Mom’s List of Cheap and Free Kids Activities in Collin County — and Where to Find Them

On-the-Cheap in Collin County

There are many budget-friendly destinations in Collin County. Here are several that are around $10 or less per child. Don’t miss out!

Breakfast with the ducks :: Allen :: I am a big fan of Frogg Coffee Bar & Creperie for its food, espresso drinks, and misted patio overlooking the ducks and treehouse.

Cathy’s Critters :: Princeton :: Starting at $10, open farm days include petting zoos and pony rides. Cups of feed are just $3.

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse :: multiple locations :: Enjoy $1.75 movies and discounted popcorn combos for the whole family from June to August. Check theaters in Allen, Frisco, McKinney, and Plano for clubhouse showtimes.

Downtown McKinney :: McKinney :: The cultural district in downtown McKinney is another great place to walk around, grab a bite, and splurge on a treat, like a $5 bag of popcorn at Mom & Pop Popcorn Shop.

Free Play :: Richardson :: For $12.50 plus tax, gamers can beat their high scores on 100 retro games. All ages are welcome.

Frisco Discovery Center :: Frisco :: This unique center contains three experiences in one: Sci-Tech Discovery Center, National Videogame Museum, and TrainTopia. Tickets start at $10, and children under three years old are free.

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary :: McKinney :: Meander nature trails, a butterfly garden, fossil exhibits, and more. Admission is $11 per child, and free for toddlers two and younger.

>> RELATED READ :: Easy, Fun, Free Summer Activities for Kids <<

Heritage Farmstead Museum :: Plano :: Visit an 1890s farmhouse in Plano. Roam the prairie and see the farm animals. Admission is $5 per person. You can also purchase wagon rides for two bucks, and dollar scratch bags to feed the chickens. Check out its preschool event Little Farmer Fridays.

Kayak :: McKinney :: Kayak on Towne Lake for just $3. Rentals include a paddle and lifejacket.

North Texas Performing Arts :: multiple locations :: Book an advanced ticket for $12 per person to see a beloved musical for all ages.

Pump It Up :: Frisco :: This indoor park is another cheap place to get those wiggles out. Child admission is $11. Keep your eye out for seasonal discounts.

Puttshack :: Addison :: Smart mini golf? Why not! Kids 12 and under hit the nine-hole course for $9. We recommend playing Monday through Thursday for the $6 happy hour and half-off games. No kids menu, but families can fuel up on burgers, flatbreads, or try the Asian-Mediterranean fusion menu.

Urban Air Indoor Trampoline Park :: Frisco :: Urban Air’s summersational pass gets you daily admission all summer long for just $100 (prices vary by location). That amounts to only $4 – $6 per visit.

Free Attractions in Collin County

From fire stations to nature preserves, and all the museums in between, these are the freest ways to have a fun time in Collin County!

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve :: Plano :: This is a paved and sometimes-rugged preserve to go for a nature walk with the kiddos. The rockier path leads to a creek you can wade and swim in. There is also a playground, restroom, and water fountain with a water bottle re-filler. Be sure to bring bug spray and snacks.

Collin County Farm Museum :: McKinney :: See tractors, barns, and artifacts from Collin County’s rural heritage in the early 1960s. Visit for free on Wednesdays.

Concerts by the Creek :: Allen :: Show are every Saturday from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. through June. Enjoy jazz, 80s, indie-rock, and more. Check the schedule to see when your favorite genre or cover band plays.

>> RELATED READ :: Dinnertime Fun :: Games That Foster Connection <<

Heritage Village at Chestnut Square :: McKinney :: Saturdays have something special in store for kids at the farmers market. Try all the samples, then dive in to the free kids’ activities and photo ops. Restrooms and shade abound.

Interurban Railway Museum :: Plano :: Train lovers tour a real-life, retired U.S. Mail Railway Post Office train car at this free museum! Exhibits also include an interactive electricity room and model train. On Fridays at 11:00 a.m., preschoolers enjoy story time with Motorman Harold before a tour.

