The City That Plays

Plan an unforgettable family 'play-cation' in Frisco this spring

Looking to have a ball on vacation? Be a good sport and head to Frisco, just half an hour away from Dallas. Frisco is the go-to place for fun, whether you're a single player, spectator, or team member — no matter your travel style, there's a play-cation there for you.

For the fam
Entertain kids and adults at the National Videogame Museum, the only museum in America dedicated to the history of the video game industry. Marvel at dozens of one-of-a-kind artifacts and more than 100,000 pieces of video game hardware, software, documentation, and memorabilia.

The Museum of the American Railroad also boasts an impressive collection, with artifacts and archival material that interpret the railroad industry's significance in American life and culture. Also stop by TrainTopia, a miniature model of the American Southwest woven together by seven operating rail lines.

Frisco is the only America location for KidZania, a working city designed just for kids. From fighting fires to acting in a play, kids earn a "salary" that can be redeemed for experiences and prizes. Thanks to GPS bands and top-notch adult supervision and security, kiddos can run wild (while parents take a break, if they want to).

Feeling sporty
The Star is a football fan's fantasy as well as the Dallas Cowboys' headquarters and practice facility. Throughout the 91-acre campus you'll find 20 restaurants, a concentrated version of AT&T Stadium, and each of the team's five Lombardi trophies. You might even spot a few players as they work out in the state-of-the-art fitness facilities!

Soccer fans can find their own nirvana at the National Soccer Hall of Fame, founded by Texas legend Lamar Hunt and showcasing memorabilia, history, and stories of the sport in America.

See soccer in action at a FC Dallas game, or watch the Frisco RoughRiders play at Dr Pepper Ballpark from your spot in the Choctaw Lazy River — yes, the largest swimming pool in pro sports is in a minor league baseball stadium.

Outdoor adventures
From hiking and biking to strolling and picnicking, there's no shortage of spots in which to take in the fresh Frisco air. Leave time to visit the skate park at Northeast Community Park or take a dip in the swimming hole at Limestone Quarry Park.

Wander the four landscaped acres of the Texas Sculpture Garden, the country's largest privately owned collection of sculpture that's free to the public. Download the free audio guide onto your phone to learn the history and context of the pieces.

Pull up a seat on the patio with an ice-cold margarita or some smokey barbecue at any of Frisco's many eateries. Spring in Texas is the perfect time to sit outside while you dine, so take advantage of the wonderful weather while you can.

Book your stay
Many hotels offering great rates and deals — check them out here and reserve your room.

There's fun for the whole family in Frisco.

Photo courtesy of Visit Frisco

There's fun for the whole family in Frisco.

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Hotel reno

Luxury hotel near DFW Airport unveils major refresh and new dining

Photo courtesy of Ricardo Marriott

House of Toro is the new chophouse at The Ricardo Marriott.

A longtime Westlake luxury hotel is ready to unveil a major renovation and rebrand to the public: The former Marriott Westlake has reopened as The Ricardo Marriott, named for famed Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta, the original designer of the hotel and its surrounding Solana Plaza.

According to a release, the 293-room property near DFW Airport recent underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation that included several new dining concepts and social spaces, along with new design elements, guest room refurbishments, and a pool refresh.

Dallas-based Coury Hospitality led the overhaul of the Marriott, Bonvoy Collection hotel.

"The Ricardo Marriott represents an exciting new chapter for this property,” said Andrew Casperson, President of Coury Hospitality, in a statement. “This transformation goes beyond a renovation. It reflects an intentional effort to honor the building’s architectural significance while introducing a renewed identity that is bold, design-driven, and reflective of Westlake’s evolving character.”

The renovations aimed to honor and augment Legorreta's original, 1987 design for the building and its campus, featuring his signature bold geometry and vibrant colors. (Legorreta's other well-known local building is the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, which features similarly striking colors and shapes.)

"Legorreta’s architecture anchors the experience, creating a strong sense of arrival, while refreshed interiors introduce layered materials, contemporary furnishings and curated color that elevate the guest journey," says the release.

The centerpiece of the renovation are the food and beverage offerings:

A new restaurant called House of Toro Chophouse & Patio serves as the hotel’s signature chophouse.
Black Pearl Lounge offers cocktails, light bites, and tableside caviar service.
Solana Lounge & Kitchen provides all-day dining with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Café31 offers Lavazza coffees, fresh pastries, and grab-and-go options.

The hotel also features more than 15,000 square feet of updated meeting and event space, along with outdoor areas and a new-and-improved pool. The spaces are designed to accommodate a range of uses, from corporate meetings to weddings and social events, the release says.

The Ricardo Marriott is now open and welcoming guests, at 1301 Solana Boulevard, Building 3, Westlake.

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