14 Best Things to do in McKinney, Texas

McKinney, Texas is a city located north of Dallas, in the heart of Collin County.

It’s an ideal homebase for day trips and getaways to major cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, and the DFW metroplex.

For those wanting an adventure closer to home, McKinney offers plenty of attractions and fun things to do.

Also Read: 48 Best Day Trips from Dallas, Texas

Not only does this city have a vibrant downtown full of great restaurants and shops lining its historic streets….

….but it also has several popular parks which are excellent spots for picnics or walking trails designed for a leisurely stroll.

Here is an ultimate guide to visiting McKinney, Texas.

Things to do in McKinney, TX

McKinney, Texas is located in the beautiful state of Texas and is easily accessed via Highway 75.

It’s the perfect place for any visitor looking to explore the Lone Star State!

McKinney is known for the countless antique stores and boutiques filled to the brim with timeless finds that you can discover while strolling down its charming Main Street, as well as its many parks and trails lined with abundant wildlife.

Here are our favorite things to do in McKinney, Texas.

Explore Historic Downtown McKinney

McKinney has a rich and interesting history.

It was settled by pioneers, thrived on cotton, and grew with the railroad.

It has plenty of historic structures and buildings dating back to the early 20th century.

Some of the significant buildings include Old Collin County Jail, Old Collin County Courthouse, Smith Drugstore, and the Old Heard Opera House.

One of the best ways to explore historic downtown McKinney is on foot.

Take a stroll down McKinney’s historic Main Street and explore the numerous antique shops and boutiques that line it.

Be sure to take a photo with the chicken on the wall building!

Don’t forget to take a leisurely break in one of the many cafes or restaurants along the way.

Admire Old Collin County Courthouse

The Old Collin County Courthouse is one of the most iconic buildings in McKinney.

This majestic Romanesque Revival-style courthouse dates back to 1927 and was functioning for several decades before being converted into a museum.

Fun Fact: Did you know, Collin County is named after Collin McKinney, one of Texas’s brave pioneers and earliest settlers?

The pioneer and land surveyor played an integral role in fighting for freedom from Mexico by drafting and signing the Texas Declaration of Independence back in 1836.

Tour the Collin County History Museum

The Collin County History Museum is a great way to learn more about McKinney’s unique past.

It houses over several artifacts that tell the stories of Collin County and its people.

This museum is located inside the Old Collin County Courthouse building and is worth a visit.

Check out the murals in downtown McKinney

McKinney has several beautiful murals located throughout the downtown area.

The murals were created by local artists and feature unique designs depicting the region’s history, culture, and heritage.

Most popular murals are McKinney Silos mural and the Greetings from McKinney, Texas mural.

Be sure to take a photo or two with these stunning works of art!

See the animals at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

The Heard Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is a refuge that serves to protect, conserve and educate about nature.

This sanctuary offers plenty of opportunities for exploration.

Visitors can take part in interactive exhibits, educational programs, or simply wander the trails through the gardens or along the wetlands and get up close with a variety of native wildlife.

The outdoor dinosaur trail with animatronic dinos is a hit with all ages – kids can see T-Rex, Acrocanthosaurus, Apatosaurus, and more!

They can also participate in fossil dig at the seasonal exhibit.

Another great place to visit at the museum is the Butterfly Garden.

The museum and sanctuary is one of the most fun things to do in McKinney for kids.

Step back in time at the Chestnut Square Historic Village

The Chestnut Square Historic Village is a collection of restored and preserved buildings from the 19th century.

It’s the perfect way to get an understanding of what life was like for pioneers in Collin County during that time period.

Visitors can explore log cabins, churches, Victorian houses, blacksmith shops, one-room schoolhouses, and other historic buildings at the Chestnut Square Heritage Village.

Interactive activities include rope-making, candle-dipping workshops, quilting classes, and more.

See a show at McKinney Performing Arts Center

The McKinney Performing Arts Center is another great place to visit.

This theater offers a wide range of entertainment options such as films, plays, concerts and more.

It’s a great spot for catching up on the latest releases or enjoying some live music with friends.

Enjoy the sun at Bonnie Wenk Park

Bonnie Wenk Park is a great spot to relax and enjoy some outdoor activities.

The park has walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports courts for basketball, volleyball, or tennis.

The park also has a dog park so its perfect for furry families.

Go wine tasting at Lone Star Wine Cellars

Lone Star Wine Cellars is the perfect spot for a romantic evening or fun night out with friends.

It is located in downtown McKinney in a historic building.

This winery offers tastings of their award-winning wines as well as live music events, wine and cheese pairing classes, and much more.

The tasting room has cozy seating so you can relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the atmosphere.

Hike the trails at Towne Lake Recreation Area

The Towne Lake Recreation Area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

This park has several hiking and biking trails, fishing piers, playgrounds, picnic areas and more!

It’s a great place to go for a run or spend the afternoon with friends.

Head out early in the morning to catch the stunning sunrise over the lake.

Play a round of golf at the Oak Hollow Golf Course

The Oak Hollow Golf Course is one of the best places to play a round of golf in McKinney.

The 18-hole regulation course offers challenging terrain and lush landscaping for both novice and experienced golfers.

There are also driving ranges, putting greens, clubhouse, pro shop and more.

Go antiquing in McKinney

If you love to explore antique stores and hunt for unique items, then McKinney is the perfect place to do it.

There are several vintage shops in downtown offering a variety of antiques, collectibles, furniture, jewelry and other one-of-a-kind pieces.

Some of the popular stores include Antique Company Mall, the Menagerie, and Old Red Lumberyard.

Take your time while browsing through these stores and you are sure to find something special.

Enjoy mountain biking at Erwin Park

Erwin Park is perfect for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and camping.

The park has miles of trails that span over several acres and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

It is especially popular with cyclists because of the diversity in terrains and jumps along the trail.

Worried about a flat tire?

You will be happy to know that the park even has two bike repair stations that ensure a safe ride.

Attend at event at Myers Park and Event Center

The Myers Park and Event Center is the perfect place to attend events in the area.

It hosts a variety of events including concerts, festivals, art shows, and more.

The park also has walking trails and an outdoor amphitheater for visitors to enjoy.

McKinney is the perfect getaway in North Texas.

It’s a charming, bustling town known for its beautiful neighborhoods, natural parks, and museums. 

The city has plenty of fun activities for all ages and is ideal for anyone seeking Texan culture and hospitality.

What are your favorite things to do in McKinney, Texas? Let us know below.