McKinney, Texas is a vibrant city with a mix of cultural and historic attractions, outdoor spaces, and plenty of family-friendly activities, many of which are free to enjoy.
Enjoy the Outdoors at Towne Lake Recreation Area
Check out the Trails, Disc Golf, Kayaking, and more
Enjoy the scenic views, walking trails, and playground at Towne Lake Recreation Area. There are also picnic areas where families can relax by the water, and the lake often has ducks and geese to watch. Also spend a little fun time at the horseshoe pits and disc golf course (you’ll need to bring your own equipment), bring a fishing pole (fishing license required for those over 16 years of age), or for a small fee of $3 for 30 minutes, you can rent a kayak to allow your family to paddle around the lake.
Insider Tip: Venture a little south of the park and explore the nature trails near the Towne Lake Recreation Center. Look for the Howell Memorial Labyrinth part way into the trail! There are large rocks to sit on and a rock labyrinth in the ground where you can walk and think during a quiet moment in nature.
Explore Historic Downtown McKinney
Admire the scenery, nostalgia, history, and public art... plus take a ride on the trolley
Take a leisurely walk around McKinney’s charming downtown square. There are boutique shops, murals, and historic buildings to admire, plus frequent community events that are free to attend. Spend some time exploring the public art installations found around the historic downtown square.
If visiting the square from Thursday to Saturday, hop on the trolley for a free ride around the historic downtown square.
Insider Tip: Make sure to get off at the Visit McKinney Trolley stop and head into the Visitor Experience Center to get your commemorative trolley pin. And when you do, make sure to check out our tiny door and the bluebird "mural" painted on our outside wall.
Check Out Chestnut Square Heritage Village
Learn about History & Experience Texas's #1 Farmers Market
Stroll through the grounds of the Chestnut Square Heritage Village to learn about McKinney’s past. A docent-guided tour of the buildings in the village does incur a small cost – tours are on Thursdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. for $7-10 per person - but the grounds and the gardens are free to explore. Information about the buildings can be found on placards outside each.
McKinney Farmers Market is a must-visit spot on Saturday mornings. Located at Chestnut Square, this farmers market has repeatedly been named the top Farmers Market in Texas and the Southwest. While purchasing items isn’t free, browsing the farmers market is, and depending on the time of year, special family fun might just be on the schedule! You can walk around, enjoy the fresh air, listen to live music, and sample local produce or goods.
Insider Tip: On Saturdays during the Farmers Market, you can often catch the blacksmith at work in the blacksmith shop. Also, make sure to stop in at Dixie’s Store where you can view the Guinness Book of World Records largest collection of ice cream freezers.