Explore Plano

Beat boredom this summer with the city’s Explore Plano program. Running from June 1-August 31, think of it as a little checklist on getting to know more about where you live.

This is the first year for the Explore Plano program. It was designed by the City of Plano as a way for residents to get more acquainted with city departments: “Our inspiration is to create an opportunity for people of all ages to get outside this summer. There are citizens who’ve lived here for years and also a lot who are new to Plano. We felt that by creating this program, we can acquaint them to some of the neat things right in their own backyard,” explained Todd Rice, Senior Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the City of Plano.

Explore-Plano-Family-Free-Summer-Activities-Plano-map
Explore Plano provides a handy map so you can find activities in your area

When you visit the Explore Plano website, you’ll find lists of challenges aimed at all age groups, split into categories by youth, teens and adults. For instance, a child may visit the Plano Police Department for story time, while a teen may decorate a kennel window at the animal shelter, and an an adult may choose to attend a free concert at McCall Plaza. Bonus: Most of the challenges are completely free.

Explore Plano is designed to be interactive. Participants are encouraged to share their accomplishments on social media. Prizes will be given away throughout the summer to those who post pics of themselves completing a challenge and using the hashtag #exploreplano.

For those residents familiar with the Plano Public Library’s Suburban Dare from summers past, Explore Plano has replaced that program, but still incorporates the library’s reading challenges, as well as fun library activities.

For Explore Plano’s inaugural year, 12 city departments are participating. It is the City of Plano’s goal to incorporate more locally-owned businesses into next summer’s challenges.

What are you waiting for? Get started now!

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