Outside Dallas Is One Of America's Fastest-Growing Cities With Sports, Museums, And Family Fun

Texas is full of cities and towns to explore on any given day. You're probably familiar with Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, for example. But Texas has plenty of other destinations that are perfect for your next vacation, like Dallas, with unmatched food and nightlife, or Gonzales, full of historic charm. You may also want to consider the midsize, fast-growing city of Frisco, just north of Dallas.

First, Frisco has a population of nearly 237,000 residents, but that wasn't always the case. The city has been making the rounds as one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation after increasing its population by nearly 27% in just five years. Frisco also topped MoneyLion's 2026 ranking of America's most affordable, fast-growing cities. Alongside this growth, Frisco has also seen expansion of housing, retail, and family-friendlyattractions, turning it from a place you might just drive into a destination in its own right.

Today, there are plenty of reasons to explore Frisco, from interactive museums and live sports to parks, shops, and even a new theme park that opened in July 2026. Bonus: According to Visit Frisco, the city has 29 hotels, with another under construction, so there are plenty of places to stay as well. Whether you're looking for an under-the-radar vacation spot or a new place to settle down with your family, here's why Frisco might be exactly what you're looking for.

While it may not hold Round Rock's "Sports Capital of Texas" title, Frisco has a robust sports scene of its own. Fans of American football, for instance, will want to make a trip to visit The Star. This 91-acre campus is a wonderland for all things Dallas Cowboys. While the team doesn't play games here (that happens at Arlington's AT&T Stadium), this is where its world headquarters and practice facility are located. Take a guided tour of the facility, explore the outdoor Tostitos Championship Plaza (which hosts family-friendly events, including the annual Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza), or check out an event at the indoor Ford Center.

If pro soccer (or what we call football in other countries) is more your speed, you'll be glad to know FC Dallas is also based in Frisco. The club, originally known as the Dallas Burn, adopted its current name in 2005, the same year Toyota Stadium opened as its home turf. To further add to your soccer experience, visit the National Soccer Hall of Fame, an interactive experience that offers insight into the sport's most notable figures and historic moments, along with the ability to build your own team and even create your own supporter scarf to take home as a souvenir.

There's even more to love about Frisco's sports scene, like games at Riders Field, home to the Frisco RoughRiders minor league baseball team. The season runs from April through September and features promotions, themed nights, and giveaways throughout. Of course, those who prefer hockey may want to check out the Dallas Stars pro hockey team practicing at Comerica Center, although it's best to check the team's schedule beforehand. Families in the area can also enjoy youth sports programs, such as camps and club programs for aspiring soccer stars, rookie programming, and youth hockey lessons for hockey lovers of all ages.

There's a wide range of additional attractions to keep you and your family busy in Frisco. Be your child's hero and start with the National Videogame Museum. Featuring interactive exhibits like a wall of games to play from across the decades, a Giant Pong game that's over 12 feet tall, and even a Pokémon exhibit, it's sure to be a hit. Other museums worth checking out include the Museum of the American Railroad (offering guided outdoor walking tours to explore real trains, plus its indoor TrainTopia model exhibit), the Sci-Tech Discovery Center (with exhibits on STEM, building challenges, and even a makers studio), and the Frisco Heritage Museum (giving visitors a glimpse into the city's past).

Frisco is also now home to Universal Kids Resort, featuring an array of rides and attractions, along with dining and shopping opportunities. From Shrek's Swamp to Jurassic World Adventure Camp, younger kids will love exploring this theme park. Visitors can even stay at the on-site Universal Kids Resort Hotel, with rooms starting at $220 per night as of this writing. There's also Frisco Commons Park, featuring biking and hiking trails, fishing opportunities, a splash pad, and Hope Park — an inclusive playground with adaptive play equipment and various play zones, including a sensory area, so everyone feels welcome.

To get to Frisco, fly into Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and drive north about 25 minutes. Hotels abound, with more budget-friendly options like Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dallas-Frisco NW Toyota Stadium. Higher-end accommodations are also available, including Hall Park Hotel and the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star. Frisco is located about 28 miles north of Dallas, so it's also an easy destination to combine with a visit to the city.