Copper Creek Playground

Shaded almost the entire day by mature trees, this spot in Plano is one of those parks where you don’t dread a summer afternoon visit. The equipment is kept up well — nothing fancy, just solid slides and swings that little ones under eight can actually handle without you hovering the whole time. Pack a lunch, because the picnic tables get good use and there’s plenty of open grass to spread out. The walking path winds near a pond where you’ll spot ducks and turtles if you’re paying attention, which honestly keeps the kids entertained longer than the playground does. It’s the kind of place locals know about and don’t really advertise.