A Staycation exploring fun things to do in Frisco Texas

A Staycation, exploring fun things to do in Frisco Texas! Yep Frisco, a Dallas suburb just a few miles north of us has attractions, restaurants, sporting venues and lots of art to keep us busy for the week.  It made us realize you don’t always have to fly to faraway places to find adventure, sometimes they can be found closer to home.  We focused on visiting one area of Dallas, which made it seem like we were vacationing there for the week. So here is what we go to during our ‘Staycation’ in Frisco.

Huddle Sculpture at the Star, Frisco, Texas Photo by Outside Suburbia
“Huddle” sculptor Tom Friedman at the Frisco Star.

Thanks to the boy’s baseball schedule we had to stay home this Spring break, no trips to exotic beach destinations not even driving trips to the hill country which has been the norm for us all these years.  But between all those games practices and tournaments we managed to find some fun things to do in Frisco Texas! 

Here are some of the fun things to do in Frisco Texas with kids, teens or toddlers in tow

Art in Frisco, TX

This may come as a surprise but Frisco has one of the largest collections of outdoor public art in the state of Texas.  You can find bronze western sculptures in the Center at Preston Ridge Shopping area. It is the longest cattle drive themed sculptures with longhorns, cowboys, a campfire, and even a chuck-wagon.

The Shawnee Trail, Central Park, Frisco, Texas Photo by Outside Suburbia

Central Park Frisco located little north of the intersection of Gaylord Parkway and Parkwood Boulevard has another series of sculptures depicting the life on The Shawnee Trail, which was the first north-south cattle trail in Texas.  An interesting fact is that the aerial view of Central Park looks like a longhorn.  There is a nice trail that runs through here perfect for enjoying that Texas sun. It has a nice park with a pond, running water feature, an amphitheater and plenty of space for a picnic while the kids discover and learn about life in Texas not too long ago. There are plenty of free things to do in Frisco Texas!

The Texas Sculpture Garden is a hidden gem, it hides a unique collection of contemporary sculptures by prominent Texas artists in what seems like a beautiful parking lot of the Hall Financial Group.  If the winding pathways, lake and landscaping look like the perfect backdrop for the magnificent and bold sculptures, you are not wrong.  They were designed specially to showcase this large private collection. 

While the park is open dawn till dusk and the sculptures are accessible, go there on the weekend if you want it to yourself. The lobby of the Hall buildings also houses more artworks but is only accessible Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.  There is a walking tour available where you can learn about the 150 works of art including drawings, sculptures and paintings located in Hall Park or you can use the free OtoCast App and do your own tour.

Activity for kids in Frisco

There is plenty to keep the kids busy from iFly an indoor skydiving experience that is super cool and fun, perfect for those daredevils wanting to jump off a plane.  Kartland Performance Indoor Raceway an indoor Go-karting track that is fun for the kids and kids at heart – my teen who is working on getting his drivers license particularly enjoyed this. Canyons Rock Climbing Gym which offers an incredible rock climbing experience to everyone from beginner to expert level… art studios, video game arcades, railway museum, there are plenty of activities for kids in Frisco, Texas.

Frisco Discovery Center, Frisco, Texas Photo by Outside Suburbia

There are plenty of arts-related events like a Black Box theatre, a small art gallery and more inside the Frisco Discovery Center.  You can find the National Video Game Museum here as well.

Frisco is a Gamer’s Paradise

If you like video games, you would want to visit the National Videogame Museum.  This museum is a nostalgic walk through memory lane where you can learn about the world of videogame – its history and where it’s headed. Learn about the rise of the Home Computers and can also play the games of yesterday and today.

National Video Game Museum, Frisco, Texas Photo by Outside Suburbia

@Nerdvana is another cool spot for videogamers to hang out.  It brings together scratch kitchen, craft drinks and video games.  When you check-in, you decide if you want to sit at a table with PS4, X-Box, Nintendo… you do not need to rent a controller as long as you spend a minimum of $10 which is pretty easy to do.  There is a Nerdvana coffee house as well for those morning gamers.

