10 Fun Things To Do in Plano, Texas

Plano, TX probably isn’t a city that you’ve heard about much – if even at all. Located just 20 miles outside of Dallas, Plano is home to several large corporations, and has become a very popular place to live and work for those looking to enjoy the city life on a bit of a smaller scale. However, the good people of Plano aren’t just all work and no play. In a state that prides itself on being bigger, Plano has a population of just 269,776. However, despite being a little on the smaller side, Plano – like many other cities in Texas – knows a thing or two about having a good time. Whether you’ve just moved to the area, or are simply making a pit stop, here are 10 fun things to do in Plano, Texas.

Hang out in downtown Plano

One of the coolest things about Plano, Texas is its rich history. Downtown Plano is full of cool landmarks and has a classic Texas feel. According to the website, “Not long ago, Downtown Plano was a sleepy, nearly forgotten commercial center of a farming community swept away by Dallas’ suburban expansion. Today, Downtown Plano is experiencing a renaissance and is reemerging as an urban center stimulated, in part, by the coming of the light rail transit service. So far, over 50,000 square feet of private development has occurred…”

image via dallastexasrealestateblog.com

Visit a museum

If you love history, but hanging out downtown isn’t your idea of a good time, you’ll be pleased to know that Plano is full of great museums. In fact, Plano has a museum for just about anything, and it’s a great activity for people of all ages and families. Some of the most popular museums in Plano are the Heritage Farmstead Museum, the Interurban Railway Museum, and the Play Street Museum.

(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Plano Balloon Festival

Who doesn’t love a good festival? Well, every year, Plano hosts a three-day event called the Plano Balloon Festival which is all about “educating attendees about hot air ballooning and producing a family oriented, high quality event that offers other local non-profits an opportunity to assist in the operations of the Festival. Our objective is to offer the participating non-profit agencies an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for their programs and services…thus enhancing the quality of life for all of us.” Each year, thousands of people show up to attend the event to enjoy food, balloon rides, and other activities. Next year’s festival will take place from September 23 to the 25th.

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Amazing Jakes

If you’ve got children, or are looking to awake the child in you, Amazing Jakes is the place to be. After all, no matter how old you get, sometimes it’s nice to be able to just have some good ol’ fun.  A family fun arena with food, Amazing Jakes is home to lots of great activities. Whether you like bumper cars, go karts, or classic arcade games you can find something you enjoy at Amazing Jakes.

image via amazingjakes.com

Enjoy the beauty of nature

If you love the beauty of Texas, Plano will give you lots of opportunities to experience it. Plus, hanging out outside usually means that you can have a good time without having to spend a lot of money. Throughout the city, there are several parks where you can enjoy all of Plano’s natural surroundings. The Oak Point Park and Nature Reserve is a popular spot for those looking to relax in the great out doors.

(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Catch a movie at Cinemark Legacy

Going to the movies is perfect for those days when you want to get out, but don’t feel like doing much of anything. If you love movies, Plano’s Cinemark Theater is the place to go. With superb seating and crystal clear sound systems, enjoying a movie will be a whole new experience. Many visitors have given the theater rave reviews, and they’ve been known to have great discounts specials including 75 cent showings on Tuesdays.

image via www.dallasnews.com

Put your friends and family to the test with Room Escape Adventures

If you’re looking for a fun way to bond with friends and family, Escape Room adventures in Plano is the place to go. Plus, there’s no better way to find out just how much you can rely on the people you love than to actually put yourself on a situation where you have to depend them. Participants are placed in a locked room where a fictional (and frightening) scenario is created. Everyone in the room must rely on each other to escape, and it definitely puts team building skills to the ultimate test.

(Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)

Enjoy great food

As the saying goes ‘everything is bigger in Texas,’  and that includes the portions of food. Like many other areas in Texas, Plano is home to lots of delicious food – and there are plenty of local restaurants where you can enjoy a variety of cuisines. Plano is also known for a lot of cool little spots where you can have a great meal and a great experience at the same time. No matter what type of food you like, you can find it in Plano – and  usually for a pretty decent price.

 (Photo by Joerg Koch/Getty Images)

Explore the super natural

If being trapped in a room with your loved ones isn’t your idea of fun, but you still like a good scare – you’re in luck. Plano actually has a pretty interesting super natural history, and throughout the city there are several ghost tours that allow people to explore some of the city’s most haunted places. The Dark Hour Haunted House is one of the most popular and offers both ghost and vampire tours. On the tours, you’ll be able to see Plano like never before – and get a chance experience a good scare.

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Enjoy the arts

Art and culture are a big part of every city, and Plano is no different. The city may not be the biggest in Texas, but Plano offers several ways to experience the arts,  including museums, performing arts centers,  theaters, and live music. The best part about these activities is that they’re available for people of all ages to enjoy.

(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

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