Have you ever found yourself staring at the weekend calendar thinking "okay, but where do we actually go?" McKinney is the answer! McKinney is 35 minutes north of Dallas and has the kind of day that earns a return trip: a walkable historic square, barbecue that's worth the drive all on its own, parks with real room for playing, live comedy, a brewery with outdoor space that actually works for families, and a full afternoon of local shops. Here's how to spend the day in McKinney.
Why McKinney Works for a Family Day Trip
McKinney is the perfect place to visit for a family day trip from Dallas. Historic Downtown McKinney is a walkable square wrapped in restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and twinkling lights, making it the kind of place where you park once and can walk to one of the many boutique coffee shops, then stroll around the square popping into the different boutiques and stores, among other things.
The square sits about 35 minutes north of Dallas via US-75, and it's free to walk the Downtown District. McKinney is big enough that there's plenty to explore in a day (or two, if you have the time!), but small enough that you're never more than a few blocks from the car if someone hits a wall and you need to head home earlier than expected.
Insider tip from Visit McKinneyThe earlier in the day you get to Downtown, the easier it will be to find parking. For quick access to all the shops and things to do, take the FREE Downtown McKinney Trolley Thursday-Sunday around the square.Start with Breakfast or a Morning Coffee Run
Before the square starts buzzing, Bresnan Bread and Pastry is exactly the kind of stop that makes you feel like a local. The bakery opens at 7 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closes at 3 p.m., and turns out pastries and bread made in-house. Staff tip: the crispy and buttery toasted almond croissant is a must-try but be sure you stop by early on in the day before they sell out!
If your crew needs a proper sit-down situation, Layered is open from 8 a.m.0-2 p.m. daily. Their specialty is brunch and coffee with a wine bar twist and features bottomless mimosas and scratch-made brunch favorites including migas, sweet potato hash, and Nutella blintz.
Spoons Cafe is a low-key, no-stress options for families, opening at 8:30 a.m. daily. This stop is an affordable, casual dining experience right on the square. If you have kids who are particular about breakfast and you just want something easy and good, Spoons is a reliable call with traditional bacon and eggs on the menu.
Lunch: Barbecue is the Right Call
Hutchins BBQ is the lunch destination you need for your day trip to McKinney. It's a short drive from the square, open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and affordable for the whole family. For a family day trip from Dallas, Hutchins is the kind of meal that makes the whole day feel like it was worth it all on its own!
If you'd rather stay on the square and keep the afternoon momentum going, Local Yocal BBQ & Grill features American and barbecue cuisine, with a full bar for the adults and an atmosphere that's relaxed enough to bring kids without anyone giving you a look.
Spend Your Afternoon on the Square
After lunch, the square is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the afternoon. Here are a few specific stops worth making:
Art enthusiasts can take a guided or self-guided Murals of McKinney tour. The tours feature different murals, sculptures, and art pieces throughout Downtown McKinney. You can go at your own pace and listen to the audio for a relaxing stroll through Downtown. Check the calendar for the guided tour dates with Jump Into Art Studios.
Another great option is to spend the afternoon hunting after the Tiny Doors displayed across Downtown. There are over 80 tiny fairy doors to explore, each beautifully designed to represent the business they adorn. Check out the map to plan your route and feel free to stop into the stores you happen upon. You never know what hidden treasure you'll find.
For shopping, the square is lined with independent boutiques that you won't find replicated in a strip mall: Birds & Words, Cynthia Elliott Boutique, Sharla's, and The Palm Tree are all worth a look. Most open at 10 a.m., and several stay open until 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. View the full list of shops in McKinney.
Late Afternoon: TUPPS Brewery or The Stix Icehouse
Add in some outdoor fun to your day trip to McKinney. TUPPS Brewery sits on the grounds of a historic grain mill in McKinney's mill district, about five minutes from the square, and the outdoor campus has the kind of space that makes everyone exhale. Enjoy the beer hall, live music and entertainment on the stage (on select days), the open lawn and games, or the mini soccer pitch. Kids have room to roam while adults can settle into something cold and refreshing.
TUPPS also runs a steady calendar of family-friendly programming, so it's worth checking out the calendar on the weekend you're visiting. You might just find your next favorite event worth coming back for.
The Stix Icehouse, also about five minutes from the square, hosts a variety of family-friendly events on their property. The Stix boasts "ol' fashioned fun" for the whole family with full wiffleball and sporting fields, ping pong tables, walking trails, a nine hole disc golf course, swings, a treehouse, and of course, tasty food and drinks. It's the perfect afternoon outdoors!
Evening: Dinner and a Show
If you're staying into the evening (and we highly recommend you do!) there's still plenty to experience and explore.
Cadillac Pizza Pub is a great family-friendly dinner experience for the whole crew! The Caddy Dinner Special is perfect for a smaller family and provides a caddy twist pretzel, family sized salad, and any specialty pizza, all for just $33! If you'd rather each choose your own toppings, Cadillac offers a wide variety of pizza, sandwiches, and salads that event the most pickiest of eaters will enjoy.
After dinner, stop by The Comedy Arena for a show the whole family can enjoy! Shows run Thursday through Saturday, with Friday and Saturday nights extending to 11 p.m. There are a variety of different shows with age recommendations so everyone in the family can get a good laugh in.
Where to Stay if you Want to Make it a Weekend
Sometimes a day trip turns into an overnight because the conversation at dinner got good, or someone suggested dessert somewhere, or you just don't want it to end. McKinney makes choosing a place to stay easy.
The Grand Hotel & Ballroom puts you directly on the square where you can walk to dinner or walk to coffee the next morning. The location is hard to beat and the rooms are beautifully decorated and quaint making it a perfect overnight stay.
The Sheraton McKinney Hotel is a full-service option near Highway 121 and just a five-minute drive to Downtown. This is a good option if you want points with Marriott, top-notch amenities, and a pool for the kiddos to swim in after your long day.
The Holiday Inn & Suites is another great option for families with pillow-top mattresses, TV's in each room to help with the wind down after dinner, and exquisite customer service.
Ready to plan your day trip from Dallas to McKinney? Start planning at visitmckinney.com/things-to-do to explore everything McKinney has to offer. Need local recommendations? Stop by the McKinney Visitor Center on your way into town at 200 W. Virginia Street for local recommendations, maps, brochures, and you can even pick up a souvenir to remember your trip.
