22 Fun Things to do in McKinney, TX for a Memorable Experience

What’s up folks! It’s Adam.

I’ll be honest with you, when I planned my trip to McKinney, my expectations were very low. Not that I didn’t think highly of the city, but because I did not expect it to have a lot of opportunities that would pique my interest. What can I say? I’m a hard man to please.

Anyway, McKinney surprised me. It had activities and sites that left my heart fulfilled. I explored museums, breweries, more museums, historical villages, and restaurants.

But what really captured my attention was one particular location, Antique Company Mall. Now, I’m a sucker for all things antique, and I knew before I entered this mall that it was a terrible idea. But they say terrible ideas make the most amazing experiences. (Please don’t ask me who said this.)

Anyway, I convinced myself that I would just do a bit of window shopping here and there. That if I was going to buy something, it would be one piece only.

I bought a million and one things! So many that I had to buy an extra bag to accommodate them.

When I say McKinney has so many fun things to do, this is exactly what I mean. Have a look at all the other activities I did.

About McKinney, Texas

McKinney is a city in Texas. It is located 45 miles away from Dallas. 

Its serene and lush greenery landscape comprising of tree-lined streets is one of the things that makes it a renowned vacation destination. It has scenic views, historical sites, breweries, vineyards, restaurants, and more attraction sites. 

McKinney is an ideal destination for solo travelers and families with children. There is something for everyone. 

Another thing that makes McKinney ideal for a vacation is its calm atmosphere and slow pace, which is a refreshing break from the usual fast-paced city life. It is an ideal travel destination for anyone who wants to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a quiet vacation.

The city is suitable for both short-term and long-term vacations.

Below is a list of fun things to do in McKinney. We have put the list together to help you prepare your itinerary. 

22 Things to do in McKinney

1. Historic Downtown McKinney

4.7★

Address: 202 S Chestnut St, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Historic Downtown McKinney is the area to visit in the city to experience shopping, a taste of the city’s cuisine, and its history.

It features shopping stores, restaurants, and historic buildings. Some of the buildings are as old as 160 years. 

Things to do: Mingle with the locals by visiting this historical attraction as you shop and eat. Live festivals and events like Oktoberfest and art festivals are held here.

Explore the area by taking a leisure walk as you take photos and appreciate the beautiful architecture displayed by the historic buildings.

• It is 35 minutes from Dallas Airport. 

2. Local Yocal Farm to Market

4.7★

Address: 213 N Tennessee St, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Local Yocal Farm to Market is a farmer-owned butcher shop and market that sells organic produce sourced from local farmers. Some of the products sold include eggs, milk, poultry, cheese, bread, and fresh vegetables. 

It sells fresh-farm produce ensuring that you only get the best ingredients for your food.

Things to do: If you’d like to see how the farming scene in McKinney looks like, you can visit the market. Learn about the products grown in this area and see how they compare with those from your city. 

It will come in handy if you are staying in a holiday home and need to stock up your groceries. 

• It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

• It is 34 minutes from Dallas Airport.

3. Oak Hollow Golf Course

4.0★

Entry Ticket: Check their website

Address: 3005 N McDonald St, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: The Oak Hollow Golf Course is an 18-hole course that features beautiful trees and perfectly manicured green grass. 

It is a popular attraction among locals and travelers owing to its fair prices and suitability to both beginners and experts. 

Things to do: If you love golf you will enjoy playing in the course which is said to offer a challenge for pro players. It is a good way to meet like-minded people and make acquaintances. 

The facility also features a driving range, a pavilion, an indoor swing room, and a clubhouse.

• It is 34 minutes from Dallas Airport.

4. Collin County History Museum

4.7★

Entry tickets: Check their website

Address: 300 E Virginia St, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Collin County History Museum is a historical resource that preserves the history of McKinney and Texas as a whole.

It is named after Collin McKinney, a revolutionary politician from Texas. He was among the people who instigated the Texas Revolution in 1835. 

Things to do: Visit the museum to learn all about the Texas Revolution which saw Texas become the Republic of Texas after splitting from Mexico.

You will find exhibits that feature artifacts, photographs, manuscripts, and other forms of historical preservation. 

