Discover Things to Do in Plano, Tx

As a principal city in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Plano offers a wide array of attractions and amenities for residents and visitors alike. The city of Plano, TX, is home to almost 300,000 people, and it’s within a few hours’ drive to anywhere in Dallas or Fort Worth you may want to visit. Learn more about things to do in Plano, TX, below, including unique attractions, outdoor adventures, and shopping.

Introduction to Plano, Tx

Plano is a mid-sized city located around 17 miles north of Dallas on Highway 75. The city is home to many corporate headquarters and business offices, and its nearness to the Dallas-Fort Worth area makes it an attractive location for commuters and visitors. Green spaces and plenty of shopping and entertainment options make it possible for those in the city to enjoy days and weekends without having to drive into the nearby metroplex, but doing so is easy and increases attraction options.

Why You Should Visit Plano … and Consider Staying

Plano, TX, is a great place to visit for a number of reasons, starting with accessibility to so many tourist attractions. But it’s also a safe location, as crime in the area is 23% lower than it is across the nation. According to Area Vibes, people in Plano tend to have higher incomes than their counterparts across the country; the median household income is 54% higher than the national average. Families looking to move to the area might be interested in the fact that school test scores in the area average 60% higher than the national numbers, and Plano schools tend to have smaller student-to-teacher ratios.

Why You Should Visit Plano … and Consider Staying

Attractions in Plano, TX

You’ll find dozens of fun attractions in Plano, TX, and hundreds throughout the nearby metro area. We’ve pulled out a few of the most unique options below.

The Texas Pool

This summer dipping spot actually makes the National Register of Historic Places, as it was constructed in 1961. The enormous 168,000-gallon pool pays homage to the Lone Star State, as it’s built in the shape of Texas. Membership to the pool ensures fun in the sun all season long, and guest passes are also available.

Dark Hour Haunted House

Dark Hour Haunted House Marketed as potentially too intense for children under 10, Dark Hour Haunted House is the premiere spooky-season location in the DFW area. The self-paced haunted house brings to life a new terrifying interactive story each season, and you can also pop for the VIP experience for more thrills and screams.

Plano, Tx Offers Beautiful Wedding Venues

On the gentler side of Plano, you’ll find a wide variety of gorgeous wedding venues. Outdoor locations that let you celebrate matrimony under sunny skies or starry nights, as well as indoor locations for fancy shindigs, are available in the city. If you’re thinking of tying the knot in Plano, consider looking at country and social clubs that offer event venues and beautiful landscaping for an ideal backdrop to your I do's.

Enjoying the Outdoors in Plano, Tx

Getting outdoors doesn’t require a specific reason to celebrate, though, and the greenways and parks in Plano, TX, make it easy to enjoy nature. Check out some of the top sights in Plano, TX, for outdoor adventure below.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Hike or jog through pretty vistas at the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. Some off-road bike paths offer another way to enjoy the outdoors, and you can reserve pavilions for cookouts or parties. An interpretive trail system helps you identify and learn about plants in the area.

Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve

At 800 acres, Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve offers a wide landscape with plenty of amenities. Reserve a pavilion for an outdoor event or enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding onsite. Fishing and birdwatching are also favorite activities of those who visit.

Windhaven Meadows Park

Stop for an afternoon of fun with the kids at this playground and park. In addition to walking trails and other amenities, Windhaven Meadows Park boasts the Liberty Playground, which offers 20,000 square feet of sensory activities, play equipment, and safe synthetic turf.

Windhaven Meadows Park

Lewisville Lake & Park

Boat ramps and other lake access make this park a must for those who love fishing or water sports. Lewisville Lake & Park also has picnic areas and pavilions and a day-use swimming area.

Lewisville Lake & Park

Boat ramps and other lake access make this park a must for those who love fishing or water sports. Lewisville Lake & Park also has picnic areas and pavilions and a day-use swimming area.

Bob Woodruff Park

Take a walk through greenspaces in this park, where the Bob Woodruff Park Trail provides a loop and spurs to explore. The trail also links up with trails from other parks in the area, providing a longer walking or jogging option for those who want to work on endurance.

Bob Woodruff Park

Take a walk through greenspaces in this park, where the Bob Woodruff Park Trail provides a loop and spurs to explore. The trail also links up with trails from other parks in the area, providing a longer walking or jogging option for those who want to work on endurance.

Connemara Conservancy

The mission of the Connemara Conservancy is to preserve the species and experience of the meadow for future generations. Located in an urban area, this 72-acre greenspace provides a location for experiencing and learning about nature.

Connemara Conservancy

The mission of the Connemara Conservancy is to preserve the species and experience of the meadow for future generations. Located in an urban area, this 72-acre greenspace provides a location for experiencing and learning about nature.

Shawnee Park

Fishing, picnicking, hiking, and hanging out on the playground are all possible at Shawnee Park. But this location also offers a full frisbee golf course for those who want to work on their throws or compete against friends.