Music in the Square in Downtown Frisco :: Frisco :: Every Friday in June starting at 8:00 p.m., grab a pizza or pack a picnic dinner, and bring the kids for a musical family night out. Best part is, it’s totally free!

Pools, Splash Pads, and Water Parks :: multiple locations :: Collin County is filled with parks and splash pads. Pack the towels and have a free outing that will keep the kids busy for hours. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

The Shops at Willow Bend :: Plano :: Beat the heat at this free, indoor play area. Nearly 2,000 square feet, it features a firetruck, merry-go-round, and more.

Toy Stores :: multiple locations :: Does your kid have an allowance to spend? Let them at one of these toy stores in Collin County. Free for you — aside from the chauffering and snack packing — the kids will have a blast.

Your local firehouse :: Firefighters love to get visitors and give kids a tour of the house. Make some cookies, and bring them a special “thank you for your service” note.

>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Pools, Splash Pads, and Water Parks in Collin County <<

Time to Stay Home

For the days you can’t pack another bag or fill another water bottle, here are free and cheap activities to keep the fun going from the comfort of your comfy pants.

Baking party :: Bake cookies, brownies, and cakes — mine loves to use his own whisk or spoon to mix whatever is in the bowl.

Build a Fort :: You know the drill. Strip the couches, pile the cushions, yank all the blankets from the linen closet. At night, turn it into a cozy reading nook with flash lights or string lights.

Charades :: Pick a theme, and write the names of things that relate to the theme on small pieces of paper. Fold them up, throw ’em in a bowl, and take turns acting them out.

Rock painting :: Go on a rock hunt around your house and neighborhood, then bring them home for the kids to paint.

>> RELATED READ :: 15 Inside Activities to Entertain Kids During Extreme North Texas Weather <<

Water balloon fights :: Paired with sidewalk chalk masterpieces, water balloon fights are free and refreshing when it feels like a sauna outside.

Water play :: Set up a sprinkler in your backyard. Let the kiddos run through it, play tag, and chase each other. This is an easy deal for under $20 that will last you all summer long.

Libraries

My kids and I have made crafts, seen zookeeper talks (with live animals!), and even enjoyed food trucks and balloon animals — all courtesy of your local library’s free programming.

Allen Public Library :: With an ever-eventful calendar and storybook trail, families pass hours of quality time here.

Celina Public Library :: Building Legos and trading Pokémon cards are some of the free activities on its events calendar.

Frisco Public Library :: Don’t miss the amazing children’s play areas: Tot’s Town and Kid’s Club!

>> RELATED READ :: A Mom’s Guide to Local Libraries in Collin County <<

McKinney Public Library System :: Judy Gay Library and Roy & Helen Hall Library in McKinney have a wide variety of FREE activities for kids ages 16 months to 10 years old, including Toddler Time, Adventure Tots, Little Explorers, and its Beehive Program. You can check out the calendar here.

Plano Public Libraries :: There are five libraries in Plano’s system, each offering something special for families.

Prosper Community Library :: Choose from a wide selection of physical and digital children’s and adult’s books.

Rike Memorial Library :: Located in Farmersville, check out one of its themed story time kits with three children’s books and a craft.

Sachse Public Library :: It has an extensive list of links to at-home learning resources.

Smith Public Library :: Get hands-on at Wylie’s public library with sensory story times, and interactive exhibits for kids.

>> RELATED READ :: Live Your Best Book Life in Collin County <<

Parks and Recreation

Visit your parks and rec website and/or Facebook page to find local (usually free!) events as well as parks, trails, and gyms. Here are popular playgrounds to pass the afternoon around Collin County:

Allen Parks and Rec :: Allen Events Calendar

Bethany Lakes Park :: This playground has a musical theme with large instruments to drum and play. We love this playground because the structures are low and the ground is made of rubber turf — great for little ones!

Celebration Park :: This expansive playground is one of the largest in DFW. Colorful metal structures interconnect for tons of play. The spray ground (water plus playground) is another huge draw of this park, along with the soccer field, bike trail, open space, and yes, restrooms!

The Edge :: Skateboards, BMX bikes, and skates are welcome at this free skate park. Don’t forget the protective gear: Helmets and knee/elbow/wrist pads. Its indoor facility is free and open to the public, too.

