Summer is in full swing! The weather’s getting hotter, the days are getting longer, and we’re all looking for fun (and budget-friendly) ways to keep our kids entertained.
Luckily, many of our favorite community partners and businesses have come to the rescue offering special summer programming during July and August. These events are fun, inexpensive (in some cases free), and sure to please kids of all ages.
Here are ten of our favorite budget-friendly ways to have fun during the hottest days of summer.
Summer Playdates at Legacy Hall
When to go: Every Monday through August 5, from 10 am to 12 pm
Why we love it: Frisco’s favorite food hall is hosting free events each week in the Box Garden. The kid-friendly line up includes magic shows, puppet shows, dance parties, movie screenings, character visits, and more. Food will be available for purchase for any of Legacy Hall’s 20+ vendors.
The Frisco Public Library
When to go: Various events throughout each week (view calendar here).
Why we love it: The Library offers an amazing variety of events for all ages. For babies and toddlers, the Library continues to offer regularly scheduled story times and the always popular Reading Railroad. For elementary kids, check out WOW Wednesdays, which feature programs like Sci-Tech Discovery Center and Dinosaur George. For tweens and teens, the line-up includes coding, anime, retro gaming, and even a “Stranger Things” party. And don’t forget to join in the Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge!
Frisco Fresh Market
When to go: Special events on weekends throughout the summer (see calendar for details).
Why we love it: Frisco Fresh Market is a great outing for families year-round and is hosting a variety of special, kid-friendly events this summer. July 13 – 14 FFM will host Kid Fest, featuring a Kid Zone with kid-friendly vendors, fun food choices, giant checkers, hula hoops, a DJ and more! Other summer events include a petting zoo and watermelon fest. Older kids and teens will also enjoy the upcoming Muscle Cars and Jeeps show.
Flix Brewhouse
When to go: Wednesday mornings
Why we love it: Flix is offering special $2 kids movies on Wednesday mornings throughout the summer. Featured films include Sponge Bob, Matilda, and Willy Wonka.
Cinemark Frisco Square
When to go: Tuesday and Wednesday mornings
Why we love it: Cinemark’s Summer Movie Clubhouse offers 10 weeks of kids movies and tickets are only $1! The line-up for the rest of the summer includes Kung Fu Panda, Sherlock Gnomes, and How to Train Your Dragon.
Michael’s
When to go: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings
Why we love it: Michael’s offers craft mornings throughout the summer, with fun themes like space and sea treasures. Tickets are $3 per child for each 30-minute session and all supplies are provided.
Learning Express
When to go: Various weekly events (check schedule)
Why we love it: Learning Express offers several free weekly events for kids, including crafts, story times, and character meet and greets. Storytime with Peppa Pig is coming up next! Check their calendar on Facebook for more information about future events.
The Shops at Willow Bend
When to go: Thursdays noon – 2 pm
Why we love it: Willow Bend Summer Fun Thursdays feature special weekly performances for kids. Pre-show entertainment begins at 12 and the show starts each week at 1:00 pm. The line-up for the rest of the summer includes a clown show, the “Real Mad Hatters” and our very own Sci-Tech Discovery Center. (The mall also offers a free summer movie series on Tuesday nights!)
Watter’s Creek
When to go: The third Thursday of the month from 11 am – 11:45 am
Why we love it: Once a month, Water’s Creek hosts a “Lucky Duck Kids Club” on its charming Village Green. Geared for ages two to six, this free event includes crafts, treats, and entertainment.
Frisco Splash Pads
When to go: anytime!
Why we love it: What’s not to love? When all else fails, splash pads are free, active, and awesome for all ages. They’re always open and always a blast. Bring your own picnic and enjoy some great fun in the sun. Check out our recent article for ALL of our area’s best spots to splash!
