Collin County :: Road Trips from Fort Worth

Visit Collin CountyTo experience all that Collin County has to offer, you might need a few days of vacation time. To put it into perspective, there are 22 independent school districts drawn entirely or mostly within the county lines. The major cities include: Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, and Prosper. There’s a place, no matter what your taste. From city lights to starry nights, traveling through Collin County might feel like a collection of mini-vacation experiences. 

What to Do 

The Comedy Arena (McKinney) // Get ready for some laughs at this family-friendly, interactive comedy club with shows like the Funderdome. For comedy rated above PG, check out the late night shows for audience-suggestion improv. No matter what show you attend, these comedians will leave you laughing. 

Frontier Park (Prosper) // A large community park with several fields for soccer, baseball/softball, and multipurpose use. Meet your exercise goal by taking the walking trail or the hike/bike trail and let the kids run around on the playground or cool off with the splash pad. 

Gentle Creek Golf Course (Prosper) // Designed by a PGA TOUR professional, this 18-hole course gives you a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. Southern hospitality meets the traditional game of golf at this 235-acre country club. 

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary (McKinney) // Stroll through the 289-acre preserve and connect with the beauty nature has to offer. If adventure is calling, register for the Zip Line Days to experience 487-ft of thrill. From dinosaurs to magic and trails to gardens, the Heard offers the best of nature.

Historic Downtown Plano (Plano) // From live music to a free museum dedicated to trains, Interurban Railway Museum, and a number of quaint boutiques, a stroll around downtown Plano is perfect for the afternoon itinerary. 

Jumping World (Allen) // Get out all the wiggles and burn off all the energy at this multifaceted indoor entertainment center. Trampoline, super dodgeball, ninja warrior, jungle gyms, 7D theater, and more, there’s something for every age. Prices range from $8-$30 per person. 

Spavia Day Spa (Plano) // Let go of the stress and tension and find relaxation at the hands of caring therapists and estheticians. Book a session tailored to your needs and treat yourself to some much needed self-care. 

Sports in Frisco (Frisco) // If you are a sports enthusiast or you just love a good game, Frisco is the city for you. Home to a number of sports teams, the opportunities to attend a game, visit the training center or see what it takes to be a top athlete are endless. 

Texas Sculpture Garden (Frisco) // Take the opportunity to experience more than 40 works of contemporary sculptures as you stroll through the breathtaking garden. The cost of admission is FREE. All of the artists featured in the Sculpture Garden are Texans, and this space was preserved to give them a voice. 

Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm (Allen) // Looking for a one-stop center to fulfil your shopping, art, food, wellness, and live music entertainment needs, plan a day to visit Watters Creek. Kick up your feet at the end of the night with live music concerts down by the creek and support local charities. 

Where to Eat 

A Bite of Lao and Thai (Allen) // When a level three on the spicy scale has your mouth on fire, you know this is the place for Thai food. Great vegetarian options as well. 

Cadillac Pizza Pub (McKinney) // Cadillac Pizza Pub has live music, gourmet pizza, and cold Beer. Located right off the Downtown McKinney square, this pizza pub is a must. Locally sourced ingredients and gluten-free options, bring pizza night back with a visit to a local favorite.

Concetta’s Italian Kitchen (Prosper) // In 2017, this unique restaurant opened Concetta, in honor of the owner’s grandmother, to serve a little slice of Italy and family to the community. From meatloaf, caprese salad, and Italian cookies, look no further than Concetta’s Italian Kitchen to a great family meal. 

Ellen’s (Allen) // With a tagline of “Everything Served All Day” you can’t go wrong with ordering from Ellen’s. Named after the chef’s mother, you’ll feel the comfort of home served in every dish. 

Ernesto’s Fine Mexican Food (Prosper) // Having brought recipes from Mexico, when you’re craving Tex-Mex be sure to check out Ernesto’s. Some of the recommended menu items: the taco salad with a house margarita. 