>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Community Calendar of Local Events <<

Celina Parks and Rec :: Celina Events Calendar

Founders Station Park :: Pickleball is a fan favorite in Celina, and the courts at Founders Station Park have lots of open (free!) play time plus free beginner lessons on Wednesday evenings.

Old Celina Park :: This park features a playground, catch-and-release fishing pond, open space, and restrooms.

Fairview Parks and Rec :: Fairview Events Calendar

Beaver Run Park :: This park includes horseshoe pits, a playground, and a nature trail.

Fairview Town Center :: Take a stroll around this shopping center, park, and fountain, where kids 12 years old and younger can play in the splash pad.

Frisco Parks and Rec :: Frisco Events Calendar

Hope Park :: Hope Park is part of Frisco Commons — 63 acres that include a fishing pond, splash pad, and (you guessed it) restrooms. This expansive playground includes a picnic alley, big kid lot, and tot lot. Don’t miss the adorable building facades like a frozen custard store and baseball ticket booth!

Frisco Skate Park :: One of the largest in North Texas, Frisco Skate Park is for all levels of riders, and features rails, bowls, and a half pipe. All wheels are welcome: Skateboards, bikes, in-line skates, and scooters. Remember your protective gear!

McKinney Parks and Rec :: McKinney Events Calendar

Bonnie Wenk Park :: Amenities here include an all abilities playground, dog park, 10-mile trail, fishing pond, an outdoor fitness court, and an amphitheater that hosts free, seasonal events. Have no fear, there are restrooms!

Crape Myrtle Trails :: This small, paved, manicured space is perfect for an evening stroll. It’s a great spot for kids to scooter, blade, or ride a bike.

Finch Park :: There’s something for everyone at a park that includes a large splash pad (with a giant bucket that pours water!), walking trails, pavilions, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, and playground equipment. Bonus: There are restrooms!

Towne Lake Park :: Pack a picnic, bring a book, and plan to pass the day at this expansive park on the lake. Families can rent kayaks for $3 (includes paddle and lifejacket), play disc golf, horseshoes, volleyball, and play on the playground.

>> RELATED READ :: 50 Places to Take the Kids this Summer in DFW <<

Murphy Parks and Rec :: Murphy Events Calendar

Murphy Central Park :: This area includes a community amphitheater for performances, a playground, a splash pad, open space, and restrooms.

Plano Parks and Rec :: Plano Events Calendar

Chisholm Trail :: This multi-use trail is 5.5 miles long and runs parallel to Spring Creek. Bike, jog, rollerblade, walk, push a stroller, and stop for restrooms and playgrounds along the way.

Liberty Playground :: This 20,000-square-foot playground is designed for accessible play. There is also a splash pad for water play. Liberty Playground is part of Windhaven Meadows Park, which includes trails, a dog park, and restrooms.

Skate Park at Carpenter Park :: Skateboards, scooters and in-line skates are welcome at Plano’s P-shaped skate park. Don’t forget the protective gear: Helmets and knee/elbow/wrist pads.

Princeton Parks and Rec :: City of Princeton Community Events Facebook page

J.M. Caldwell Sr. Community Park :: This community space includes a disc golf course, playground, dog park, and trails.

Prosper Parks and Rec :: Prosper Events Calendar

Frontier Park :: This park includes the adorable Windmill Playground with a water tower, storefront, and tractor to spark imaginations. Keep the fun going on the hiking and biking trails, at the catch-and-release pond, splash pad, and restrooms.

Sachse Parks and Rec :: Sachse Special Events 

Firefighters Park :: This park showcases a bright, red and yellow, firetruck-themed playground, a walking trail, and restrooms.

Wylie Parks and Rec :: Wylie Events

Founders Park :: This park has a wooden-structure playground that is pirate-themed. It also includes sand volleyball courts, a trail, and restrooms.

Wylie Skatepark :: Skateboards, scooters and in-line skates are welcome at Wylie’s kid-friendly skate park. Don’t forget the protective gear: Helmets and knee/elbow/wrist pads.