Museums are a staple in exploring what Plano, Texas, has to offer; they provide insight into local history and allow you to experience something unique. There are plenty of interactive exhibits and special events at each of the museums listed below to inspire your children. From famous ranches and historic farmsteads to dinosaurs, planes, and trains, here are seven of the best museums you need to visit near Plano.

National Videogame Museum

People Standing in Front of Store during Night Time by cottonbro studio is licensed with Pexels License

If you’re after a museum experience that transcends generations, you should visit the National Videogame Museum in Frisco, Texas. Your kid’s eyes will light up when they see the life-sized Mario statue, and you’ll feel nostalgic when you gaze upon gaming systems from your childhood. The National Videogame Museum pays homage to the creative evolution of the gaming industry, from the first consoles, such as Atari and Pong, to the Xbox Live console that pioneered online gaming. Step into the 80s with the museum’s arcade room, which offers over 40 iconic games, such as PacMan and Space Invaders.

• Location: 8004 N. Dallas Parkway, Frisco.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Closed on Monday.

The Dinosaur Company

If you or your little ones are fascinated by dinosaurs, The Dinosaur Company will leave you in awe. For 20 years, Billings Production, Inc. has partnered with zoos, museums, and educational organizations to provide animatronic exhibits for the public to admire. Its warehouse features hundreds of life-size statues of dinosaurs, including triceratops, stegosaurus, and the infamous tyrannosaurus rex. Children love to pose for pictures with their favorite dinosaurs and learn about the prehistoric period. 

Book a one-hour factory tour for a behind-the-scenes look at how the animatronics are created or a 30-minute tour that’s tailor-made to educate dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages. Check out The Dinosaur Company’s events page for free events such as DINOstory Time and DinoCraftivity, or rent the venue for your kid’s next birthday party.

• Location: 420 Century Parkway, Allen.
• Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Heritage Farmstead Museum

The historic Heritage Farmstead Museum gives visitors a look into what life was like on the Blackland Prairie during the late 19th century. Walk through the restored Farrell-Wilson’s house or School House to admire Victorian-era furniture, textiles, and clothing. Tour the grounds with your family, and meet the various farm animals along the walking path. 

For special one-on-one time with your kiddos, register for one of the Heritage Farmstead Museum’s child and parent programs. The museum also hosts hands-on summer camps, where children can learn about farm life through outdoor activities.

• Location: 1900 W. 15th St., Plano.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Closed Sunday through Wednesday.

Cavanaugh Flight Museum

Come to the Cavanaugh Flight Museum for a jaw-dropping museum experience as you stand next to legendary giants. Aviation enthusiasts of all ages love the museum’s self-guided tour that easily takes up to two hours to explore. The museum presents one of the world’s finest aircraft collections with airplanes, helicopters, and fighter jets from World War I and II and the Vietnam and Korean Wars. The Cavanaugh Flight Museum also has a vehicle collection where you can view authentic military trucks.

• Location: 4572 Claire Chennault, Addison.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Closed Monday through Thursday.

Southfork Ranch

The Southfork Ranch is nothing short of incredible, from its rich ranch history of over 50 years to its contribution as the set for the famous CBS TV show, “Dallas,” for 13 successful seasons. Book a tour with your family to appreciate a piece of TV and Texas history by checking out the memorabilia spread across the ranch grounds. You also get a chance to see Texas longhorns and American quarter horses up close. 

If you have a sense of adventure, you can register for a trail ride to view the vast landscape of Southfork Ranch. Trail rides are available every day of the week for children aged 8 and up. Horseback riding lessons are also available at the ranch, seven days a week, with age requirements determined by the wranglers.

• Location: 3700 Hogge Drive, Parker.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed on Monday.

Interurban Railway Museum

Explore a piece of Plano history at the Interurban Railway Museum. Visitors enjoy climbing aboard and immersing themselves in the beautifully preserved train car called Historic Car 360. The museum next door boasts interesting exhibits such as model trains and the interactive electricity room demonstrating how magnets and battery circuits function. Admission is free, and the museum hosts touring exhibits from all over Texas, so be sure to come back to see what’s new.

The Interurban Railway Museum is situated in Haggard Park, one of Plano’s family-friendly parks. Pack a picnic and spend a day with your family at the park or stroll through Plano’s historic downtown nearby.

• Location: 901 E. 15th St., Plano.
• Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Closed on Sunday and Monday.

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary

Not all museums are limited to indoor spaces. Visit the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary to experience the outdoors in a special way. Located on a 289-acre nature preserve, the Heard Museum features lush gardens full of native Texas plants and several habitats with their own ecosystem, such as the wetlands and the bottomland forest. With over 6 miles of hiking trails, this wildlife sanctuary is the perfect place to observe birds, butterflies, and reptiles.

General admission includes access to the museum’s permanent and seasonal exhibits, nature trails, and gardens. For extra excitement, check out the museum’s challenging ropes course and available zip line.

• Location: 1 Nature Place, McKinney.
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, unless otherwise stated. Closed on Monday.

Our team at Crème de la Crème of Plano, Texas, values the importance of your children’s education and strives to find exciting ways to learn. Make the most of your time with your family and explore something new when you visit one of these amazing museums.  Did we forget to mention your favorite local museum? Let us know, and we’ll check it out.