Curious about Top-rated things to do in McKinney Texas? This article will look at some of the fun activities a tourist as well as a local can engage in while visiting McKinney Texas.

This city is located in Collin County, TX and its her 3^rd largest city behind the bordering cities of Frisco and Plano.

According to the 2020 census, the city of McKinney has a population of about 200,000 people.

This city has a thriving downtown and just like many suburbs in the Dallas area, has over the last three decades experienced population explosion and rapid infrastructural development.

The emergence of several tourist attractions were not left out in this developmental bloom.

Below Are The Top-Rated Things To Do In McKinney Texas

1. Visit The Adriatica Village In Mckinney Texas

The Adriatica Village is a wonderfully conceptualized and beautifully executed living and commercial community which draws inspiration from European/Croatian architecture by the sea.

The concept is so vibrant, it seamlessly integrates many living abodes with commercial outlets, making it one of the most complete eco-friendly neighborhoods in the greater Dallas Metroplex.

There were many things we admired as we toured the Adriatica Village. Parking was a breeze, and it was free, then we made our way to the lake area.

We hung out there for a bit, while watching some people fish in the lake and some others were playing on the well-manicured lawn by the lake.

After a while, we strolled along the trail towards the small chapel. You could sense the cool ambience, perpetuated by the gentle breeze blowing on us as we made our way along the meandering water way.

For those who will prefer to hike, a part of the larger McKinney trail system passes through the Adriatica Village.

If you are interested in eating, then you have a wide variety of restaurants to choose from while in the Village.

There is no reason why you cannot do all of the things that we did while there.

Firstly, we hung out by the lake, then we strolled along the water way before grabbing lunch at “Umai sushi”.

Location: 6602 Mediterranean Dr, McKinney, TX 75070

2. Explore Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is in McKinney Texas and is very popular with those who love the outdoors and the indoors.

It is such a peacefully beautiful and tranquil nature preserve. This 289-acre outdoor area can be used for various relaxing activities. It has a total of about 6.5 miles of nature trails which are divided into seven different paths.

There really is so much to do here. When it comes to outdoor activities, you can choose to hike through the different trails while observing wildlife.

Some other outdoor activities that you can engage in are visiting and observing butterflies at the Butterfly Garden or, depending on the time of the year, watch in fascination how the live-size Dinosaur animatronics move and roar.

That’s not all, you can also kayak or canoe in the wetlands within the premises. The museum has a plethora of events on offer, you will definitely enjoy your visit as much as we did.

This Museum is not free to visit, there is a general admission fee and fees for other activities that you may be interested in.

Address: 1 Nature Pl, McKinney, TX 75069

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3. Explore The Breweries

Breweries In Mckinney — *Photo Credit – Primethingstodo.com*

When we visit a new city, we tend to always seek out a local beer brewery. From our numerous experiences, it does seem like different cities have different tastes in beer.

These differences in beer taste can be very subtle or really pronounced. Still, the experience is the same, simply enjoying what the locals enjoy.

While visiting McKinney Texas, we made sure to check out some local breweries and boy, are we glad we did.

Go ahead and give it a try, we recommend the breweries and pub below.
Franconia Brewing Company
Tupps Breweries
Guitars & Growlers

4. Explore The Erwin Park Hike and Bike Trail

Another very delightful place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts is the Erwin Park Hike and Bike Trail. The Erwin Park Hike and Bike Trail sits on 212 acres of land and has various amenities that are targeted at enhancing your experience at the park.

For Mountain Bike Trail (mtb) riders, Erwin Park is a must visit. It has over 10 miles of well maintained mountain bike trails, which can be used for challenging skills course.

This park isn’t only for bikers, it is also popular with nature hikers as well as those who would rather just camp.

There are also pavilions that can be reserved ahead of time and playgrounds for families with kids. Hiking and riding a bike here is free.

If you want to reserve a pavilion or campsite, there are fees associated with that.

Address: 4300 Co Rd 1006, McKinney, TX 75071

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5. Breakfast at Starwood Café

A constant feature in most tourist’s bucket list when planning to visit a new destination is eating at a local restaurant.

A visit to McKinney Texas is no different and in fact, we had a list of restaurants we came up with and visited. For breakfast, the Starwood Café at the Adriatica Village takes the vote.

It is not very often that you will find a breakfast spot within the premises of a place that is so beautiful. For us, we ate, and we strolled.

The food was very delicious and good, and the staff were very cordial and warm.

Address: 470 Adriatic Pkwy #1101, McKinney, TX 75070

6. McKinney Performing Arts Center

The McKinney Performing Arts Center was established to enhance the quality of lives of its residents through entertainment.

To say that it has achieved that would be an understatement, it has done that and exceedingly so. If you are visiting McKinney Texas, we encourage you to include a visit to MPAC as part of your things to do in McKinney Texas bucket list.

Plays, drama and shows are regularly going on here. The courtroom theater is comfortable and cozy to sit in.

Look up their calendar and see what is going on that coincides with your trip to McKinney.

Address: 111 N Tennessee St, McKinney, TX 75069

7. McKinney Historic Downtown

McKinney TX has a historic downtown, and it is worth a visit. This charming downtown area plays host to thousands of tourists throughout the year.

There is ample parking in public parking spots around. We visited during the last Christmas tree lighting and the place was packed full. It was really family friendly.

8. Towne Lake Recreation Area

Towne Lake Recreation Area is yet another lovely park in McKinney Texas for lovers of the outdoors.

One thing that really stands out in this park is the Fishing Pier. The lake has a variety of fishes, and you are welcome to try your hand and luck out. Fishes like the large mouth bass, catfish and others can be found in the lake.

Apart from the lake, the Towne Lake Recreation Area has other features designed to help you relax fully and have fun.

There is a hiking trail, a playground, a Rec center and gym, a game room, a weight room, and pavilions.

Address: 1405 Wilson Creek Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75069

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9. Oldest House In McKinney – John Faires House

John Faires House - Oldest Standing House — *Photo Credit – Primethingstodo.com*

The John Faires House has the bragging right of “The Oldest Standing House” in McKinney Texas. The house was constructed in 1854 by John Faires, who had migrated to McKinney from Tennessee three years prior.

This house is part and parcel of McKinney’s history. It gives us more than a glimpse but also a physical feel of how our ancestors lived.

10. Gabe Nesbitt Community Park

The Gabe Nesbitt Community Park is a multipurpose multi-sports outdoor and indoor park. There is a range of sporting activities that can be engaged in at this park and nested buildings.

If you prefer to just walk around, the park will meet your purpose. For those that are interested in skating, the park has a well-designed skating arena with shaded seating area for spectators.

They have multiple lawn tennis courts in the tennis complex, and they are all well-lit. There are also baseball and softball fields. If you are interested in water sports, don’t fret, the park has got you too.

The Apex Center caters to locals and visitors for different water related sports. At the Apex Center, they have water slides, a lazy river, kid friendly pools and more.

The Apex center typically runs on memberships, but they do have day passes that you can purchase, if you are just visiting.

11. Farmers Market – Heritage Village At Chestnut Square

The Farmers Market in McKinney Texas runs every Saturday, through out the year. At this market, you can browse through and purchase the best quality of locally cultivated, produced and harvested food items.

The sellers are usually very cordial and always willing to enlighten customers with fond stories of McKinney.