Things to Do in Plano (2025)

Step into Plano’s Blackland Prairie past at this AAM-accredited living history museum with farm animals, the 1891 Wilson House, and wagon rides. Featured by Visit Plano and celebrated by Plano Magazine readers as a top local museum, it’s a family-friendly must.

Housed in a restored 1906 home, this nonprofit gallery programs juried shows like Texas Sculpts IV and rotating solo exhibits. Consistently praised by local arts writers and noted by Plano Magazine, it anchors the Downtown Plano Arts District’s creative pulse.

In a 1908 Texas Electric Railway depot, this free museum pairs hands-on electricity exhibits with Plano rail history and a restored railcar. Operated with the Plano Conservancy and highlighted by Visit Plano, it’s a quick, rich stop steps from Haggard Park.

Family-owned since the early 1970s, Thunderbird’s wood floor, disco lights, and community nights keep classic skating alive. Named Best Outing on a Budget and Best Place to Take Kids on a Rainy Day by Plano Magazine, it’s pure DFW nostalgia with heart.

Independent since 1985, this landmark alley blends league culture and late-night lanes with a scratch kitchen. Profiled by Local Profile and immortalized in D Magazine’s famed Bill Fong story, it remains a quintessential Plano hang—day or night.

A family-run produce market across from Haggard Park, stocked year-round with seasonal fruits, Texas-made relishes, and pickled quail eggs. Featured by Plano Magazine and covered by Dallas Observer, it’s where downtown locals actually shop.

Tony Holman hand-throws functional stoneware in an 1890s Victorian cottage near downtown; the gallery also showcases American artisans. Marking 35 years in Plano and covered by Community Impact, it’s a genuine window into local craft.

Downtown Plano’s go-to since 2013, known for creative signatures like the Purple Haze latte and locally sourced pastries. Spotlighted by Dallas Observer and applauded by Plano Magazine for standout hot chocolate, it’s a relaxed community living room.

This independent, wood-fired pizzeria in a historic building pairs pies with a lively rooftop ice bar overlooking downtown. Noted by Eater Dallas and frequently recommended by local critics, it’s a festive way to cap an evening in the Arts District.

A downtown stalwart since 2007 with properly poured pints, a deep whiskey list, and British-American pub fare. Listed by Visit Plano and covered by Dallas Observer, it also spills into McCall Plaza on big music and St. Patrick’s Day weekends.

A 168,000-gallon, Texas-shaped, saltwater pool on the National Register of Historic Places. Operated by a local nonprofit, it runs summer and back-to-school hours, with community events throughout the season—regularly promoted by local media.

An independently produced, theatrical haunt with Broadway-level sets that returns each fall and stages special events year-round. Lauded by national outlets and promoted by Visit Downtown Plano, 2025’s season kicks off in September—book ahead.