Plano Now

August isn’t shy about sunshine, and Plano is absolutely brimming with ways to keep the magic of summer going until the very last sunset. From refreshing pools and bustling markets to breezy trails and pop-up comedy shows, this city knows how to do summer right. If you’re itching to fill your days, here’s a playful guide packed with end-of-summer ideas that are easy to plan and even easier to love.

Jump Feet First Into Plano’s Must-Do Escapes

Crayola Experience

Location: 6121 W Park Blvd, Plano, TX 75093
Plunge into 60,000 square feet of bold colors and quirky crafts at the Crayola Experience. Let your imagination run wild with interactive stations, melted wax masterpieces, and hands-on fun. Parents can relax while kids unleash their creative superpowers. Don’t forget to wrap your own custom crayon for a souvenir that screams “I did summer right!”

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Location: 6701 W Parker Rd, Plano, TX 75093
When the golden hour arrives, this gorgeous green space is calling your name. Grab some picnic bites, slip on comfy sneakers, and wander shaded trails for sunset walks or afternoon bike rides. Arbor Hills is perfect for family selfies, mellow moments under leafy canopies, or marathon runs with friendly squirrels cheering you on.

Jack Carter Pool

Location: 2601 Pleasant Valley Dr, Plano, TX 75023
Cannonball contests, water slides, and chill lounge chairs— Jack Carter Pool knows how to make a splash. It’s a summer paradise for restless little ones and overheated adults alike. Dive into the lazy river or race the clock down twisting slides for the best kind of adrenaline rush.

Legacy West

Location: 5908 Headquarters Dr, Plano, TX 75024
Plano’s answer to shopping and snacking with style! Legacy West hums with live music, open-air dining, and fountains just right for kids to splash through. It’s where laughter hangs in the air and every meal feels like a celebration. Stick around for pop-up events and a crowd ready to dance to your favorite summer tunes.

Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve

Location: 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano, TX 75074
Over 800 acres of Texas greenery are ready for exploring. The Go Ape Treetop Adventure is the city’s premier zipline and obstacle course, and it’s guaranteed to turn grownups and kids alike into laughing daredevils. Rope ladders, suspended bridges, and 39 wild crossings—it’s not just an activity, it’s a summer legend.

Fowling Warehouse

Location: 1714 14th St, Plano, TX 75074
Wanna mix football, bowling, and friendly trash talk? The Fowling Warehouse lets you throw a football at bowling pins and giggle every time you knock ’em down. Perfect for groups who like playful competition with a cold drink on the side.

Main Event Plano

Location: 3941 Central Expy, Plano, TX 75023
Bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and billiards—if you’re craving indoor action, Main Event Plano is your playground. Big screens and big laughs set the scene for families, friends, and anyone dodging the Texas heat.

Easy Summer Pleasures: Food, Festivals, and Outings

• Milk & Cream: Experience a donut ice cream sandwich and turn any sweltering afternoon into a happy memory.

• Downtown Plano Arts District (15th St and Ave K): Stroll through murals, twinkly lights, quirky shops, and weekend farmers markets. Local musicians set the mood for warm, barefoot nights.

• Liberty Playground at Windhaven Meadows Park (5400 Windhaven Pkwy, Plano, TX 75093): Let the little ones go wild on splash pads while you soak up the scene with a picnic or mystery novel.

Breezy Summer Bucket List for Plano Locals and Visitors

• Host a Shrimp Boil: Grab your favorite shrimp, spread the newspaper, and invite your favorite folks for messy, finger-licking fun in the backyard.

• Fly a Kite: Plano’s parks and steady breezes are perfect for colorful kite shows. Pick one up at a local toy store and let it dance on the summer wind.

• Antiquing: Search for treasures at local flea markets or antique shops dotted around town.

• Hang a Hammock: Whether it’s in the backyard or on the balcony, nothing beats a nap in the shade after a busy day.

• Go Camping or Glamping: Pitch a tent at a local park or find a cozy nearby spot for plush beds and starry skies. Glow sticks optional, s’mores essential.

• Karaoke in the Park: Set up a karaoke machine at home or in a local park and let your inner rockstar shine.

Summer’s Sweet Spots and Events

• Farmers Markets: Fresh peaches, sweet watermelon, and spicy salsas—Plano’s markets are the easiest way to get a taste of summer. Georgia’s Farmer’s Market and others are weekend favorites.

• Comedy Nights at Mic Drop Comedy: 7301 Lone Star Dr., Suite A-110, Plano, TX 75024
  Silly stand-up meets clever punchlines every weekend. Check the calendar for rising stars and belly laughs.

• Live Music & 90s Night at Grandscape: Drive next door to The Colony for festival vibes, classic jams, and a crowd that loves the rhythm of summer.

• Frisco RoughRiders and Lazy River: 7300 RoughRiders Trail, Frisco, TX 75034
  Not far from Plano, enjoy baseball plus floating on a lazy river while cheering the home team—a combo that makes any summer evening a win.

• Events at The HUB, Allen: Giant water slides and live music for big groups and energetic kiddos.

Try These Simple Joys Before Summer’s Sunset

• Picnics Under Plano Pines: Outdoor meals turn into mini-adventures, whether you’re at a park or in your backyard.

• Create Easy Summer Crafts: Set up a DIY station with vintage bowls and let creativity rule the afternoon.

• Scavenger Hunt: Use free printables for a car or park scavenger hunt and let the winner pick dessert at the next truck stop.

Plano, TX, has plenty more up its sleeve. There’s no need to settle for ordinary weekends or one-note fiestas when you’re in a city that always keeps summer interesting. Grab your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and a good pair of sunglasses—or just wing it with a wide-brim hat and a big grin. The end of summer in Plano is ready to surprise, delight, and keep you exploring until sweater weather rolls through.