It’s the home stretch of summer! I was feeling very “Can it be fall now?” until I read the latest issue of Bon Appetit this week, which was all about savoring summer produce before it’s gone, and I have to say, it made me change my perspective a bit. Yeah, it’s hot as heck outside, but let’s really maximize those summer vibes while we can. Here are some ideas for making that happen in Collin County in August. Hit it!
All Month :: This is the last month for Studio Movie Grill’s Children’s Summer Movie Series. A different movie each week, with just $1 admission! August movies are The Peanuts Movie, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Chicken Run, Home, and Monsters vs. Aliens. Check the link for your theater details/times.
All Month* :: I always forget about bowling! Strikz Entertainment in Frisco has a summer promotion where kids get to bowl two free games each day. Click here to register in advance. *Promotion ends August 21.
Every Tuesday :: Open Play at the COOP in Frisco is $2 off on Tuesdays, which means $8 per child ages 1 and up. Parents and caregivers are free. Don’t forget your socks!
August 2 :: Per my Instagram feed, every day is a national day of something. Today is National Coloring Book Day, and CRAYOLA Experience at The Shops at Willow Bend is obviously participating in that. Turn yourself into a coloring page, color on giant coloring boards, and pose with a 10-foot crayon box. Free!
August 2 :: Magic tricks, spy gadgets, and audience participation = great times at the James Wand Secret Agent Magic Show 3pm today at the Davis Library in Plano. All ages. Free!
August 4-6 :: This weekend is the 2017 Plano Public Library Book Sale at Plano Center. All items are $2 or less: books, DVDs, CDs, and more. This is a great way to score cheap kids’ books while supporting the Plano Public Library. Check the link for details on hours and admission for each day of the sale.
August 4 :: Star Wars Night at the Frisco RoughRiders game tonight. Meet your favorite characters throughout the evening, watch intergalactic battles between innings, then go down to the field for a “spacey” post-game fireworks show. Game time is 7:05pm. Tickets start at $7!
August 4 :: Last chance for a Dive-In Movie at the Frisco Water Park this summer. Finding Dory is all queued up. Gates open at 8pm and water features remain on until the movie starts at sunset. It sells out quickly so get your tickets early! $10 per person.
August 5 :: Cool off in the a/c with a Back to School Open Skate at the Allen Community Ice Rink. Entry fee is $5 and if you bring a canned good or a school supply, you get a free skate rental. 11:45am-1:45pm. All ages.
August 9 :: Parachute Party at Haggard Library in Plano for ages 2-6 today*, with rhymes and songs about everyone’s favorite: giant parachutes. Tickets available first-come, first-served 30 minutes before the program. 10:30-11:30am. Free! *Giant parachutes at the Harrington Branch on August 24.
August 10-11 :: SHINE presents Into the Woods, Jr. at the Courtyard Theater in Plano, a musical retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales. Did anyone see the movie adaptation? Tickets are $10.
August 12 :: Downtown Carrollton’s last Movie on the Square this summer is Beauty and the Beast (the animated one). Belle and the Beast will be there from 6:30-8:30pm for photo ops. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, and bug spray, and make a family night out of it. Movie starts at sunset. Free!
August 11-13 :: Tax-Free weekend, y’all. Get that back-to-school shopping done this weekend if you can handle the mass of humanity.
August 17 :: The 3rd Thursday of each month is Lucky Duck Kids Club at Watters Creek in Allen. Today’s theme is Kid’s Club Birthday Bash, so it’s sure to be a party. No pre-registration required, just sign up when you get there. Designed for ages 2-6, but all children are welcome. 11am-12 pm. Free!
August 18-20 :: This is a bit of a drive but is worth it for the wow factor. The 30th Annual Lions Club Balloon Festival is a free event, and there will be lots of associated activities, including tethered balloon rides. Check out the FAQ for more info; it says early morning is best for ballooning, but I want to see all those balloons glowing in the night sky!
August 21 :: Oooh, solar eclipse today. We will get to see about 75% here in Collin County, with max coverage around 1pm. Collin County Farm Museum has a Solar Eclipse Viewing get-together if you want to watch with a group. Be sure to use proper eye protection. I know you know this, but I can’t not say it. It’s like a mom requirement!
August 26 :: Samuel Molina is one of the Plano Library August Artists. He’s doing a Graffiti Art workshop for ages 10 and up where kids can learn about the evolution of graffiti and how to create that distinct 3D lettering. At the Harrington branch at 2pm. Free!
What August events are you planning on attending? Let us know in the comments!