National Video Game Museum, Frisco, Texas Photo by Outside Suburbia

Frisco Texas even a hosts a Texas Pinball Festival (this years dates are March 22 to 24 2019) that will feature more than 400 vintage and new pinball machines, as well as classic arcade games to be set on free play at the Embassy Suites Hotel.  You can buy weekend pass or day passes for the event.

National Video Game Museum, Frisco, Texas Photo by Outside Suburbia
National Video Game Museum, Frisco, Texas Photo by Outside Suburbia

Tip : If you are wondering what to do in Frisco this weekend, see VisitFrisco.Com for a list of current events.

Other Attractions and things to do in Frisco Texas

Texans love to shopping and the Stonebriar Mall is a testament to that.  From the hottest trends in fashion to the area’s only LEGO store you find plenty of retail therapy here. The family friendly mall features major stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s and Dillard’s, has a lively carousel, western-themed kids play area and a 24 screen AMC theatre.

The Ford Center at the Star

The Ford Center at The Star is a 91-acre complex that also includes shopping and dining.  It is also the new indoor practice facility for Texas’s favorite Dallas Cowboys. It features 12,000 seats in an indoor setting with interactive displays.  You can do a tour to see the Cowboys’ Hall of Fame memorabilia and a huge Super Bowl trophy display.  The VIP Guided Tours will give Cowboys fans a chance to experience the place where the Dallas Cowboys train and work 355 days of the year.

Ford Center at the Star, Frisco, Texas Photo by Outside Suburbia

Among the Star’s facility, there are two outdoor fields and one indoor field, where some of the local high schools also practice. Frisco ISD football teams have dedicated locker rooms, training room, press area, and coaches’ offices at the facility. Other than football games, The Ford Center also hosts some of the area’s events such marching band competitions and graduation ceremonies. There is a helipad in the back on the outdoor field where the Cowboy’s owner Jerry Jones is known to land, not that we have seen him. If you are looking to be a tourist for a day in Frisco, The Star in Frisco has plenty to keep you entertained.

Being season ticket holders for the Dallas Cowboys, the boys in the family are huge fans of Football and when it is not game season, they like to come hang out at the outdoor turf field outside or check out the events at The Star.  There is always something fun going on at the Star in Frisco!

Dr Pepper RoughRiders Ballpark

Frisco’s minor league baseball team, the RoughRiders, is the AA affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The impressive Dr. Pepper Ballpark, the RoughRiders home, is designed after a New England boardwalk with beautiful landscaping. Watching games at this ballpark has been one of D’s favorite things to do in Frisco over the years.

RoughRiders Ballpark, Frisco, Texas Photo by Outside Suburbia
Frisco’s minor league baseball team, the RoughRiders play here at Dr Pepper Ballpark

National Soccer Hall of Fame at Toyota Stadium

Part of the Toyota Stadium, the National Soccer Hall of Fame is a  partnership among FC Dallas, the City of Frisco, Frisco Independent School District and U.S. Soccer Federation. The NSHOF at Toyota Stadium has two components – The NSHOF Experience and the HOF Club. 

Toyota Stadium, Frisco - Best things to do in Frisco
Photo by FC Dallas

Soccer fans would love this National Soccer Hall of Fame experience. It celebrates the players, veterans and builders of American soccer that have elevated the sport to where it is today and takes you through the U.S. soccer history.  It features interactive exhibits, iconic soccer memorabilia, interactive soccer skills challenges, a virtual reality experience and other interactive digital video boards. Serious soccer fans might want to join the HOF Club and attend the soccer games and see events from the comfort of their club seats.

To be honest, we have not been inside the National Soccer Hall of Fame but been to the Toyota Stadium for FC Dallas soccer games and to see the 4th of July Fireworks. One of the best things to do in Frisco during the summer!

Farmers Market in Frisco

Yes, it is the suburbs but you can find some cool things to do in Frisco – like visiting the Farmers Market right across from the Toyota Stadium. The sprawling and pedestrian-friendly Frisco farmers market is a gathering place for locals, farmers and artisans on weekends. You can find farm fresh produce, baked and prepared foods. I like to get my microgreens from the Frisco Farmers Market.

