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 the perfect base for day trips and trips to major cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, and the DFW Metroplex.

For those looking for an adventure closer to home, McKinney has plenty of rides and entertainment to offer.

Also Read: 48 Best Day Trips from Dallas, Texas

Not only does this city have a lively center full of great restaurants and shops lining its historic streets…

…but it also has some popular parks that are great for picnics or hiking trails designed for leisurely strolls.

Here is a complete guide to visiting McKinney, Texas.

Things to do in McKinney, Texas

McKinney, Texas is located in the beautiful state of Texas and is easily accessible from Highway 75.

This is the perfect place for any visitor looking to explore the Lone Star State!

McKinney is known for countless antique shops and boutiques, filled to the brim with timeless finds that you can discover as you stroll along its charming Main Street, as well as numerous parks and trails teeming with wildlife.

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

Explore McKinney’s Historic Downtown

McKinney has a rich and interesting history.

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

It has many historical buildings and buildings built in the early 20th century.

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

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

Stroll along McKinney’s historic Main Street and explore the many antique shops and boutiques that line it.

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

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

Admire the Old Collin County Courthouse

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

This majestic Romanesque courthouse was built in 1927 and operated for several decades before being converted into a museum.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Collin County is named after Collin McKinney, one of the brave pioneers and early settlers of Texas?

The pioneer and land surveyor was instrumental in the fight for freedom from Mexico, drafting and signing the Texas Declaration of Independence as early as 1836.

Tour of the Collin County History Museum

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

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

This museum is located in the Old Collin County Courthouse and is well worth a visit.

See the murals at McKinney Center.

McKinney has several beautiful murals located throughout the city center.

The murals were created by local artists and are uniquely designed to reflect the history, culture and heritage of the region.

The most popular murals are the McKinney Silos mural and the “Greetings from McKinney, Texas” mural.

Be sure to take a couple of photos with these amazing works of art!

See animals at the Natural History Museum and Heard Preserve.

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

This sanctuary offers many opportunities for exploration.

Visitors can take part in interactive exhibits, educational programs, or simply walk along the paths through the gardens or through the wetlands and get up close and personal with the diverse local wildlife.

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

They can also take part in the excavation of fossils at the seasonal exhibition.

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

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

Step back in time in the historic village of Chestnut Square.

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

This is a great way to understand what life was like for the Collin County pioneers at the time.

Visitors can view log cabins, churches, Victorian homes, blacksmith shops, one-room schools, and other historic buildings at Chestnut Square Heritage Village.

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

Watch a performance at the McKinney Performing Arts Center.

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

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

This is a great place to check out the latest releases or enjoy live music with friends.

Enjoy the sun at Bonnie Venk Park

Bonnie Venk Park is a great place for recreation and outdoor activities.

The park has hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and athletic fields for basketball, volleyball, or tennis.

The park also has a dog park, so it’s perfect for furry families.

Go wine tasting at the Lone Star wine cellars.

The Lone Star wine cellars are the perfect place for a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends.

It is located in downtown McKinney in a historic building.

This winery offers tastings of its award-winning wines, as well as live music, wine and cheese pairing lessons, and more.

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

Hike the trails at Town Lake Recreation Area.

The Towne Lake Recreation Area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

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

This is a great place to run or spend the day with friends.

Set off early in the morning to catch a stunning sunrise over the lake.

Play a round of golf at Oak Hollow Golf Course.

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

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

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

Go antique shopping at McKinney

If you love exploring antique shops and looking for unique items, McKinney is the perfect place to do it.

There are several vintage shops in the city center offering a wide selection of antiques, collectibles, furniture, jewelry and other one-of-a-kind items.

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

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

Enjoy mountain biking at Erwin Park

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

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

It is especially popular with cyclists due to the variety of terrain and jumps on the track.

Worried about a flat tire?

You’ll be pleased to know that the park even has two bike repair stations that ensure a safe ride.

Attend an event at Myers Park and Event Center

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

Various events are held here, including concerts, festivals, art shows and more.

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

McKinney is the perfect North Texas getaway.

It is a charming, bustling city known for its beautiful neighborhoods, natural parks and museums.

The city has plenty to do for all ages and is perfect for those looking for Texan culture and hospitality.

What is your favorite thing to do in McKinney, Texas? Let us know below.