Before we had kids, my husband and I didn’t have to plan our weekends. We would go eat, shop, or see a movie when we wanted.
Enter kids: The “whenever and whatever days” were not going to work anymore. Babies and young children generally do not eat breakfast at 10am and see a movie at 9pm. I wish sometimes! In order to stay somewhat human until dinner, both my kids need a nap or rest time after lunch. This can make fitting in a full day of family fun tough. The Village at Fairview and Village at Allen are a convenient and entertaining way to maximize your family time on the weekends.
The Village at Fairview and Allen is located at the intersection of Stacy Rd. and Central Expressway just North of Plano. It is a huge area filled with shopping, restaurants, and plenty of outdoor activities for the kids. Here is a guide to help….
Outdoor Activities
The Grove
The Grove is an outdoor play area featuring a maze, playhouses, a fire-place with a seating area, and the Village Express Caboose. This life-size caboose is available to rent for birthday parties.
The Village Beach
The Village Beach has an outdoor playground, sandpit, and volleyball courts. In addition, the Sandy Paws Dog Park is located within the Beach if you want to bring your family dog along.
The Village Fountain
The Village Fountain is located in front of Gloria’s by the volleyball courts. The area is similar to a splash pad and ideal for water play. Your kids will love the dancing water shows timed to popular music. The Fountain is open from 9am to 9pm and swim diapers are required for children who are not potty trained. My family loves to eat on the Gloria’s patio and then go play in the Fountain. Win-win in my book! The Fountain is available to rent for birthday parties.
Traxx the Party Train
This is a must if you have a child who loves trains. Ride on Traxx the Train throughout the Fairview shops. Rides are available Fridays 4pm to 8pm and Saturdays/Sundays 11am to 8pm.
Indoor Activities
Splitsville
Bowling is a great interactive activity to do with the family on a hot or rainy day. Splitsville has a family friendly menu and clean atmosphere. Prices vary from $4.00 to $8.50 a game with shoes included.
iPic Theater
iPic Theater is essentially an upscale version of Studio Movie Grill. My husband and I love to go here on a date night or as a family.
Shopping
Shopping at the Village is extensive. Dad can spend time at Dicks Sporting Goods and Best Buy while Mom shops at Old Navy or Homegoods. There are also several department stores such as Macy’s, JCPenney, and Dillards.
Restaurants
You will not be disappointed with the large choice of restaurants offered at the Village. Families can enjoy places such as Freebirds, In and Out, Gloria’s, Mooyah Burgers and Fries, Rudy’s, Twisted Root, and Zoe’s Kitchen to name a few. Mom and dad can enjoy a date night at La Duni, Texas Land & Cattle, or Patrizios. You can also swing by Whole Foods to do any last-minute grocery shopping.
You can grab ice cream at Paciugo or Cold Stone Creamery to finish off a day of fun.
If you have never been to the Village at Fairview and Allen, try it out! It is a great way to spend time together as a family. For a complete list of shops and restaurants, you can go to the Village website at http://www.thevillageshopping.com/directory.html.
Have you been to The Villages yet? What do enjoy most with your family?
We love the water play area and the sand pit. My son has a ball every time we take him. We are so sad that the The Purple Cow closed. It was always a great place to get ice cream after they finished playing!
I have never heard of this shopping center. It sounds awesome. I have been going to Uptown Village in Cedar Hill but we might skip that next time. Thanks for the info!
Tiffany,
I am glad this was helpful! Definitely try out the Village soon…a great summer spot!
CeCe
Good review Ce Ce, I do remember those wonderful evenings at Gloria’s & then fun with the kids at the fountain & the beach – more needed 🙂
Thanks Kiwi!!!
There is also a farmers market taking place on a parking lot between Macy’s and JCPenney every Saturday (10am-3pm) and Sunday (11am-3pm). More info here: https://www.facebook.com/fourseasonsmarkets (Facebook). Both Villages have a lot to offer. Great places to visit and hang out!