Restaurants in Frisco, Texas

From Moonshine to Shabu Shabu you can find a variety of food options and restaurants in Frisco, Texas.  Here are a few restaurants in Frisco that we have tried and loved…..

Mash’d serve hand-crafted cocktails and moonshine in cute Mason jars.  The decor is rustic, the food is innovative and service friendly.

Anytime we miss Italy, we end up at Piada… more details and what we love here and why we love it so much, on the post here.

With touches of turquoise, copper and earthenwares and Turkish style interiors, you forget you are in Frisco, Texas and not in the Mediterranean when you are in Chef Andres restaurant at The Star, Zatinya which means ‘Olive Oil’(currently closed).

One of our favorite places for brunch is Tupelo Honey, I have a whole post about it here. We also love Thai food at Crush Craft at the Star and comfort Indian food at Roti Grill, also at the Star!

Desserts and Ice cream shops in Frisco

D has a major sweet tooth, so were are always trying out any new ice cream shops or frequenting old favorites. Some of his favorite places for desserts and Ice creams are:

Best Churros and Ice cream at Hiccups Tea House, Frisco, Texas Photo by Outside Suburbia
Best Churros and Ice cream at Hiccups Tea House, Frisco

Cow Tipping Creamery: Best place at the Frisco Star that serves soft-serve cups, waffle cones, sundaes and shakes.

Creamistry: This is another one of those best things to do in Frisco! Located on the border near The Colony, it is a chain but they serve the best Ice. You can watch them make ice cream from scratch. They use liquid nitrogen to flash freeze individual ice cream orders. It is really a hidden gem in Frisco that kids will love.

Not really Ice cream but scoops of cookie dough at The Dough Dough in Frisco
Not really Ice cream but scoops of cookie dough

The Dough Dough: Not really Ice cream but at this shop in Frisco you can find varieties of edible cookie dough by the cup, cone or spoonful.

Andy’s Frozen Custard: An old fashioned place with a drive through window that serves Frozen custard sundaes, concretes & more, Butter Pecan Concrete is a family favorite! Kids love their array of toppings.

SomiSomi Soft Serve & Taiyaki: Craving some matcha ice cream in Frisco? SomiSomi’s got you covered. This Korean-inspired soft serve is served in fun fish-shaped cones.

Hiccups Tea House, Frisco, Texas Photo by Outside Suburbia
Some of my favorite people 🙂

California-based Hiccups Tea House, an Asian fusion fast-casual restaurant, is a new addition to Frisco and offers noodles, pho, Asian-inspired hot wings. But we go there for their boba drinks, smoothies and best of all churros and ice cream.

Godiva Chocolatier located inside the Stonebriar Mall has great Ice cream
Godiva Chocolatier located inside the Stonebriar Mall has great Ice cream

Where to Stay in Frisco

We live just a few miles away and have not really stayed in the hotels in Frisco but we have been to the Omni at the Star to have dinner at the Neighborhood Services. The food is great and when we come with friends, the kids step outside to do cartwheels on the turf or play catch (bring your own football or buy one at the Cowboys store nearby).   If you are looking to relax and unwind, The Westin Stonebriar is another great place for a Staycation in Frisco, Texas. You can enjoy the property’s array of amenities, including the Stonebriar Spa and Tom Fazio Championship Golf Course.

Omni at the Star, Where to Stay in Frisco, Photo by Outside Suburbia

When it is school break, we get on a car to go on a road trip to the Texas Hill Country or take fly somewhere Outside Suburbia, but our Staycation is Frisco Texas was not too bad!  Whether you are interested in art, sports, video games or shopping, Frisco, has something for everyone…  We enjoyed exploring locally and Frisco Texas turned out to be a perfect suburban staycation for us this Springbreak!  No flight tickets or long car drives but just as fun….How about you, do you play tourist in your own city sometimes?

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