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!

Cheap Things To Do for $10 or Less