Shawnee Park

Fishing, picnicking, hiking, and hanging out on the playground are all possible at Shawnee Park. But this location also offers a full frisbee golf course for those who want to work on their throws or compete against friends.

Plano, Tx Is Home to Beautiful Country Clubs

If you’re looking for a more exclusive outdoor experience (or an indoor one, for that matter) Plano’s country clubs are worth considering. Membership definitely has its privileges, and some perks of the local country clubs include golf, tennis, swimming, access to fitness equipment and classes, and priority service for scheduling private events. Add in gorgeous landscaping and casual and high-end dining options at some locations, and you may find it difficult to leave your country club of choice when you’re ready to explore more of the best things to do in Plano.

Plano Tx Is Home to Amazing Golf Courses

Lovers of the links or those who want to get started with golf will find plenty of holes to play through in Plano. Just some of the golf courses in the area include Gleneagles Queen Course, Woodbridge Golf Club, Pecan Hollow Golf Course, and the Courses at Watters Creek. And for evenings when you want to enjoy some golf-related fun with friends, you can also take a swing at Topgolf while grabbing drinks and snacks.

Arts, Museums, and Culture in Plano, Tx

When it comes to attractions in Plano, TX, art and culture isn’t left on the backburner. You’ll find plenty of museums and educational centers.

Heritage Farmstead

Heritage Farmstead is a working historical farm that interprets agricultural life from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Visitors can view exhibits, interact with animals, and see demonstrations from interpreters about how people lived life on a farm a century ago.

Interurban Railway Museum

The Interurban Railway Museum includes permanent exhibits that teach about electricity coming to the railway. People of all ages can also enjoy the model trail and miniature display of historic Plano, and temporary exhibits relating to railway history revolve to cover many other topics throughout the year.

Southfork Ranch

It wouldn’t be a visit to the DFW area without checking out the home of television’s infamous Ewing family. The Southfork Ranch is now an event location for parties, weddings, business events, and private affairs.

Southfork Ranch

It wouldn’t be a visit to the DFW area without checking out the home of television’s infamous Ewing family. The Southfork Ranch is now an event location for parties, weddings, business events, and private affairs.

Play Street Museum

The Play Street Museum offers an interactive experience that lets young children learn more about the world around them through active play. Residents can check the museum’s calendar to find out about seasonal events and extra activities.

Play Street Museum

The Play Street Museum offers an interactive experience that lets young children learn more about the world around them through active play. Residents can check the museum’s calendar to find out about seasonal events and extra activities.

ArtCentre of Plano

View permanent and traveling exhibits at the ArtCentre of Plano. Membership options provide priority access and invitations to exclusive previews and events throughout the year.

ArtCentre of Plano

View permanent and traveling exhibits at the ArtCentre of Plano. Membership options provide priority access and invitations to exclusive previews and events throughout the year.

Entertainment in Plano, Tx

In the category of “just for fun,” there are plenty of things to do in Plano, Tx, and throughout the surrounding area. Start by considering some of the options below.

Boardwalk at Granite Park

The Boardwalk connects office buildings in the city with a community space that boasts numerous dining options. Come eat, drink, and be merry while overlooking the city.

Boardwalk at Granite Park

The Boardwalk connects office buildings in the city with a community space that boasts numerous dining options. Come eat, drink, and be merry while overlooking the city.

Crayola Experience

Explore color and creation at the Crayola Experience. Passholders can create and play in the activity studio and adventure lab, get out the wiggles on the color playground, and learn how crayons are made. With plenty of other activities and a cafe where you can grab lunch, the Crayola Experience offers enough fun for the entire day.

Crayola Experience

Explore color and creation at the Crayola Experience. Passholders can create and play in the activity studio and adventure lab, get out the wiggles on the color playground, and learn how crayons are made. With plenty of other activities and a cafe where you can grab lunch, the Crayola Experience offers enough fun for the entire day.

Legacy Food Hall

Can’t decide where to eat? Bring your family or friend group to the Legacy Food Hall, where everyone can line up for their choice in sips and supper.

Legacy Food Hall

Can’t decide where to eat? Bring your family or friend group to the Legacy Food Hall, where everyone can line up for their choice in sips and supper.

Angelika Film Center and Cafe

Catch a film and enjoy some popcorn for a full movie experience at the Angelika Film Center and Cafe. This location also serves beer, wine, cocktails, and coffee.

Angelika Film Center and Cafe

Catch a film and enjoy some popcorn for a full movie experience at the Angelika Film Center and Cafe. This location also serves beer, wine, cocktails, and coffee.

PINSTACK

Gather the family for a night of fun at PINSTACK, where you can bowl, rock climb, or try your hand at new and classic arcade games. The location includes a full-service restaurant for an all-in-one date or family night.

