A Collin County Mom’s Guide to the Month of August

Well, here we are! It’s hard to believe it’s August. This summer has felt like one white-hot block. But it is indeed August, and for many of us, school will be starting ANY DAY NOW. Here are some fun ways to celebrate the end of summer (or back to school, as the case may be). Enjoy!

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things to do in Collin County AugustBe sure to check ahead for changes or cancellations.

ALL MONTH

Have you been to the Native Texas Butterfly House & Garden at the Heard in McKinney? Walk among free-flying butterflies and other pollinators. Get some ideas for your garden at home! Included with admission.


ALL MONTH

Haggard Library in Plano has a Thinking Money exhibit that teaches financial literacy to kids in an understandable, fun way. It includes a bustling community market-themed storyline, digital interactive content, and hands-on activities. Best for elementary kids. Free!


ALL MONTH, SELECT DATES

Local movie theaters are winding down their summer movie series. Check out our list of summer movie deals near you (along with other indoor kid spots for escaping the heat).


AUGUST 2

It’s the final summer Play in the Park event at Shawnee Park, brought to you by Plano Parks & Rec, featuring heart-pumping games like limbo, tag, relay races, and more. 9–10am. Free!


AUGUST 2

The Dinosaur Company in Allen hosts Raptors Then and Now with a special presentation from Blackland Prairie Raptor Center. Be sure to save time before or after the event to visit the Creature Corral. More details at the link. 10–11:45am. $10 for kids; $13 for adults; three years old and under are free.


AUGUST 2 & 9

Last chance to experience Grandscape’s Tuesday morning Fun in the Sun Series. See link for activity details on the two remaining dates. 10am–12pm. Free!


AUGUST 3, 24, 31

Pipe & Palette at Willow Bend Mall hosts a recurring Kids’ Night Out/Parent’s Night Off for ages 5–16. Kids can enjoy an evening of painting, pizza, popcorn, and a movie. And YOU can plan a dinner date at Terra, Mexican Bar Co., or one of the other great restaurants at to Willow Bend. $35 for three hours ($25 for each additional child).


AUGUST 5 – 7

Tax-Free Weekend alert. Check out our Back-to-School Shopping: North Texas Tax-Free Weekend Tips & Deals if you haven’t already!


AUGUST 5 – 13, SELECT DATES

Get tickets for the Fairview Youth Theater production of Descendants: The Musical at Fairview Town Center. This one has such good songs! Afternoon and evening showtimes available. $10 in advance; $20 for first row.


AUGUST 6

There’s a family-friendly expo in The Colony today: The Eco-Friendly Natural Hair, Skin, & SPA Expo focuses on products and services which are beneficial for the hair, skin, and our planet. The expo also will demonstrate the importance of positive self-image. Giveaways, demos, shopping, entertainment, a Teen Zone, and more! See link for more details. 9am–2pm. Free!


AUGUST 6

Gradscape will host a Back-to-School Bash on The Lawn with IG photo ops, vendors, giveaways, activities, and more. 10am–1pm. Free!


AUGUST 6

Frisco had to cancel all their Dive-In Movies this summer due to lifeguard shortages, but you can opt for Encanto at Apex Centre in McKinney instead. You’ll be able to enter the outdoor pool at 7:30pm and play on outdoor aquatics attractions. Space is limited. Pre-registration is advised. The movie will begin at dusk. 7:30–10pm. Tickets $10.


AUGUST 7

It’s Kids Sunday Funday at the Frisco RoughRiders game. Thomas Ian Nicholas from Rookie of the Year will also be on hand for a meet and greet—maybe watch the movie beforehand to get psyched up! 6:05pm game. Tickets from $11.


AUGUST 10

The City of Princeton has a Back-to-School Bash at the library this afternoon with a magic show and activities. 2pm. Free!


AUGUST 13

Saturdays on the Square in Carrollton includes an outdoor movie showing of Sing 2 this evening. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs; the movie starts around sundown. 8pm. Free!


AUGUST 18 & 19

Lucky Duck Kids Club To-Go is the third week of the month, on Thursdays and Fridays. Pick up your Kid’s Club Activity Box from the Management Office located off Village Green Drive in the walkway between Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen and Pure Barre. Activities are geared to children ages two to six years old. 12–5pm. Free!
Have you seen our post on how to spend a day at Watters Creek?


AUGUST 19

The final Celina Summer Music series is tonight on the square, a Jimmy Buffet cover band. Food and drink are available for purchase, and you can bring blankets and chairs, of course. 7:30–9pm. Free!


AUGUST 20

It’s The Last Luau at Little Elm Park today, an end-of-summer celebration with hula and fire dancers, a watermelon-eating contest, food trucks, Moana character meet and greet, bounce houses, face painting, photo booth, DJ, and a screening of Moana. 2–8pm. Free admission; $10 per vehicle for parking.


AUGUST 21 – 23

Diving Consign Plano is a mega consignment pop-up for all things kids. Discounts get steeper by the day. See the link for details on presale, early entry opportunities (first time parents, teachers, etc.), hours, and more. Selling at a consignment sale? See our top tips here.

For even MORE family-friendly activities near you, check out our Guide to the Month of August on Dallas Moms.

Katie Lewis
After almost 20 years in other parts of Texas (Austin and Fort Worth!), Katie now lives in Richardson with her husband and two kids. She's horrible at social media but secretly likes Twitter best. Favorite uses for her phone: reading library books and listening to comedy podcasts. Least favorite uses: making and receiving calls. If you've seen Death Becomes Her or Big Business more than once, you'll be best friends.