Collin McKinney’s work is also on display. There are exhibits that show how he contributed to what this city is today through the Texas Revolution. 

• It is 34 minutes from Dallas Airport.

5. Tupps Brewery

4.8★

Address: 721 Anderson St, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Tupps Brewery is a local micro-brewery in the historic Mill District that sells craft beer. It is housed in a vintage cotton mill and features rustic décor which consists of old tractor seats as chairs and cable spools as tables. 

It is a beautiful place to hang out and take some time to relax and cool off. 

Things to do: After a long day exploring the city of McKinney you should make your way here to enjoy an evening of hand-crafted beer and entertainment.

The ambiance is very soothing and will ensure that you have a lovely night or evening. 

Locals and travelers hang out at this joint. It is a good place to meet new people, learn more about the city and the best places to visit. 

• Tupps Brewery is 36 minutes from Dallas Airport.

6. Lone Star Wine Cellars

4.7★

Address: 103 E Virginia St, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Wine in McKinney doesn’t get better than Lone Star Wine Cellars. It is a family-run winery located on East Virginia Street.

It is a perfect place to include in your coolest things to do in McKinney if you are a wine lover. 

Things to do: Visit the winery to have a taste of fine wine and also get a feel of how McKinney wine compares to other cities.

You will learn a lot as the sommeliers explain to you the difference between the various varieties of wine.

The management allows guests to bring takeout food to enjoy as they sip a glass of wine. 

• It is 39 minutes from Dallas Airport.

7. Towne Lake Recreation Area

4.7★

Entry tickets: Check their website

Address: 1405 Wilson Creek Pkwy, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Towne Lake Recreation Area is a 108-acre recreational park that features trails, a lake, picnic shelters, a playground, and more.

It is a family-friendly park that both adults and children will enjoy visiting.

Things to do: The beautiful park is ideal for those days you don’t feel like doing much during your vacation.

Enjoy a picnic in the designated area as you overlook the lush greenery and the beautiful lake. 

There are beautiful nature trails that hikers will love exploring. You can hike early in the morning to get a view of the sunrise as the rays hit your face in between trees or in the evening to see the golden sunset. 

You can take a boat ride in the lake and enjoy some time connecting with nature. You can also fish during your boat ride. 

Other activities to enjoy include sports like volleyball. The playground is perfect for children to enjoy fun activities. 

• It is 30 minutes from Dallas Airport.

8. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

4.3★

Entry ticket: 12 for adults (18+) – $9 for children (3+) – $9 for seniors (60+)

Address: 1 Nature Pl, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Heard Natural Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most visited attraction sites in McKinney. It features hiking trails, wetlands, indoor and outdoor exhibits, a native plant garden, and a wildlife sanctuary. 

Things to do: Explore the facility’s exhibits which include the Pioneer Village, Butterfly Garden, Native Plant Garden, Animals of the World Exhibit, and more!

Enjoy a hike at the sanctuary’s 5-mile trails or a simple nature walk to take in its beauty. 

• It is 32 minutes from Dallas Airport.

9. Franconia Brewing Company

4.8★

Address: 495 McKinney Pkwy, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Franconia Brewing Company is a local brewery that is renowned for Bavarian-style beers. It was opened by Dennis Wehrmann, who comes from a family with over 200 years of beer brewing. 

Things to do: If you love hand-crafted beer, include this brewery in the fun things to do in McKinney.

The business offers beer-tasting tours on weekends to interested visitors. You can also take a tour of the brewery to learn the art of crafting beer. 

• It is 37 minutes from Dallas Airport.

10. Chestnut Square Historic Village

4.8★

Address: 315 S Chestnut St, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Take a trip back in time at the Chestnut Square Historic Park in downtown McKinney. The historic village features houses and buildings that date back to the 19th and 20th centuries between 1854 and 1930. 

Take a stroll around the village to enjoy seeing all it has to offer. The historic buildings have beautiful and inspirational architecture. 

Things to do: If you love history you will enjoy this history-rich area as you see and learn the history of each of the seven buildings in the village.

Some of the houses feature artifacts and memorabilia that show life during those centuries.

• It is 33 minutes from Dallas Airport.

