Coffee in hand, moms circled up to talk, and little feet running wild. Who doesn’t love a good play date? Even better: Pack a lunch and return home just in time for a loooooong afternoon nap.
Play dates are my jam. They are the number one reason I’ve kept my sanity as a stay-at-home mom. It’s always nice to check out a new play date spot, and a high priority for me is choosing a free location for play dates. So if you’ve been searching for a new play date spot, take it from me — here’s a rundown of five free play date spots in Collin County.
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Hope Park in Frisco
It doesn’t get much better than this Frisco park. There is a ton of room for little ones to slide, hop, and climb on the huge playground area. It has walking trails, a pond, and a splash pad for summer. You can pack a lunch (or pick up one from Chick-Fil-A down the street) and find a spot at a covered picnic table, or spread out on a blanket in one of the many grassy areas behind the playground.
My favorite feature :: The toddler playground area — the slides and ramps aren’t too tall for tiny ones, which allows me to sip my coffee while my toddler freely explores.
Tot’s Town and Kid’s Club
These play spaces inside Frisco Public library are adorable! Reminiscent of the former reading railroad train, Tot’s Town is designed for ages 0 – 5. Here, littles are encouraged to read, explore, and engage in purposeful play. Kid’s Club is for kindergarteners and older. The bigs can do hands-on, STEM activities at the race zone, ball wall, robotic’s arena, and microscopes. Be sure to get there early on rainy days, as this neat spot can be popular, and the library starts a wait list after it fills up. While drinks and food are not permitted inside, you could still pack a lunch and grab a spot outside the library to eat.
My favorite feature :: The baby garden. Mamas of children who aren’t yet walking, this spot would be perfect for you.
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Celebration Park in Allen
This huge park is perfect for a sunny day. Bring a soccer ball or bouncy ball and let your littles run their hearts out on the massive green fields. The playground is large and the ramps are both wheelchair accessible and easy for new walkers to master. There’s also a splash pad for hot summer days, a covered pavilion for lunch dates, and plenty of room to run free.
My favorite feature :: The duck pond. Bring a few slices of bread with you and these ducks go crazy for it. I’m not sure who loves this more — my toddler or the ducks!
Stonebriar Mall in Frisco
There’s something fun about roaming this quiet mall on a weekday morning — bring your stroller along. The small indoor play area is perfect for toddlers and has comfortable seats for moms to sit and chat. If you’re willing to drop a few dollars, head over to the carousel in the food court and take a ride. You can check out the free weekly story and craft time at Barnes and Noble every Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
My favorite feature :: The train table inside Barnes and Noble. Stop and stay a while; there’s plenty of room to explore the toys and books.
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Finch Park in McKinney
I just love this shady, charming park near downtown McKinney. It has a playground, lots of sticks and grass to explore, and, you guessed it, a splash pad for the summer. Bring a big quilt and stay a while, or wrap up your play date at McKinney Square, less than a mile away. Eat at toddler-friendly Spoons Cafe or Mellow Mushroom.
My favorite feature :: The scenery. If you’re snap-happy like me, bring your camera because this park makes a great backdrop.
Where are you playing for free in Collin County? What great parks and libraries am I missing?
Lisbeth- awesome list. I’m gonna check out Hope Park in Frisco next week since all three boys will be at home. Have you checked out Allen Public Library? They have a kids puppet theatre area (popular with the littles!) Also, they have tons of activities for toddlers and kids of all ages going on throughout the month.