10 Things Visiting Teams Can Do in McKinney Between Games
When your team is in McKinney, Texas, for a tournament or sporting event, there’s more to the trip than what happens on the field or court. Check out our top 10 things to do between games for teams.
When your team is in McKinney, Texas, for a tournament or sporting event, there’s more to the trip than what happens on the field or court. With games often spread across several hours, or even multiple days, teams and families have plenty of opportunities to explore the city, grab a great meal, unwind, and make the most of their time between games.
McKinney is a sports destination with tournament-ready facilities, a walkable historic downtown, parks and trails, family-friendly attractions, local restaurants, and plenty of ways to keep athletes and families entertained. Whether you have 90 minutes or an entire afternoon, here are 10 things visiting sports teams can do in McKinney between games.
1. Explore Historic Downtown McKinney
Give your team a change of scenery and head to Historic Downtown McKinney for an evening of great dining and brick-lined, picturesque streets.
The downtown district is one of the largest historic downtowns in Texas and is easy to explore on foot. Teams and families can stroll around the historic square, browse locally owned shops and boutiques, check out art galleries and trails, grab a coffee to fuel up, or simply enjoy some downtime together.
For teams traveling to McKinney for the first time, downtown is a great way to experience the city's personality beyond the tournament venue. Be sure to browse the self-guided tours in the McKinney TX! App for Mural Tours, Historic District Tours, Tiny Doors, and more—perfect for small and large groups!
2. Grab a Team-Friendly Meal
Tournament days require fuel, and McKinney has plenty of options for teams looking for a meal between games.
Hutchins BBQ gives you a real taste of Texas with mouthwatering, slow-smoked brisket and classic sides such as baked beans and mac n' cheese. And don’t forget to try the infamous Texas Twinkie, a large jalapeno stuffed with cream cheese and chopped smoked brisket, all wrapped in thick-cut bacon. It's the perfect end to a long tournament day.
Another group favorite, The Stix Icehouse, offers classic comfort food with Frito Pie, crispy chicken strips, and turkey clubs to name a few. Their award-winning Texas Chili is a crowd pleaser. Plus, the kids can run around on the 14-acre property playing games, climbing on the treehouse, and enjoying extra sports time on the fields while the adults sit on the patio with a cocktail, listening to live music.
Many restaurants also offer patios, private dining areas or spacious seating that can accommodate larger groups. For teams traveling together, consider planning a group meal before or after the day's games. It's an easy way to refuel while giving athletes and families a chance to connect. Check the Group Dining page for a list of options.
Tip: For larger teams, call the restaurant ahead of time to ask about group seating and timing.
3. Explore McKinney Parks & Trails
Sometimes the best thing to do between games is simply get outside and enjoy nature.
McKinney has nearly 3,000 acres of parks and open spaces and approximately 80 miles of hike-and-bike trails. That gives visiting teams plenty of opportunities to stretch their legs, enjoy some fresh air, or let younger siblings burn off some energy.
A short walk or relaxed outdoor break can also be a welcome change after spending hours at a tournament complex.
Bonnie Wenk Park is a great stop, offering a variety of outdoor amenities from trails and playgrounds to a fishing pond, and one of the area’s best dog parks. Bonnie Wenk Park is a local favorite for recreation and relaxation so be sure to stop by and soak in the beauty of the park.
Towne Lake Park is another local favorite, featuring a 22-acre lake, kayak rentals, a fishing pier, sand volleyball courts, and playgrounds. View the full parks and trail directory to see a full list of parks and trails in McKinney.
4. Visit the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
To go along with the beautiful parks and trails McKinney has to offer, The Heard is another nature spot to add to your list. The Heard combines natural history exhibits with outdoor trails and native Texas habitats all on 289 acres, just 10 minutes from Downtown McKinney.
Take a walk through one of the habitats including blackland prairie, wetlands, bottomland forest, upland forest, and white rock escarpment, learning about each unique habitat and the plants and animals that live in those specific environments. Or, follow the Animal Ambassador Trail to catch a glimpse of the wildlife that lives on property.
Seasonally, The Heard also has specialty exhibits and attractions including Dinosaurs Live! featuring animatronic dinosaurs, a native Texas butterfly garden, and more! Be sure to check The Heard website to see what specialty exhibit is up during your visit.
5. Shop for Local Finds
Tournament weekends are a great opportunity to pick up a souvenir, and McKinney has plenty of places to browse.
