Consistently ranked as a top city for families, Plano boasts an abundance of family-friendly amenities—numerous parks and nature preserves, community centers and historic attractions, to name a few. Its strategic location offers convenient access to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, providing career opportunities for parents while maintaining a suburban feel. And its safe neighborhoods, diverse and welcoming community make Plano a great place to raise a family.
NEARBY:
Plano is bordered by McKinney, Allen, The Colony, Little Elm, Carrollton and Richardson.
Plano Fast Facts
POPULATION
213,509
2023 U.S. Census
REAL ESTATE
$545,000
Median listing price, realtor.com
Neighborhood Gems
La Leche League of Collin County: Find support, share experiences and have questions answered by an accredited LLL leader at these monthly meetings serving Plano and surroundings areas. lllflorida.com/collin
Moms Connection: A faith-based group based out of the Chase Oaks Church that meets twice monthly from September to May to support each other in all stages of motherhood. Monthly meetings are held over the summer. chaseoaks.org/moms
Plano Area Moms of Multiples: This group provides support, education and community for moms with multiples. pamom.org
The Mom Walk Collective Plano: Arranging regular groups walks to promote connections and friendships among local moms. The Plano group plans outings at least twice a month. themomwalkcollective.com
RELATED: Where to Find Mom Groups in DFW
Plano Farmers Market: This pet-friendly Four Seasons market is held outside Macy’s at The Shops at Willow Bend on Saturday mornings. Come stroll the vendors selling all the farmers market food staples and artisan wares. // 6209 W. Park Blvd, Plano; fourseasonsmarkets.com
RELATED: Farmers Markets Around DFW
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve: A natural escape with 200 acres of diverse landscapes, here you can explore over 6 miles of trails, including paved paths for leisurely strolls and unpaved options for hiking. An observation tower provides panoramic views, while a playground and picnic areas offer family-friendly amenities. // 6701 W. Parker Rd., Plano; plano.gov
Crayola Experience: This colorful attraction at The Shops at Willow Bend offers over 20 hands-on activities for all ages. Create your own crayon, star in a coloring page, watch how crayons are made and explore interactive exhibits like Drip Art and the Color Playground. // 6121 W. Park Blvd., Suite A100, Plano; crayolaexperience.com/plano
Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park: Nestled within Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, here you can take on thrilling treetop adventures, navigating suspended obstacles, Tarzan swings, and exhilarating zip lines high above the ground. // 5901 Los Rios Blvd., Plano; goape.com
Heritage Farmstead Museum: Get a glimpse into 19th-century rural life in North Texas, explore the beautifully preserved Victorian farmhouse and wander through the surrounding 4.5-acre farmstead with its historic outbuildings. Exhibits showcase pioneer tools and artifacts. // 1900 W. 15th St, Plano; heritagefarmstead.org
Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve: This sprawling urban oasis with over 800 acres of natural beauty is a great place for hiking, kayaking or paddle boarding. Spot diverse wildlife, enjoy fishing in the ponds, and take advantage of the expansive green spaces. // 5901 Los Rios Blvd., Plano; plano.gov
The Texas Pool: A unique 168,000-gallon saltwater pool shaped like the state of Texas, it’s a Plano landmark that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Swim from “El Paso” to the “Gulf Coast,” enjoy the “Panhandle” diving board, or splash in the shallow “South Texas” area. // 901 Springbrook Dr., Plano; texaspool.org
RELATED: 181 Places to Go with Kids in DFW
Cheeky Monkeys: This indoor play place features a multi-level play structure with slides, tunnels and climbing areas for active fun. There’s also a dedicated toddler area for the littlest ones. // 8300 Preston Rd., Suite 150, Plano; cheekymonkeys.us
KidMania: Brimming attractions for all ages, here you’ll find multi-story play structures, slides, arcade games and laser tag. They offer dedicated areas for younger children, too. // 7252 Chase Oaks Blvd., Plano; kidmania.com
Play Street Museum: Designed especially for young children, this interactive children’s play space features various themed areas that encourage imaginative play and exploration. Kids can pretend to shop in a grocery store, build in a construction zone, or care for animals in a pretend vet clinic. // 5964 W Parker Rd., Suite 120, Plano; plano.playstreetmuseum.com
We Rock the Spectrum: A sensory-friendly, inclusive gym designed for children of all abilities with specialized equipment like swings, climbing structures and sensory play stations to aid in physical and social development. // 1941 Preston Rd., Suite 1022, Plano; werockthespectrumplano.com
RELATED: Indoor Play Places Around DFW
Property Tax Rate
(per $100 accessed value)
Collin County / Plano ISD: 1.69%
Collin County / Frisco ISD: 1.70%
Property taxes may vary based on location and taxing entities.
