Am I the only one who experiences playdate paralysis? As if it’s not awkward enough to set up a playdate with a new mom friend, you have to worry about the added pressure of choosing the ~right~ location for your playdate. Will it be too loud? Will it be too crowded? Will the kids be bored after 30 minutes? Will we spend the whole time making sure they don’t maim themselves?

And we have so many options here in Collin County; it can be a little overwhelming. Lucky for you, I’ve done the heavy lifting. I’ve taken on the oh-so-tough job of scoping out all the fun spots in our little corner of the world, and narrowing it down to the best six. So the next time you’re wracking your brain for the perfect playdate place, start here:

1. Play Street Museum – McKinney, Allen, Plano, Frisco

Play Street has been expanding rapidly throughout Collin County and the DFW metroplex, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Each location has its own unique theme – the Farm, Town Square, On the Go, and the Great Outdoors – so each one is like a whole new experience for your kiddos. If you ask me, the best part is that they have a strict limit on the number of kids allowed inside, so it never gets too crowded. If you ask my three-year-old, the best part is that the cost of entry includes a snack to take for the road when you leave. Either way, it’s a winner.

2. Library Story Time – Everywhere

There’s nothing I like better in a play place than FREE, and the library fits the bill. All the public libraries in Collin County offer free story times for different age groups, so definitely check out the one closest to you. I’m in McKinney, so I know for a fact that the McKinney story times are wonderful. The infant and toddler sessions always include sign language, lots of fun songs, multiple books, and then playtime at the end, so there’s plenty of time for socializing.

3. Safari Run – Plano

Safari Run is a super fun, soft play gym for young kids and toddlers. There are two main jungle gym areas – one for big kids, and one for toddlers. Both have seating areas for parents to relax and watch while the kids go buck wild. There’s also an an arcade room, and an area with tables and chairs for snack or lunch breaks.

Pro tip: Safari Run is often on Groupon, so check there first!

4. Chick Fil A – Everywhere

Is there a single mom list about anything that doesn’t include Chick-Fil-A? The answer is no, and this is no exception. When in doubt, head to CFA, get some lunch, and let the kids play on the jungle gym. Everybody wins!

5. The Park – Everywhere

Another go-to option to keep in your back pocket? The park. Any old park will do, but I’ve certainly got my favorites in our area. For a playdate, Hope Park in Frisco is my favorite; it’s got lots of picnic tables for sitting and snacking, and a variety of activities and play structures for the kids to explore, so they won’t be bored after 15 minutes.

6. The Village Shopping Center – Allen

Finally, the Village at Allen off Stacy Road makes for a great afternoon out. My personal favorite combo is: frozen yogurt at Yumilicious, followed by a little play time (to run off the sugar) at the train and maze, followed by a little fun for mom at Target. Nothing bonds new mom friends like our love for Target, so you can’t go wrong with this one.

There you have it–The 6 best play date spots in Collin County. Now who’s up for a playdate?!