11. World Collection Park – Crape Myrtle Varieties

4.4★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Address: 6452 Collin McKinney Pkwy, McKinney, TX 

 Why you should go: The World Collection Park is one of the most renowned attractions in McKinney and Texas for its beautiful crape myrtle varieties. It is a leisure and recreational park. 

Things to do: The best time to visit the park is between June and August. You will see the trees bloom and paint the park with diverse colors ranging from pink to lavender. 

Enjoy a nature hike or a picnic here. 

If you’re looking for places to visit around Texas, make sure to check out the best things to do in The Woodlands.

• It is 28 minutes from Dallas Airport.

12. McKinney Performing Arts Center

4.7★

Entry ticket: $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students, $12 for under 12.

Address: 111 N Tennessee St, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: McKinney Performing Arts Center is a live performance theater located in downtown McKinney. It hosts plays, musicals, concerts, and more.

If lucky you can catch a Broadway performance. 

There are planned events throughout the year.

You can check the facility’s website to see the dates and plan your vacation around any event that you like. 

Things to do: For an evening of entertainment you should include this theater in your list of amazing things to do in McKinney. 

You can also hold private events like weddings and other parties here. 

• It is 33 minutes from Dallas Airport.

13. Antique Company Mall

4.5★

Entry ticket: Free entry 

Address: 213 E Virginia St, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: The Antique Company Mall is an antique shopping zone in McKinney. If you love collecting antique and vintage items, the mall is worth checking out. 

Things to do: Explore the shopping mall to get yourself or a loved one a unique antique gift.

The items range from hand-made furniture to other unique home accessories. 

• It is 33 minutes from Dallas Airport.

14. Hutchins BBQ

4.7★

Address: 1301 N Tennessee St, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: You cannot claim to have fully explored a city if you haven’t tasted its cuisine. That’s why you should include Hutchins BBQ in the schedule of best things to do in McKinney.

The eatery offers some of the best classic American cuisines. 

Things to do: For your lunch or dinner, visit the eatery and order some of their most popular barbeques, ribs, and briskets.

The eatery comes highly recommended by locals and travelers. It is also a great way of meeting and mingling with the city locals. 

• It is 35 minutes from Dallas Airport.

15. Bonnie Wenk Park

4.8★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Address: 2996 Virginia Pkwy, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: The Bonnie Wenk Park is a recreational site located in the middle of McKinney city. The lush green park is named in honor of the late Bonnie Elaine Wenk, a renowned local environmentalist. 

The park spreads over 216 acres of land which comprises an amphitheater, a dog park, hiking trails, a fitness court, playground, fishing pond, and fitness center. 

Things to do: If you love hiking, you will enjoy exploring the lush green trails in the park. It is a family-friendly attraction with activities for people of all ages. 

You can fish in the pond as your children enjoy fun activities in the playground. 

• It is 34 minutes from Dallas Airport.

16. Adriatica Village

4.7★

Entry ticket: Free entry

Address: 6602 Mediterranean Drive, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Adriatica Village is an attractive village that features residential buildings, restaurants, and shopping stores. It is an ideal place to go shopping when you visit McKinney city. 

The village’s design was inspired by a design in Croatia. You will feel Mediterranean vibes when you visit. 

Things to do: Explore the village to explore its beauty.

Its cobblestone houses and streets are a sight to behold. The waterways also add to the village’s beauty. 

Visit the shops to see what is on offer and restaurants to taste local and international cuisines. 

• It is 37 minutes from Dallas Airport.

17. Juanita Maxfield Aquatic Center

4.6★

Entry ticket: Check their website

Address: 1701 N McDonald St, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Juanita Maxfield Aquatic Center is the perfect place to visit if you love swimming and other pool activities. It is a family-friendly facility that offers fun activities for the whole family. 

Things to do: If you visit McKinney during the hot season you can visit the attraction to cool off. 

Children can swim, take floating rides, and use fun slides into the swimming pool. 

The facility offers swimming classes too. 

If you don’t want to swim, you can visit to enjoy a serene picnic. 

• It is 37 minutes from Dallas Airport.

18. Erwin Park

4.7★

Entry ticket: Free entry

Address: 4300 Co Rd 1006, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Erwin Park is a 212-acre recreational park in McKinney.