Child Care Centers & Preschools in Plano
Plano Schools
Public School Districts
Plano Independent School District
• 48,700+ students
• 44 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, 6 high schools, 3 senior high schools
• TEA rating: B
Frisco Independent School District
• 67,000+ students
• 43 elementary schools, 1 intermediate school, 18 middle schools, 12 high schools, 3 special programs schools
• TEA rating: A
Learn more about the Texas Education Agency’s accountability rating system at tea.texas.gov.
Mom-Approved Pediatricians in Plano
Find more DFWChild Mom-Approved Pediatricians near you.
Top Family Neighborhoods
Courtney Jay Slater, mom and realtor with Epique Realty, shares her three favorite areas for families in Plano.
Collin Creek
A vibrant, family-friendly community designed for those who love an active lifestyle Collin Creek is nestled near US-75 and Plano Parkway, with convenient access to shopping, dining and entertainment, all within a pedestrian-friendly setting. Families will enjoy two- and-three-story townhomes, nearly 9 acres of parks, a scenic water feature, and 1.6 miles of walking trails.
Whether you’re walking, biking, or playing in the park, this community encourages an active, healthy lifestyle for all ages. With spacious homes and plenty of green space, it’s a perfect place for families looking to stay active. Learn more at realtor.com.
Plano Gateway
A luxury townhome community designed with families in mind, Plano Gateway offers a perfect balance of convenience and tranquility. This community is located near shopping and dining at Firewheel Town Center and The Shops at Willow Bend Mall, and just minutes from major highways like George Bush Turnpike and I-75.
Families can enjoy nearby Breckenridge Park and other outdoor spaces, while children attend highly rated schools within Plano ISD. With open greenspaces, playgrounds and a firepit, Plano Gateway is an ideal place for families to connect, and enjoy quality time together. Learn more at realtor.com.
Heritage Ridge Estates
With spacious homes featuring flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, including inviting great rooms, Heritage Ridge Estates offers families a home that’s perfect for family gatherings. The community’s lush surroundings, with a meandering creek, parks and golf courses, provide plenty of outdoor activities for children and adults.
Conveniently located near essential shops, dining and major highways like 75 and 190, and zoned for the highly rated Plano ISD it offers families both peace and convenience. Learn more at realtor.com.
Plano Mom Life
Why Lola Dada-Olley Calls Plano Home
When attorney, author, advocate and mom of two Lola Dada-Olley, 45, relocated from Wisconsin to Texas 10 years ago, Plano was easy pick for her family. “I love how well-planned the city is and the programs they’ve put in place with disability inclusion in mind, like their adaptive parks and recreation department, library system and special education programs,” says Dada-Olley, whose children are on the spectrum.
Lola’s Local Faves
Best Restaurant
“North Italia is one of our favorite restaurants in Plano—high quality food and there is something for everyone. Wait staff is pretty attentive to our daughter’s allergy considerations as well, which we are very grateful for.”
Best Spot for Mom
“Woodhouse Spa is a nice experience when I want to get away and still be local. I enjoy a good facial and massage when I am able to make the time.”
Best for All Abilities
“The all-abilities playground at Windhaven was built in a way so that kids with sensory challenges can enjoy the park. We enjoy attending the city’s sensory-friendly swim days in the summertime so that our kids can enjoy a day at the pool in a way that is more sensory inclusive.”
RELATED: DFWChild’s Best for Families winner
Family-Friendly Events In & Around Plano
Sonia de los Santos—POSTPONED
Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts
Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
Art Centre Theatre
The H-E-B | Central Market Family Series: Winds and Wagging Tails
Addison Theatre Centre
Stars on Ice
Credit Union of Texas Event Center
Find more family fun events every day of the week at dfwchild.com/calendar.