plano Art Walk is part of the city’s celebration of art, culture and history. It is a 2020 project of the Leadership Plano program to awaken a multi-sensory run for all ages.

The tour is more than viewing art installations, sculptures or murals around the city, because it is built to be interactive.

Walk, ride, or drive by Downtown Plano to see some of the best arts. You’ll begin the tour with “Rhythmic Illuminations” by Joshua Weiner, displaying metal sculptures of different art forms, like the violinist and conductor.

The path later takes you through the proscenium-style Courtyard Theater, the Haggard Park, to the ArtCentre of Plano.

The walk would not be complete without seeing the Alien Rock painting and the Vickery Park Mural. This mural by Wes Hardin shows the early life in Plano, with emphasis on its railroad history.

While Plano is not very known for its art scene, Plano Art Walk shows that it is there for you to see.

With this initiative, you get to walk and work it all.

Address: 1021 E 15th St, Plano, TX 75074, United States

Plano Balloon Festival

You cannot possibly miss one of Plano’s largest celebrations if you are around the city in September.

The Central Market Plano Balloon Festival marks the 40+ years of ballooning in Plano and Collin County. It runs varying activities each year, but something always lands.

The festival draws over 90,000 attendees from around the state at Oak Point Park, and Nature Preserve in Plano, Texas.

Typically, every event runs main stage entertainment, a Kid’s Fun Zone, local community performances, and a hot air balloon launch not to be missed. If the weather permits, you get to see this launch, along with a skydivers show, balloon night glows and fireworks.

As scenic as it is, every event gets you, regardless of how many times it has been celebrated. Every celebration brings a different kind of fun for the whole family.

Take dining options across the range with strong foods, and browse one-of-a-kind merchandise and handmade products shown each year. Catch the favorite shows and live band performances while documenting this once-in-a-year event.

The huge, colorful hot air balloons make a strong picture with a backdrop of the fine landscape of Oak Park.

The city of Plano keeps updating the festival’s schedule starting the first month of the year, so save the date.

Address: Oak Point Park, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75074, United States

Plano Super Bowl

Visit the neighborhood’s favorite bowling center at the best bowling center around Dallas-Fortworth and North Texas.

Plano Super Bowl has been a regular gathering place for families and friends of Plano, Texas since 1985. Open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, Plano Super Bowl does not mind having you around at any time.

They are Always Open, Always Fun. Who would say no to late-night bowling?

Around to kill time, slow down with friends, or improve the skills, you have a place in their bowling area either way. Many bumper bowling lanes run there for children to keep balls out of the gutter.

PSB is not your average bowling center, with over 2200 league bowlers and new leagues every month.

Want a break from bowling? Take the arcade games and redeem prizes or sip a cold drink at PSB’s Scratch Drafthouse. You can also try a made-to-order dish from the Scratch Kitchen menu, PSB’s on-site restaurant.

Celebrate a special occasion in Plano’s best bowling environment with the closest friends and loved ones. PSB can custom-build a party for you for about any occasion. At Plano Super Bowl, consider yourself part of the family.

Address: 2521 K Ave, Plano, TX 75074, United States

Play Street Museum Plano

Book a playtime at the Play Street Museum Plano for kids and toddlers up to 8 years of age.

Play Street Museum is the neighborhood museum for engaging playtime, educational activities and fun events. Established in 2015, the interactive children’s museum is an inspiring place to work, learn and be imaginative.

The museum takes child play to the next level with its interactive learning and its environment for the kiddos. Their play space runs a rotating Discovery Rug exhibit, an Adirondack-inspired village and campsite, and other art exploration stations.

Watch as the little scientists have sensory plays at the slime lab or out and about at the indoor play area.

The fun does not stop there. PSM Plano runs fun weekly themes and events centered on notable persons, cultures and holidays.

Stay a little longer for the special Night at the Museum activities, pottery and space exploration and canvas paintings among them.

Join in the fun with the little ones or sit back and watch them find the world of art and creativity.

You have a strong time either way and will want to visit again when you are back in Plano.

Address: 5964 W Parker Rd #120, Plano, TX 75093, United States

The Boardwalk at Granite Park

Meet up with friends and take top local attractions in one place at The Boardwalk.

This boardwalk within the granite park runs a collection of waterfront restaurants in Plano, Texas. Locals and visitors of Plano come together in this quiet corner for unusual dining options and unmatched waterfront views.

It conveniently connects many offices, buildings and attractions at Granite Park, even hotels, in a single location.

Exceptional dining through refreshing drinks and fun community events, you can take it all on The Boardwalk’s outside patio. Stay in the loop for events too, the Farmers Market and Flowers Bar among them.

This spectacular development in Plano, Texas is deeply rooted in community and sustainability. It is designed to run a family-friendly venue in addition to Plano’s local tourist attractions. Although tucked in the middle of the city, the noise is surprisingly unnoticeable from here.

Walk down the wooden planks and smile at locals. Getting around this park is easy with its strategic layout. The favorite go-to eateries and bars sit literally a few steps away. The Boardwalk also supports healthy options and an active lifestyle, which improves people’s quality of life.

Eat, drink and slow down at The Boardwalk.

Address: 5880 TX-121, Plano, TX 75024, United States

The Texas Pool

Drop by the historic Texas Pool in Plano, Texas, for legendary fun in the sun.

You may have heard about The Texas Pool featured in the D Magazine Get Wet and Wild or Plano Magazine A Guide To the Good Stuff. From the looks of it, this Plano attraction is popular for its unusual architectural design and historic touch.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, The Texas Pool has long been considered a historical landmark in North Texas. Since 1961 it has been the community’s gathering place to hang out or spend an hour or two.

Take fun in the sun swimming in the 168,000-gallon saltwater pool shaped like the Texas map. It works like swimming across Texas, except there are cool waterslides and diving boards.

The pool sits conveniently in a peaceful neighborhood where you can take the serene sound of the water splash. The place runs quality facilities and a friendly, highly-trained team of lifeguards every summer.

You can bring your food and coolers and take a warm, beach-like atmosphere.

Managed by the Texas Pool Foundation, The Texas Pool runs access to swim safety education. This includes swimming lessons and chances for the general public, regardless of privilege, ability and needs.

As a community pool, it does serve its purpose of bringing a sense of belonging among neighbors. If you plan to visit, swimming seasons run through summer from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Address: 901 Springbrook Dr, Plano, TX 75075, United States

Frequently asked questions about Plano, Texas

What exactly sits inside the whole of the Interurban Railway Museum out there in Plano, then, really now?

It runs on the site of the whole of Plano’s very first train station right out there. The Texas Electric Railway carried the passengers across the whole of the prairie from 1908 until 1948. The Plano sub-station is the very last one left standing anywhere around out there. Recorded.

How big exactly is the whole of Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve out there, then, really now, in the end?

It covers a whole 800 acres with 8 miles of concrete and soft trails right along Rowlett Creek. A 16-acre lake and a prairie restoration zone both sit inside the whole of it out there. The 200-year-old Bur Oak stands right on the paved trail out there as well. Largest.

What exactly does the whole of the Heritage Farmstead Museum actually hold out there, then, really now?

It holds the restored Farrell-Wilson Farmstead and the whole of it is still an active working farm. Replicas of the 1895 schoolhouse and the 1892 house both stand right there on the site. The property runs a whole 4 acres of the old Texas Blackland Prairie out there. Farmed.

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