Historic Downtown McKinney is home to locally owned boutiques, antique stores, art galleries and specialty shops. Athletes can look for McKinney souvenirs, parents can browse local goods, and teams can find something memorable to take home after the tournament.
The McKinney Visitor Center has a variety of Texas and McKinney-themed gifts to choose from for your perfect souvenir. Or hit the jackpot at Hometown Hits for sports memorabilia and trading cards, perfect for athletes looking to pick up a souvenir from their trip.
Browse the full directory of shops and spend some time finding the perfect take-home gift.
6. Play at Dave & Buster’s
Need an indoor option between games? Head to Dave & Buster's McKinney for food, games, and plenty of friendly competition.
Located on West University Drive, Dave & Buster's McKinney combines a full-service restaurant and sports bar with a large arcade, making it an easy option for teams and families looking to have some fun without traveling far from the tournament action. With hundreds of games and big screens showing sporting events, there's something for athletes, siblings and parents alike.
Teams can also make their visit part of the competition. Dave & Buster's offers group and team-building experiences, including arcade-based challenges and scavenger-hunt-style activities designed around strategy, communication and teamwork.
7. Participate in a Team-Bonding Activity
A tournament trip doesn't have to be all competition on the field.
Turn some of your downtime into a team-bonding experience at one of McKinney's escape rooms. North Texas Escape Rooms offers themed escape-room experiences where teams work together to solve clues and puzzles before time runs out. They also specifically offers team-building and large-group experiences.
For another unique experience, The Cipher Lounge in Historic Downtown McKinney combines escape-room experiences with a lounge atmosphere, making it an option for adult teams, coaches, or parent groups looking for something different.
Escape rooms are a fun way to put communication, problem-solving, and teamwork to the test without adding another physical activity to an already busy tournament schedule.
8. Take a Guided or Self-Guided Tour
Use your time between games to see a different side of McKinney with a guided or self-guided tour. Whether your team has a little time to explore or you're looking for a unique way to experience the city together, there are several ways to discover McKinney's history, architecture, public art, and local stories.
For teams and families who want to explore at their own pace, a self-guided tour makes it easy to stroll through Historic Downtown McKinney. Take the Historic District Tour to discover historic buildings, learning about the past and present of the stores that now line the downtown streets. This tour is offered guided, once a month, or you can take the self-guided tour any time on the McKinney TX! App.
The Public Art Tour is another great option for groups and teams. In partnership with Jump Into Art Studios, the Guided Public Art Tour takes you through the streets of Downtown McKinney to discover the colorful creations made by local artists. The self-guided tour is also offered on the McKinney TX! App and is available any time.
9. Check Out an Event
Your team's tournament might be the main reason you're here, but it doesn't have to be the only event on the calendar.
McKinney hosts festivals, live entertainment, seasonal events, markets, and community activities throughout the year. The McKinney Farmers Market is held every Saturday at Chestnut Square Heritage Village, making it a great stop to hit up before you head to the tournament fields.
Before your team arrives, check the Visit McKinney events calendar to see what's happening during your stay. You’ll find the guided tours on the calendar, too.
Take a Break and Enjoy McKinney
Not every break between games needs an itinerary.
Sometimes athletes need to rest, parents need a little downtime, and coaches need a chance to regroup. Take advantage of McKinney's hotels, restaurants, parks, and welcoming spaces to slow down between games.
If your team has a long gap in the schedule, consider splitting the time: grab lunch, take a short walk, explore downtown, and then head back to the hotel for some rest before the next game.
The goal is to make the most of your time in McKinney without overloading your team's schedule.
Planning Your Tournament Weekend in McKinney
With tournament-ready sports facilities, nearby hotels, group dining options and plenty of things to do between games, McKinney makes it easy for visiting teams to turn a competition into a complete destination experience.
McKinney hosts sporting events ranging from youth baseball and softball to soccer, tennis, pickleball, football, and more. Major events hosted in the city have included the NCAA Division II Football Championship, International Girls Cup, PPA Tour events, and THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson. And when the game clock stops, there's still plenty to explore.
Whether your team has an hour between games or an entire afternoon to fill, McKinney offers opportunities to eat, explore, relax and make memories together.
Visit the Sports page to learn more about sporting events in McKinney, get itineraries for your trip, and local recommendations.