Hurts Donuts (Frisco) // With toppings like cotton candy, Fruity Pebbles, and maple bacon, the classic glazed donut seems embarrassing. Having learned how to make donuts from watching YouTube videos, the couple behind Hurts Donuts has a huge heart for giving back to the community. And donuts aren’t just for breakfast so stop by whenever the craving hits you.

donutsHutchins BBQ (Frisco) // Order a Texas Twinkie as life may never be the same. Known as one of the top BBQ places in the world, if you fall in love with the brisket just know you can get it shipped to anywhere in the states. What started out of Roy’s house in the late 1970s has grown into a testimony of values and passion. 

Legacy Food Hall (Plano) // Satisfy everyone’s unique craving under one roof. With more than 20 food vendors, families and groups can quite literally create their own smorgasbord. Seating is also just as vast from inside, outside, or rooftop options.

Sea Breeze Fish (Plano) // A sea-foodie favorite for any age. Family owned and operated, they provide exceptional customer service and dish out outstanding quality meals. When you’re here, you’re family. 

Where to Stay 

Aloft Hotel (Frisco) // Located at the heart of entertainment, this hotel is a wonderful combination of style and comfort. Pet-friendly too, so bring your best four-legged friend along for the trip. 

Grand Hotel (McKinney) // The name says it all. Built in the 1880s, this hotel oozes elegance and uniqueness. You’ll love looking at the pressed tin ceilings while relaxing on the signature pillow top mattress. Located right off the Downtown McKinney square, this charming gem is worth reserving a night or two. Prices around $150.

Hidden Cove Park (Frisco) // For a more adventurous stay in Collin County, make a reservation at Hidden Cove Park. Book at night in a bunkhouse, a cabin, pitch a tent, or hook up to an RV spot. After you’ve settled in, check out the marina for a variety of water-fun activities. If you prefer land, enjoy the hiking trails, playgrounds, and nature walks on the campground. Prices start around $50.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Allen) // Traveling with family, this hotel is nearby some of Allen’s best parks. Traveling with your girls, you won’t have to drive too far to find some of the best shopping in Allen. Relax and restore when you stay the night here. Prices around $111.

The Loft @ Hangar 305 (McKinney) // Get to this destination by plane or car as quickly as you can. Located inside a gated airpark community, if you are an aviation enthusiast this boutique AirBnB experience is perfect for you. Priced at $101/night.

The Neathery Estate (McKinney) // Voted the best hotel in McKinney for 2019 and 2020, you need to experience this cute bed and breakfast. Amenities include a salt water pool, garden, covered porch, spa products, technology room upgrades, and of course a multi-course breakfast prepared by one of the best chefs in town. Prices around $200.

NYLO Dallas Plano Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Plano) // Known to be “industrial-chic” this hospitable hotel goes above and beyond to care for their guests, including those on four-legs. With a restaurant on-site and free shuttle service, spending the night here will be a dream. Prices starting around $115.

Stay at the Red Gate Inn in MckinneyThe Red Gate Inn (McKinney) // Stay a few nights at this historic home turned bed and breakfast and wake up to a three course breakfast. Other amenities, such as the garden, living room fireplace, and claw foot tub to soak in make this a home away from home. Prices around $200.

Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel (Plano) // A beautiful collision of Asian and Texan decor, stepping into this hotel means stepping into luxury. Bask in the views from the rooftop pool or slip into comfort with numerous room amenities. Feel like a million without the price tag. Prices starting around $230.

Tru by Hilton (Allen) // Noted for its cleanliness and modern aesthetic, this hotel is the perfect place to catch some zzzzs while visiting Collin County. Pet-friendly and free breakfast, who doesn’t love that?! Prices around $110.

For more driving destination ideas, check out Fort Worth Moms “Guide to Road Trips from Fort Worth.”

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JanieJanie is a writer for Fort Worth Moms. Read her articles here! Joining Janie on the pursuit of life’s adventures while laughing along the way are Janie’s husband, Jared who is a flight school director and pilot, their angel baby, Jackson (2016) who passed away shortly after birth, and newest crew member, Jensen (2018). With an undergraduate degree in communication from UTA and a master’s in health communication from the University of Illinois, writing has been a creative outlet for Janie. Working full-time in healthcare, being involved at her local church, and volunteering with the Junior League of Fort Worth, Janie is passionate about serving people and holds a special place in her heart for women and children. When they are not headed to their next adventure, you can find Janie and her family creating their own adventure as proud Fort Worth residents.