Frisco is known as Sports City USA, and for good reason: It’s a sports lover’s paradise. Whether you want to hit the links or spike a football, the city’s got you covered. Let’s dive into eight of my favorite things to do in Frisco, Texas. Even if you’re not a huge sports junkie, these are all still quite a good time.
1. Hit the links at PGA Frisco
Frisco hosts the PGA of America‘s headquarters, so it’s a solid spot for getting your golf on. The Swing, a 10-hole course, has some scenic views and approachable, yet challenging holes. Not a golfer? No worries, neither am I! In that case, it may be a better idea to head to The Dance Floor, one of the largest putting greens in the U.S., with three different levels of hole difficulty. You can rent a putter, and you get to keep your ball as a souvenir. I like having something bright red or bright blue, so there’s no chance the ball will blend in with the background, and it’s very obvious when I miss a putt. The Dance Floor is free to putt on if you have your own putter, while renting a putter costs $5. The Swing ranges from $25 to $50 to play, depending on the time, day, and whether or not you’re a Frisco resident or staying onsite.
2. Run some routes at The Star
The Star is the Dallas Cowboys’ home away from home. You’ll find the practice facility, and while taking a tour is all well and good, you can stroll the surrounding area to get some exercise without spending a dime. Don’t miss the metallic huddle of players in the center of a traffic circle, and be sure to make your way to the mini field at the Tostitos Championship Plaza. I saw several different groups tossing a ball around. It’s highly alluring to pick off an errant pass and return it for a touchdown, but do your best to resist that urge. (Or go for it and just make sure your touchdown celebration is extra ridiculous.)
3. Open a pack at Cards In A Box
When I was a kid, I lived near a card shop. It’s hard to capture that kick of nostalgia, but Cards in a Box does a darn good job. Though I’ve occasionally sold individual cards over the years, there’s something enticing about opening up a pack or two. You have no idea what’s inside, and you just might get a card featuring your favorite player. Cards In A Box is part of The Star’s collection of shops. Whether you’re looking for something in particular (like these wackadoo basketball cards) or prefer the joys of cracking packs, Cards In A Box has you covered. There are also quite a few non-card items to parse through, too, including an homage to when Texas Rangers legend Adrian Beltre dressed like a true Texan.
4. Catch a Frisco RoughRiders game
Attending a Frisco RoughRiders game is one of the most family-friendly things to do in Frisco, Texas, and it’s also one of the best events for large groups. Why? There’s an entire lazy river out in right field. Those tickets are separate, with certain nights designed for kids versus 21 and up. It’s a great way to make a splash (not sorry for the wordplay). Additionally, minor league baseball promos are awesome, and the RoughRiders are not skimping. Promos this year include Throwback Sundays (4/12, 5/24, 8/02), Bowling for Soup Night on June 4, and an impressive back-to-back rush of nostalgia with Harry Potter and Space Jam Nights on July 18 and 19, respectively.
5. Score a goal at the National Soccer Hall of Fame
Opened in 1979, the National Soccer Hall of Fame is approaching 50 years of celebrating the beautiful game. The interactive experience puts you in the action, with virtual reality areas and the ability to pose in photographs of iconic soccer moments. You can also leave with a bevy of personalized souvenirs, including customized scarves and jerseys. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children, seniors, and military. Membership options also give you access to fun perks like discounted apparel.
6. Watch hoops with the Texas Legends
Dallas Mavericks fans still can’t forgive Nico Harrison for trading away the team’s franchise superstar (and a guy who was very fond of Dallas!) Luka Doncic. If you don’t want to attend a Mavericks game in protest, you can support the G League squad, the Texas Legends, instead. G League games are an opportunity to see up-and-coming players take to the court. The games have a more relaxed vibe than an NBA contest, offering a lovely venue for hanging out with your friends.
7. Rock the controllers at the National Videogame Museum
Frisco has three museums right next to each other that are worth a visit: The Museum of the American Railroad (which has a charming area in TrainTopia), the Sci-Tech Discovery Center, and the National Videogame Museum. The latter is the most sports-centric of the bunch. There are over 100,000 pieces of video game memorabilia, from hardware to software to figurines. It’s a video game fanatic’s delight, and there are several sports arcade cabinets to satisfy that itch. Plus, the limited-time exhibits, like an ode to Pokémon, are super impressive to see. Tickets start at $12 for adults and $10 for kids, with one-year membership options available.
8. Fire up a tab at Nerdvana
After a busy day of exploring and exercising, one of your final things to do in Frisco, Texas should be heading to Nerdvana, a scratch kitchen and bar. If you’re among friends, you can reserve a table together, which has its own individual screen. Otherwise, grab a seat at the bar and ask the bartenders for a drink and a controller. Nerdvana has a pretty eclectic collection of games; here’s how you make it sporty: Ask to play Rocket League. I had seen countless clips of the game but never actually played it before I stepped foot in Nerdvana. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s basically playing soccer with cars. There are variants, like turning the soccer ball into a beach ball and introducing wild weather elements, and it all results in a delightful time. The bar is decked with online play, so even if you’re alone, you can take the field with people around the world. That’s pretty darn cool!
Where to stay in Frisco
Like many Texas cities, Frisco’s attractions are a bit spread out. It helps to have a car, but these eight experiences are all manageable by rideshare or, occasionally, public transport. Where you stay can affect your trip. I’ve got a map below where you can explore the places closest to you, or you can check out three cool spots below:
- For a spacious, family-friendly option: The Hyatt Regency Frisco-Dallas is close enough to downtown that you’re never too far out of the action. The rooms are quite nice and have plenty of space, and there’s a sizable outdoor pool. This hotel is also right next to a mall, in case you forgot to pack any shirts like I did on one of my road trips in Texas.
- For a boutique hotel: The Aloft Hotel Frisco is an ideal spot if you enjoy a bit of lounging downtime. There are several spaces to just relax, from a pool (with ample chaise lounge seating, heck yeah!) to a spacious patio/backyard vibe. The eats and bar inside are solid, too.
- For a sporty stay: You can visit PGA Frisco on your own, or you can stay right onsite. The Omni PGA Frisco Resort and Spa offers discounts to all of the golf-related events the resort offers, and it will give you some of the best views in the city.
There are so many charming things to do in Frisco, Texas. The next time you’re taking a solo trip or bringing the family for a weekend of fun, use this guide (and map below) to…ahem, map out your visit.