10 CHEAP and COOL Things to Do in Frisco This Summer

Deep breath, Mommas. Summer is here. For many parents, this means significantly more face-time with our offspring. While many of us welcome this sacred time of togetherness and slower schedules, it comes with its challenges as well, namely that our kids are up in our faces 24/7 for close to three months. Combine increased down time with the high temperatures we experience in Texas and you have a recipe for the "I'm bored" comments to begin almost immediately. But it doesn't have to be that way! Below are ten ideas of CHEAP and AIR-CONDITIONED things to do with your kids this summer that won't break the bank, but will break the boredom. My kids and I have personally done all of these at some point so you know they’re tried and true by a real Frugal Frisco Momma. Try a few of them out and let me know how they go!

  1. WOW Wednesdays!- This summer, the Frisco Public Library is offering WOW Wednesdays! (formerly Mindstretchers Mondays) for kids K-5th grade every week at five times to choose from: 9:30am, 11am, 2:30pm, 4pm, and 7pm. Each week is a different educational theme that’s sure to delight kids of all ages. Just be sure to get there early to get a free ticket and a seat!

  2. $1 Movies on the Square- Cinemark Frisco Square is once again doing their Summer Movie Clubhouse on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 9:30 throughout the summer. Each ticket is only $1! Grab some popcorn and enjoy the AC!

  3. Legacy Hall Play Dates (Plano)- While not technically in Frisco, it’s close enough… Legacy Hall is offering free Play Dates most Mondays at 10am this summer. Some days they’ll show a movie with a sing-along, other days it might be a magician or puppet show. Kids will love it all! The Play Dates are free but food is not- come prepared to buy lunch if you want. No outside food is allowed.

  4. Vacation Bible School- So many churches in our area offer Vacation Bible School throughout the summer. My own kids are already registered to go to THREE of them. It’s the same theme (ROAR!) for each one, but never mind that- they’ll love it! And momma will get a few hours of kid-free time to grab a coffee or get her toes done. Check with local churches for VBS schedules, or send me a message if you’re having trouble finding one- I’ll help you search!

  5. Stonebriar Centre- The mall is an awesome place to get some air-conditioned fun in this summer. The mall has become slightly more kid-friendly over the last year as they’ve added giant Connect Four, lounging space, and a shuffleboard table downstairs. Plus you can follow my A Day Out for Under $25 plan for a day at the mall!

  6. Volunteer- What better way to teach our kids generosity and kindness than getting them involved with local community volunteer organizations? Frisco has several non-profit organizations that serve the children of our community. Two of these are Frisco Fastpacs and Lovepacs. So have your kids hold a food drive, participate in a pre-pack session, or help deliver the pacs together. You can’t go wrong with either of these organizations.

  7. Barnes & Noble Storytime- Every Thursday at 11am, the Barnes & Noble in Stonebriar Centre will have an in-store storytime with a craft! After your kids listen to the story and make their craft, be sure they fill out their Reading Journal (Grades 1-6) or get a sticker for their Storytime Passport (Birth-Kinder) to earn a surprise at the end of the summer!

  8. Frisco Library- I know I already mentioned WOW Wednesdays! at the library, but there are so many more cool programs the library offers for kids of all ages, birth through teens. There’s at least a couple of options for different age groups offered each day, so grab your planner as you scroll through the library’s summer events calendar. While you’re at it, be sure to sign up for the Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge to guard against summer brain drain and also to earn free prizes at the end of the summer. You’ll probably see me and my kids at the library at least every other day this summer. Say hi!

  9. Kids Bowl Free- Sign your kids up through Kids Bowl Free and they can literally bowl for free at Strikz Entertainment on Lebanon all summer! We did this last summer and loved it. Bowling shoes are required, so you’ll incur a rental fee for those, and Strikz has some rules as to what days and times you can go for free, but they’re reasonable. Just be sure to check the small print when you register.

  10. StarCenter Little Rookies- Ice hockey, anyone? In July, your kids ages 4-9 can take four introductory hockey lessons for free, equipment included. My kids are currently participating in the June session and L-O-V-E it! Sign up through the StarCenter and get those kids out on the ice!