Family Fun Guide To Collin County
Collin County is one of the fastest growing counties in Texas and with such highly desirable, family-oriented suburbs such as Plano, McKinney, and Frisco, it is no wonder the masses are moving to the outskirts of the Metroplex to enjoy a slower pace of life. An abundance of malls, parks, restaurants, great schools, and attractions, makes Collin County a great area with plenty of activities and places to enjoy with your kids.
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
6701 W Parker Rd., Plano, Texas
Hours: 5 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Free Admission
http://directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/18921-Preserve-At-Arbor-Hills
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve offers 200 acres of serene outdoor atmosphere for hiking, playing, and many other outdoor activities. Stick to the paved trail for a family bike ride, or venture off down the natural unpaved trails to experience nature at its fullest. The wide trails make for ideal stroller walking, which is always a plus! There are plenty of playgrounds to climb on and pavilions to set up a picnic.
Amazing Jakes
831 N. Central Expy, Plano, Texas
Hours: Sun.-Thurs.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri.: 11 a.m.- 11p.m.
Sat.: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Prices Vary
http://directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/25076-Amazing-Jakes-Food-Fun
This all you can eat buffet is not just for the hungry, but the perfect place for kids seeking adventure and fun. Amazing Jakes is an all-indoor facility boasting 95,000 square feet of pizza and fun. Laser tag, go-karts, mini golf, and rock climbing wall are just a few of the attractions. This activity hub is also a great place for a birthday party or group event, and their website offers coupons, promos, and special events. Make sure you get your money's worth from the buffet, but remember the 20-minute rule! Don't ride the go-karts too soon after eating!
Collin County Farm Museum
7117 Conty Rd. 166, McKinney, Texas
Hours: Wed: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sat.: 10 a.m. -3 p.m.
Free Admission
http://www.co.collin.tx.us/parks/myers/farm_museum.jsp
The Collin County Farm Museum is a quaint museum that teaches the history of farming and the significance it has in North Texas. Kids will love seeing the old fashioned machinery and the way of the simple farming life. The whole family will leave with a better understanding of Collin County's rural heritage while also having a fun time exploring the museum. Check out their website for upcoming events and programs that are sure to interest and educate the kids.
Jack Carter Pool
2800 Maumelle Plano, Texas
Hours: 1 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Ages 3 & Up: $3
http://directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/3976-Jack-Carter-Outdoor-Pool
Who's not looking for a spacious, kid-friendly, and affordable outdoor pool to frequent during the summer? I know I always am! Jack Carter Pool is this place. Not only does the pool have kid waterslides, shallow pools, and adjacent playgrounds, but there is also a 50 meter pool complete with diving board for the more serious swimmers.
Heard Natural Science Museum
1 Nature Place McKinney, Texas
Hours: Tue. – Sat.: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sun.: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Adults: $9
Seniors & Children 3+: $3
http://directory.dfw.cbslocal.com/directory/listing/100/10734-Heard-Natural-Science-Museum
This museum in North Texas focuses on teaching kids the importance of nature, preservation, and conservation. The Heard Museum offers several attractions including a sanctuary, nature trails, native plant gardens, exhibits and collections, birding, and education programs. There is something for everyone!
Lauren Kimmel is the Co-Founder of Dallas Moms Blog, a great resource for moms looking to connect to other moms, learn and laugh about motherhood, and discover all that Dallas has to offer. She is a wife to a musician and a mother to a bouncing baby boy.
