Howdy Frisco -
Emily and I spent Saturday morning at the Frisco Public Library with the girls, and I still can't believe that place hit 1 million visitors since opening in 2023. The old location's busiest year ever was 650,000.
We're part of a city that's literally outgrowing its own records while I'm just trying to keep my 4-year-old from yelling in the quiet reading section.
Now, let’s get into it! ⬇️
📚 Texas Education Savings Account Applications Now Open
Applications are open for Texas' new education freedom accounts. The deadline is March 17, so you've got six weeks to decide if this works for your family.
Why this matters: If you're already paying for private school, homeschooling, or considering either option, the state is now offering to help cover costs. Emily's been tracking this closely since we're planning to homeschool our oldest for kindergarten next year, and $2,000 could actually cover a full year of curriculum.
Here's what you get:
Private school families: $10,474 per student
Homeschool families: Up to $2,000 per year
Students with disabilities: Up to $30,000 annually
The catch: It’s a lottery based on income. Lower-income families and students with disabilities get priority. Families earning over $160k (for four people) are capped at 20% of total funding.
The good news: When you apply doesn’t matter. Submit today or March 16 - you’ll have the same shot based on income.
Pro tip: Over 1,600 private schools across Texas are already approved. Bottom line: If you’re spending money on private education or homeschool, this is basically free money. Worth 15 minutes to check if you qualify.
🎢 Universal Kids Resort Details Drop
I drive past the construction site every day, and until yesterday, I had no clue what was actually inside. Universal just released the full attraction list, and honestly, it’s built for toddlers and elementary kids.
Why it matters: No more “you must be this tall” heartbreak. Everything is scaled to kids’ height, from rides to signage.
Toddlers (my crew’s sweet spot):
Gabby’s Dollhouse: Dance parties, meet-and-greets, shaded rest areas (huge win for Texas summers)
Minions: Splash pads, boat rides, interactive play zones (my 2-year-old would lose it)
Jurassic World Adventure Camp: Baby dinosaur encounters (non-scary), climbable towers, sensory gardens
Slightly older kids:
SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom: 4 rides in one land: float above coral, tour the town, spray water, driving game
Trolls TrollsFest: Music rides, dance parties, 2 playgrounds (high energy and bright colors)
Puss in Boots Del Mar: Carnival games, puppet shows, sensory garden for kids who need a break
There's a mix of high-energy rides and quiet spaces, so you're not stuck choosing between turning your kids into overstimulated gremlins or watching them melt down from boredom.
Universal's being real vague on the actual opening date, just "sometime in 2026", but this is a $550 million park built entirely for kids aged 2-10, not Universal Studios with a kids' section tacked on.
☕ La La Land Kind Cafe Opening This Summer on Legacy Drive
New coffee spot coming to 11660 Legacy Drive with construction starting March 31 and doors opening by June 30.
If you've seen La La Land's other North Texas locations in Plano, McKinney, or Addison, you know the vibe… bright yellow cups, minimalist sun-filled interiors, and kid-friendly vibes. They do avocado toast, baked goods, and the kind of casual breakfast setup where toddlers can actually sit for 20 minutes without destroying the place. Honestly just need somewhere that isn't Chick-fil-A for Saturday morning.
What sets them apart: Founded by a Forbes 30 Under 30 alum, it hires and trains foster youth (16-24) with jobs, mentorship, and life skills. Coffee + positive impact.
The Legacy Drive spot is moving fast: 1,616 sq ft, $245,000 in construction costs. Could be our new Saturday morning routine spot once it opens.
📅 Upcoming Frisco Events
Today, Thursday, Feb 5
🤝 Adult Volunteer Open House - 6:30-8:00 PM at Frisco Library. Want to give back in 2026? Volunteer at your local library! Meet staff, ask questions, and hear about available opportunities.
Friday, Feb 6
🏨 Great Wolf Lodge $26 Room Sale (Grapevine) - One day only. Book stays through June 18 using code 2626. $26/person for groups of four, includes water park access.
🍪 Valentine's Cookie Decorating - 6:30-8 PM at Play Street Museum Frisco (16702 Hollyhock Rd Suite 300). Kids decorate heart-shaped cookies with dye-free icing and sprinkles, plus playtime. $25 per child, limited spots.
🏀 Texas Legends vs Stockton Kings - 7:30 PM at the Comerica Center (2601 Avenue of the Stars). Friday & Saturday. Complimentary tickets.
Saturday, Feb 7
🗑️ Chunk Your Junk - 8 AM-1 PM at Environmental Collection Center (6616 Walnut St). Free for Frisco residents with utility account. Bring water bill and driver's license.
🎣 Trick-A-Trout - 8 AM at Warren Sports Complex. Free kids fishing event, lake stocked with 3,500 rainbow trout. No registration needed.
🧱 DFW Lug Social Hour - 9-10 AM at Stonebriar Mall food court. All things Lego - builds, meet and greet. All ages welcome, free.
🌿 Kava Culture Kava Bar Grand Opening - 11 AM-12 MN at 7511 Main St Suite 250. Family-friendly all-day with local vendors (1-5 PM), balloon/face painting (2-4 PM), line dancing (5-7 PM), cornhole, and ping pong.
🧧 Frisco Lunar New Year Market Festival - 3-8 PM at Simpson Plaza (6101 Frisco Square Blvd). Cultural performances, food vendors, family activities.
🎾 Dallas Open All-American Classic - 8 PM at Ford Center at the Star. Tennis legends John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, John Isner, and Sam Querrey compete. Tickets available.
Sunday, Feb 8
🏈 The Super Big Game Watch Party - 1 PM at Rollertown (6450 Main St). Football Bingo with $25 gift cards awarded each quarter. Free to watch, table reservations available.