If you love the outdoors you should have this enchanting park on your list of things to do in McKinney. 

The park features hiking trails, biking trails, camping grounds, picnic pavilions, and a playground.

Things to do: Explore the beautiful park by taking a hike on the scenic trails. You can also go biking on the designated cycling trails. 

Afterward, enjoy a picnic at the park as you connect with nature. 

Erwin Park offers camping grounds for anyone who might be interested. 

• It is 47 minutes from Dallas Airport.

19. Harvest Seasonal Kitchen

4.7★

Address: 112 E Louisiana St, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Harvest Seasonal Kitchen is a renowned restaurant in McKinney for its cuisines which are made using fresh farm produce sourced from local farmers. 

The restaurant offers what is in season, hence its name. 

Things to do: Explore the farming scene in McKinney by visiting this eatery and going through its menu. 

It’s an ideal place to have dinner or lunch after exploring the city.

Have your meals in the proper Texan way. 

• It is 36 minutes from Dallas Airport.

20. Mitas Hill Vineyard

4.1★

Entry ticket: Free entry

Address: 2300 Vineyard Hill Ln, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Mitas Hill Vineyard in McKinney is an ideal destination for anyone who loves wine.

You will get a guided tour of the vineyard and learn all about the farming of grapevines. 

They harvest and process premium wine in the facility. You will get a wine-tasting tour too.

Things to do: Get a taste of McKinney wine and maybe take a few bottles with you.

Expert sommeliers will be on the site to guide you on the taste and advice you on what to look out for when looking for good wine. 

Apart from the wine, the facility also offers cheeses and pizza.

It is a proper dining and wining experience. 

• It is 36 minutes from Dallas Airport.

Planning for road trip? We nominate you to check out popular things to do in El Paso, and things to do in Corpus Christi with kids!

21. Third Monday Trade Days

4.3★

Entry ticket: No entry fee

Address: 4550 W University Drive, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Third Monday Trade Days is a flea market in McKinney.

The market, which dates back to the 1870s is the largest and oldest flea market in Texas.

It hosts over 450 vendors who sell a wide range of products from hand-made products to food. 

When on holiday, it is always nice to check out places where you can buy unique things to take back with you.

If this is something that interests you, then you should include Third Monday Trade Days in your list of things to do. 

Things to do: Explore this historic market to see beautiful items that you can buy as gifts or souvenirs. It is an ideal place to visit alone or with your family.

Everybody, irrespective of age, will have something to buy. 

• It is 39 minutes from Dallas Airport.

22. Hank’s Texas Grill

4.1★

Address: 1310 N Central Expressway, McKinney, TX

Why you should go: Hank’s Texas Grill is a famous barbeque joint that serves good food, drinks, and great music.

It is one of the most beloved hang-out joints by locals and travelers. 

If you love socializing, this is the ideal place to visit during your vacation in McKinney.

You will meet locals and other travelers. 

Things to do: The joint is a perfect night hang-out plan.

After exploring the city during the day, visit the facility to enjoy a delicious meal and drink. 

The joint holds live music performances by local artists, which you can listen to as you enjoy your food and drinks. 

• It is 39 minutes from Dallas Airport.

Conclusion

McKinney city in Texas is a wonderful place to visit.

It carries a lot of history that you will learn about by visiting the above-mentioned museums and exploring the beautiful city. 

If you love architecture, the buildings in the historic downtown district will amaze and inspire you. 

Children will enjoy visiting the recreational parks in the city where they will enjoy a wide range of activities.

They won’t be alone.

They can play and make friends with other children at the park. 

Solo travelers will have a good time vacationing in McKinney as it is a safe and friendly city.

The attraction sites are not group-focused and are therefore ideal for the solo traveler too. 

We hope that the above list has been helpful and will make planning your trip to McKinney easier.

-Wondering where else to go in Texas? there many choices but I would recommend to read our article of fun things to do in Houston, it’s very interesting if you planning more adventures 🙂

When you visit McKinney, please make wiser decisions. Don’t be like me. But if you want a memorable experience, be like me. Hopefully, you will have a great trip. Stay bold and keep exploring.