While getting out and about around town can be fun, sometimes you don’t want to spend a lot of money, especially if your family is saving for a large purchase or a fun vacation. Luckily, having fun on a budget is possible. Showing kids how to entertain themselves without spending a lot of money is a skill you can share that will help them see the value in life’s simple experiences. No matter your interests, there are plenty of inexpensive things to do in the area. Learn about our list of the top five free things to do in Frisco, TX.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Arbor Hills by David Kobuszewski is licensed with CC BY 2.0

The Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a well-maintained 200-acre park that is an ideal location to spend a few hours or an entire Saturday. The impressive area, although technically located in Plano, is only about 8 miles from Frisco, Texas, and is worth the short drive. The area features exceptional scenery and is a phenomenal area for joggers, hikers, walkers, and bird-watching. There are 3 miles of paved and unpaved trails and a 2.8-mile off-road route for adventurous bikers.  There’s an observation tower that is great for catching a perfect view of the city. 

If you have small children, you can head over to the pavilion where they can work off some extra energy on the playground. If you like to sit in peace with nature and enjoy the local wildlife, take a set of binoculars or even your camera to capture some memorable images. Be sure to take sunscreen and bug spray to protect the family from the elements. If you’re planning a special outdoor get-together, consider reserving one of the pavilions for your next event. Check the website for details. 

• Location: 6701 W. Parker Road, Plano.
• Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday, 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday. 
• Contact: 972-941-7250.

Frisco Heritage Museum

The Frisco Heritage Museum is 16,000-square feet of collections and artifacts that showcase Frisco’s lush and storied history. The exhibits include interesting information and trivia about the city’s early days, influential historical figures, and important developments that helped shape Frisco into the charming town it is today. A current featured exhibit you don’t want to miss focuses on Izetta Sparks. She was a prominent and influential teacher and her family greatly impacted Frisco by building the first cotton gin in the area. 

You’ll also want to go by the Frisco Heritage Village, located right outside the museum. Walk around the 4 acres to see an authentic representation of early Frisco. Some things to look for include:

• Gabby’s Blacksmith Shop.
• Frisco Railroad Depot.
• Steam locomotive and caboose.
• Log cabin.
• School house.
• Lebanon Church.
• Smith-Muse House.

Snap a photo at the gazebo before you leave for a fun and quirky social media profile picture. Admission to the museum is free, but it is a priceless experience for any Frisco native and young child hoping to learn something about our city. 

• Location: 6455 Page Street, Frisco. 
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. 
• Contact: 972-292-5657.

Frisco Rail District

The Frisco Rail District in downtown Frisco is a hot spot and an artist’s dream. Right in the heart of Frisco, Texas, you’ll find an eccentric collection of local businesses and restaurants. This is the place to visit if you really want a taste of the true culture of the area. A can’t-miss experience is touring this historic area to see the wonderful murals Frisco is so famous for. It is a walking tour that starts near Second Street and heads east along Main Street. 

Don’t miss the mural called “Frisco: Past and Present.” This impressive and colorful piece by artist Joshua Boulet is a celebration of Frisco citizens. There’s even a spot where you can add yourself in to the mural for an exceptional and unforgettable photo op. After your walk, stop by Randy’s Steakhouse for some of the best food you’ve ever had. 

• Location: Downtown Frisco.
• Hours: Vary depending on destination. 
• Contact: 945-555-2050.

Frisco Art Gallery

If you’d rather take in some art and culture while escaping the Texas heat, visit the Frisco Art Gallery located in the Frisco Discovery Center. The curated gallery features work and exhibitions from local, regional, and international artists. With two gallery spaces, and the option to rent out the location for your next special event, there is little not to love about this place. Because the exhibit features different themes and genres regularly, each time you visit you’ll see something new. 

• Location: 8004 Dallas Parkway, Frisco.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. 
• Contact: 972-292-6652.

Texas Sculpture Garden 

One place that must be mentioned is the Texas Sculpture Garden. This installment stretches across 4 acres in Hall Park and features work primarily by Texas artists. Animal lovers will find the sculpture “H.O.P. Rabbits” by artist David Iles charming. Be sure to download the art map before heading out there, so you have an idea of all the art pieces to see. 

• Location: 6801 Gaylord Parkway, Frisco. 
• Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk. The interior art is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Contact: 972-377-1100.

So there you have it. Crème de la Crème of Frisco has enjoyed sharing with you our list of the top five free things to do in and around our town. With some creativity and a little research, you’ll see that having a blast in Frisco, Texas, can be simple and free. No matter your interests you’ll find something fun and economical to pass the time. Whether you have an entire weekend free or just have a few hours in the evening after work, Frisco is an ideal place to relax on a budget. 

While you are finding free places to visit in Frisco, Texas, consider checking out Crème de la Crème of Frisco for your child care needs. Our facility and services help busy families find ways to keep the kids learning and entertained while parents and guardians work hard and run errands. Our enriching environment offers foreign language instruction and cooking classes, and has fun amenities on site including a water park, baseball diamond, and soccer field. Contact our friendly staff at 972-905-4931 to make an appointment and learn how Crème de la Crème of Frisco could be right for your family.