Need Ideas for Having Fun on a Budget nearby?
We can still have fun on a budget of $10 or less during this unprecedented time.
If you are looking for some cheap and creative ways to enjoy this summer, Plano Moms has the list of places that are open for you with fun and cheap things to do nearby.
But, we advise you to check details with each venue before you leave home!
Visit Local Farms
Visiting a local farm near you can be so fun for the whole family.
It will, for sure, have a significant impact on young children in so many ways. The farm is a perfect place to teach children about animals, agriculture, plants, and others.
Nash Farm
Address: 626 Ball St, Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone: (817) 410-3185
Note: Purchase tickets to these upcoming Nash Farm events! If you do not see an annual event listed, it is because either tickets are not on sale yet or the event has free entrance.
Bonton Farm
Address: 6915 Bexar St, Dallas, TX 75215
Phone: (972) 707-0274
Pure Land Farm
Address: 7505 Co Rd 201, McKinney, TX 75071
Phone: (469) 795-8585
Note: You must book a spot before coming out to pick. When spots open up, you must enter the number of people you are bringing in the “quantity” box before picking your time slot.
Storm Farm
Address: 3010 S Bowen Rd, Arlington, TX 76016
Phone: (817) 602-0668
Note: Strawberry season is over, but summer produce is available. Check the website for details.
Check out these great You Pick Farms in drivable distance
Cathy’s Critters
Address: 7422 Co Rd 466, Princeton, TX 75407
Phone: (972) 562-0583
Note: Not open to the public daily and their office hours are 9am to 2pm. Please visit the website for details.
Enjoy some time in a Pool or Splash Pad
You definitely wouldn’t have a hard time getting the kids in the water this summer. It is indeed kids (and adults) favorite activity to beat the Texas heat. Most Plano Parks and Recreation Centers offer budget-friendly Monthly or Annual Membership or day passes for $3 each.
The Historic Texas Pool
Address: 901 Springbrook Dr, Plano, TX 75075
Phone: (972) 881-8392
Note: Membership is required, but if you know a friend or family who is a member then, members’ Guests pay a $5/person.
A liability form will be required for all guests. And for tourists and visitors to the historic Texas Pool $10 per person (adult or child) and babies (2 and under) swim free. Entry to the Texas Pool will be dependent on space available under COVID-19 guidelines.
Jack Carter Pool
Address: 2601 Pleasant Valley Dr, Plano, TX 75023
Phone: (972) 208-8081
Note: Daily Admission Fee: A drop-in fee is available for those guests without membership or those who wish to try out the facility: Ages 3-15 – $3 resident / $5 non-resident Ages 16 and up – $6 resident / $9 non-resident
One Month User Fee: A non-refundable, nontransferable one month fee is available for guests in town temporarily or for those who wish to try out the facility on a short term basis: All ages – $29 per month
Plano Aquatic Center
Address: 2301 Westside Dr, Plano, TX 75075
Phone: (972) 769-4232
Note: Admission Fee $3 resident/$5 non-resident (Ages 3 & up)
Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex
Address: 1334 E Rosemeade Pkwy, Carrollton, TX 75007
Phone: (972) 466-6399
Old Settlers Aquatic Center
Address: 1101 E Louisiana St, McKinney, TX 75069
Phone: (972) 542-2516
Frog Pond Waterpark
Address: 14032 Heartside Pl, Farmers Branch, TX 75234
Phone: (972) 919-8720
In addition to Pools, we also know of some great Splash Pads that are in Public Parks and are free to use.
Visit a Museum
Continue the learning this summer at the museum. Most museums are closed due to the pandemic, but here are a few that are open at the moment.
Frontiers of Flight Museum
Address: 6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209
Phone: (214) 350-3600
Museum of the America Railroad
Address: 8004 N Dallas Pkwy #400, Frisco, TX 75034
Phone: (214) 428-0101
Note: Site tours are entirely outdoors and involve walking and some climbing. The Museum site is still under construction and accessibility is limited. For those who may have mobility concerns, please contact a member of the Museum staff prior to your visit. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs during periods of construction.
Please dress comfortably for outdoor activity, including closed toe shoes, hats, sunscreen, etc. We encourage you to bring bottled water and be mindful of hydration. Please contact the Museum prior to your tour if you have questions or requests.
Heard Natural Science Museum
Address: 1 Nature Pl, McKinney, TX 75069
Phone: (972) 562-5566
Dallas Heritage Village
Address: 1515 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75215
Phone: (214) 421-5141
Note: New hours are from 9am-2pm daily, and on Thursdays, open from 6pm-9pm. All of the buildings are closed, and access is limited to the grounds only for now. Early morning before it gets too hot is the perfect time to come out, and maybe bring your dog with you so they can also enjoy a walk.
There are a few staff members on site, so make sure to stop by and say hello and also give their donkeys a few ear scratches!
Go to the Movie Theater
Although this year, the summer movie season is going to be different, there are still some new films heading to the screen. Or… you can watch some of your all-time favorite films again.
Strike + Reel
Address: 5902 N President George Bush Hwy, Garland, TX 75044
Phone: (469) 395-0300
Cinemark
Several locations offering $5 movies. This Summer they are also opening up a whole theater to rent out for you, friends and family for $99! Split the cost between everyone and it’ll be a cheap and fun thing to do.
Studio Movie Grill
Several locations offering $5 movies
Thanks for all the great ideas!!