Fun Things to Do with Kids in & Around Collin County

Dallas-Fort Worth is overflowing with attractions. On weekends, school breaks or any day adventures outside the house, local families have plenty to choose from. In our DFWChild’s 2026 Best for Families survey, our readers in Collin County weighed in with their favorite destinations and activities. Read on for the winners and why they keep your kids asking to go again and again.

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Reader-Favorite Places for Family Fun

Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or looking to shake up your routine, you’ll want to bookmark these family fun destinations that deliver on what matters most.

Best Museum in Collin County

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney
Families can explore more than 6.5 miles of trails across diverse habitats, encounter native wildlife and participate in year-round programs, camps and events designed to inspire a love of the outdoors at this 289-acre nature preserve and museum.

Runner-up: Sci-Tech Discovery Center, Frisco

Best Place to Explore Nature in Collin County

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Plano
Unplug and let nature do the entertaining at this 200-acre preserve. With miles of paved and unpaved trails, open prairie, and wooded areas, it feels much bigger than your typical neighborhood park—perfect for letting kids explore without feeling crowded. Families love the wide, scenic trails perfect for walking, biking, or even a stroller-friendly outing.

Runner-up: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney

Best Park in Collin County

Kaleidoscope Park, Frisco
Spend an afternoon here and you’ll probably end up staying longer than you planned. You can spread out on the lawn, check out public art, and let the kids jump into whatever’s happening that day. Collin County families love the steady lineup of free events—from kid-focused Saturdays to live music nights and seasonal festivals. It’s easy, lively and one of those spots where there’s almost always something fun going on.

Runners-up: TIE Celebration Park in Allen & Hope Park in Frisco

Best Play Place for Littles in Collin County

Play Street Museum, Multiple locations
No wonder families keep coming back to Play Street Museum. It’s designed just for younger kids (think ages 1–8), so everything feels manageable, not overwhelming. Pretend play setups and hands-on activities keep little imaginations busy. Parents love that it’s clean, low-key and session-based, so it never gets too crowded.

Runner-up: Cheeky Monkeys, Multiple locations

Best Entertainment for Older Kids in Collin County

Main Event, Frisco & Plano
There’s something here to keep everyone happy—bowling, arcade games, laser tag, billiards, and more. Different locations bring their own thrills, from escape rooms to high ropes courses, so you can mix it up depending on where you go. We promise no one in your crew will be bored, and you can grab food and actually stay awhile without having to bounce to another spot.

Runner-up: KidZania, Frisco

Best Shopping Center for Families in Collin County

Stonebriar Centre, Frisco
Families love that this sprawling shopping center is not just stores—there’s a carousel, play areas, and spots like KidZania where kids can run around and actually do something. Spend a few hours here and it quickly turns into a full day—shop, grab a bite, catch a movie, and still have plenty left to do.

Runner-up: Legacy West, Plano

Best Family Golf Course in Collin County

The Courses at Watters Creek, Plano
With 33 total holes, you can go big with the full 18-hole course or keep it low-pressure with the 9-hole or short 6-hole course—perfect for beginners and kids still learning the game. Families in Collin County love that it’s not intimidating—you can practice, play a quick round, or let kids build confidence without committing to a full game.

Runner-up: Stonebridge Ranch Country Club, McKinney

Best Waterpark in DFW

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, Grand Prairie
At Epic Waters, it feels like summer no matter what time of year it is. You can race down huge slides, float the longest indoor lazy river in North Texas, or even try surfing on the FlowRider. There’s a dedicated kids’ zone (Rascal’s Round Up) that’s basically its own mini water playground—think smaller slides, spray features, and a big tipping bucket that goes off every few minutes.

Runner-up: NRH2O Family Water Park, North Richland Hills

Best Amusement Park in DFW

Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington
Bounce between roller coasters, kid rides, shows and snacks from start to finish. You can chase big thrills or stick to the family-friendly areas, so everyone has something to look forward to. And if you’ve got thrill-seekers in your crew, there’s a huge reason to go: a brand-new coaster, Tormenta Rampaging Run is set to open this year as the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster in the world, climbing over 300 feet before dropping you straight down at a beyond-vertical angle and hitting speeds around 87 mph.

Runner-up: Peppa Pig Theme Park, North Richland Hills

Best Place to See Animals in DFW

Fort Worth Zoo
Always a favorite among our readers, this is one of those places that kids and parents love. You can cool off at Safari Splash, a 14,000-square-foot splash pad with slides, water cannons, and a toddler area that’s a lifesaver in the Texas heat. Families also love spots like Elephant Springs, where you can watch elephants play in the water, and the up-close animal habitats that make it feel more interactive than your typical zoo.

Runner-up: Dallas Zoo

Best Family Road Trip Destination

Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow, OK
Plan a quick getaway and you can be here in about three hours from Dallas—close enough to be easy, but far enough to feel like a true escape. You can spend the day on the lake, hike scenic trails, or mix in some indoor fun like arcades and shopping. DFW families love that it works for any kind of trip, too, with 3,000+ cabins ranging from cozy spots for a weekend away to big group rentals. It’s one of those places you can make exactly what you want.

Runner-up: San Antonio/River Walk

Best Local Staycation in DFW

Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine
Check in and head straight for the water park—that’s how most families kick things off. You can spend hours on slides, in the wave pool or in the kid-friendly splash areas, then take a break for arcade games, story times and all the extra activities built into the resort. Everything’s right there, so you don’t have to leave once you arrive. It’s an easy, all-in-one staycation that keeps everyone busy (and happy).

Runner-up: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine

Best Wild West Experience in DFW

Fort Worth Stockyards
Step into the Stockyards and it really does feel like you’ve gone back in time. You can watch the twice-daily cattle drive, wander the wooden sidewalks, and pop into shops, restaurants and live music spots along the way. Kids love seeing the longhorns up close, and there’s always something happening—from rodeos to little Western moments you just stumble into. It’s fun, a little touristy in the best way.

Runner-up: National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, Fort Worth

RELATED: See all the Best for Families winners across DFW here