PINSTACK

Gather the family for a night of fun at PINSTACK, where you can bowl, rock climb, or try your hand at new and classic arcade games. The location includes a full-service restaurant for an all-in-one date or family night.

Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park

Enjoy a treetop adventure at Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park. Zip through the lines or make your way under, over, and through 40 obstacles on the climbing and ropes course.

Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park

Enjoy a treetop adventure at Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park. Zip through the lines or make your way under, over, and through 40 obstacles on the climbing and ropes course.

Shopping in Plano, Tx

Shopping amenities are present throughout the city of Plano. Whether you’re looking for a way to spend some downtime on a trip to the area or you’re a new resident in Plano shopping for your home, you can find what you need throughout malls, shops, and retail districts nearby. Some locations to consider browsing include the downtown Plano arts district, High Street Antiques, Lakeside Market, Legacy West, and Preston Park Village.

Events in Plano, Tx

Throughout the year, you’ll find exciting events hosted in and around Plano, TX. Time a visit to the area to get in on the excitement of events like those below.

AsiaFest

This festival celebrates Asian heritage through the presentation of dance, martial arts, fashion, and cultural performances. Admission is free, and visitors can shop booths and enjoy onsite food.

AsiaFest

This festival celebrates Asian heritage through the presentation of dance, martial arts, fashion, and cultural performances. Admission is free, and visitors can shop booths and enjoy onsite food.

Downtown Plano Art & Wine Walk

Like art and wine more than fly-fishing and beer? Plano’s got you covered. The annual art and wine week takes place downtown. Ticket Holders can enjoy art and gallery experiences, sip fine wines, and listen to live music.

Downtown Plano Art & Wine Walk

Like art and wine more than fly-fishing and beer? Plano’s got you covered. The annual art and wine week takes place downtown. Ticket Holders can enjoy art and gallery experiences, sip fine wines, and listen to live music.

Plano Steinfest

Bring the entire family to the Plano Steinfest. Adults can sample brews and ales while kids enjoy games. Everyone can get in on the polka dancing.

Plano Steinfest

Bring the entire family to the Plano Steinfest. Adults can sample brews and ales while kids enjoy games. Everyone can get in on the polka dancing.

Texas Fly Fishing & Brew Festival

Fishing enthusiasts can attend this annual event, where fly-fishing gear is on display and demonstration, and you can peruse everything at your own pace while sipping local and regional microbrewery beers.

Texas Fly Fishing & Brew Festival

Fishing enthusiasts can attend this annual event, where fly-fishing gear is on display and demonstration, and you can peruse everything at your own pace while sipping local and regional microbrewery beers.

Plano Balloon Festival

Watch hot air balloons launch as you enjoy games of cornhole with friends or snacks from food trucks and vendors. You might even enjoy a tethered ride in a balloon at the Plano Balloon Festival, which takes you around 30 feet above the ground.

Plano Balloon Festival

Watch hot air balloons launch as you enjoy games of cornhole with friends or snacks from food trucks and vendors. You might even enjoy a tethered ride in a balloon at the Plano Balloon Festival, which takes you around 30 feet above the ground.

Texas Music Revolution

The Texas Music Revolution is held in historic downtown McKinney and includes two days of live music performances. This summer music event has a different line-up each year.

Texas Music Revolution

The Texas Music Revolution is held in historic downtown McKinney and includes two days of live music performances. This summer music event has a different line-up each year.

Nearby Areas and Neighborhoods of Plano, Tx

Like the idea of living in Plano but not sure where to start? The area boasts numerous neighborhoods to meet the needs of any individual or family. Those below are just a small selection of the options you can consider.

Timberbrook

Timberbrook is near Oak Point Park, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors when you live or stay in this area. Well rated public schools, diversity, and enjoyable family lifestyle options are all perks of this neighborhood.

Park Forest

Park Forest is located near two major conservancies and park areas in Plano. Ample nightlife and easy access to shopping and dining make this neighborhood a favorite for people of all ages.

Douglass Community

Bob Woodruff Park is located near this community, which also has plenty of nightlife for those who like to enjoy themselves after dark.

Creekdale

Creekdale provides a suburban experience even near the city. Highly rated public schools, easy access to city parks, and plenty of restaurants are all reasons people like to stay or live in this area.

The Colony

The Colony offers lakeside living and posh amenities. While it’s outside Plano, it offers an easy commute for those working in the city.

Where to Stay in Plano, Tx

Whether you’re looking specifically in one of the area's many neighborhoods or just want a great deal on top-notch amenities for your trip to Plano, you have plenty of options. For your next stay in Plano, consider suites at local country clubs, hotels, and private homes and apartments through sites such as Airbnb.

Find Your Adventure or Next Home in Plano, Tx

With so many things to do in Plano, TX, you can have an adventure every weekend. Plan a trip to the area or start planning life after you move into a new home in Plano.