School’s out for summer!!!
….which means if you’re anything like me, you’re probably scrambling for things to do with them in the months ahead. I will be featuring more great local activities to do with kids in the weeks ahead, so be sure to follow me on facebook to stay up to date with those ideas. For now, here is an A-Z Guide to Summer in McKinney, TX!
A: Al Ruschhaupt Park
Located on 96 acres, this wheelchair friendly playground has hike and bike trails, soccer fields and a splash pad. Friendly for kids of all ages.
B: Bonnie Wenk Park
This beautiful park spans over 200 acres and includes a dog park, hike and bike trails and a 5-acre fishing pond. June 15 will mark the grand opening of its phase 2, which will include 4 additional play structures for kids of all ages. A personal review will be coming soon!
C: Chestnut Square
The Heritage Village at Chestnut Square offers tours of its historical homes and sites, in addition to hosting weekly McKinney’s Farmer’s Markets.
D: Dress-up at Sugar & Spice
If you have a little girl celebrating a summer birthday, or simply have an itch to have your own girls’ night out, check out the dress-up party offerings at Made of Sugar and Spice in downtown McKinney.
E: Erwin Park
Located on more than 200 acres, Erwin Park is home to more than 10 miles of mountain bike trails and natural wooded areas.
F: Farm Museum
The Collin County Farm Museum is dedicated to developing a better understanding of Collin County’s rural heritage from its earliest settlements through the 1960s. Be sure to follow their facebook page to stay up to date with their pop-up workshops!
G: Gourmet Pops
Cool off at Frios Gourmet Pops located in historic downtown McKinney! Their creamy gourmet popsicles are made from real fruit, milk, cream and organic cane sugar.
H: Heard Museum
The Heard Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is one of my personal favorite places to frequent in McKinney. The Heard is a private non-profit 289-acre wildlife sanctuary with plenty of trails, a butterfly exhibit (opening June 1), and an outdoor pioneer village for the kids. The inside of the museum is home to a dinosaur dig sandbox and multiple exhibits including native Texas snakes and even a Mosasaur skeleton found in Garland.
I: Ice Cream ( Paciugo Gelato)
If you’ve never treated yourself to gelato, do yourself a favor and get over to Paciugo Gelato in downtown McKinney. Once you’ve had this traditional Italian ice cream, you’ll never be able to go back.
J: Jump Into Art
This downtown art studio offers it all: children’s classes, adult classes, pottery and clay classes, adult workshops, events for children with special needs and more! Be sure to like their facebook page to stay up to date with their many offerings this summer!
K: Kids Workshops at Home Depot
I only just learned that Home Depot offers workshops for both kids and adults–I had no idea! Be sure to enter your zip code to find the classes offered at your nearest store.
L: Library
Okay, this one is a no-brainer, but make sure you check out the McKinney Public Library website to see their many offerings throughout the summer. See this page for their summer reading lists by age level, and be sure to stop by to sign your little ones up for their Summer Reading Program!
M: Mom & Popcorn Co.
If you love popcorn, you need to visit Mom & Popcorn on the square! This nostalgic shop offers over 50 flavors of gourmet popcorn, as well as old-fashioned glass bottled drinks, homemade fudge and a wide assortment of nostalgic treats. Be sure to download their treasure hunt list for your visit with the kiddos!
N: Nature Camps
Okay, so I already mentioned the Heard Museum, but it’s worth mentioning again to bring attention to their many summer camps! Available for ages 3-16, these camps help kids delve into the wonder of nature. Art camps are also available for kids ages 6-16.
O: Obstacle Warrior Kids
If your family happens to be fans of American Ninja Warrior, get over to Obstacle Warrior Kids to test their abilities in their indoor obstacle courses. Ages 2 and up.
P: Puppet Anatomy 101 Workshops
This is another shop that I just discovered in downtown McKinney, and it’s amazing! Stop by the shop to be amazed at the handmade sculptures and kinetic art, and be sure to check out her puppet making workshops for kids, teens and adults!
Q: Quiet Time
Okay…this is a bit of a cheat, but sometimes you just have to get out of the house and take in some quiet time! My personal favorites have already been mentioned: getting the kids to the library, or simply enjoying some alone time on some of the many hiking trails in McKinney.
R: Rock Out at School of Rock
Get your kids into music this summer with School of Rock’s many lessons, camps and workshops. Most camps end with a live performance where your kids can show off what they have learned on their instruments of choice.
S: Storytimes at Heard Museum and Local Libraries
Okay…another no-brainer is storytimes. Be sure to check out your closest library to see their schedule, or visit the Heard Museum on Fridays to be a part of their nature story times!
T: Towne Lake
Oh, how I love Towne Lake. This 108-acre park has so much packed into it: bike trails, playgrounds, sand volleyball, horseshoes, fountains, a fishing pier, even an 18-hole disc golf course. Such a fun way to spend an afternoon. Bonus: if you love long-distance hiking or biking, these trails connect through Al Ruschhaupt and Bonnie Wenk parks!
U: Urban Air Adventure
If you need something to do on a rainy day, consider checking out Urban Air Adventure. This adventure park has indoor trampolines, a warrior course, indoor rock-climbing, a sky-rider coaster and so much more!
V: Vacation Bible Schools
Each church near you will have their own unique offerings as far as Vacation Bible Schools go!
W: Walls of Clay
This downtown studio offers pottery painting, glass fusion and more! The last Saturday of each month offers Kids Create! for school aged kids; be sure to also check out their summer camp offerings for kids ages 6 and up.
X: Exotic Animals at Cathy’s Critters in Princeton
This one is a bit of a cheat, as it’s actually located up the road in Princeton, but take your little ones to Cathy’s Critters to let them fall in love with the farm animals! Check out her schedule to see more details on open farm days as well as their week-long summer camp.
Y: The Yard
If all of your McKinney activities have worked up an appetite, look no further than The Yard to satisfy your hunger. With an outdoor (pet-friendly!) patio, ping pong and play areas, The Yard is perfect for kids and grown-ups alike.
Z: Zen Kids Yoga
Help your kids build their concentration while reaping the physical benefits of yoga at Zen Kids Yoga. Classes are available for ages 4-12.
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Christina Freeman is a family photographer in Anna Texas, specializing in families, newborns and children in Collin County including Anna, Melissa, Van Alstyne, McKinney, Plano, Princeton, Farmersville, Prosper, Frisco, Wylie, Celina, Little Elm and other Dallas suburbs. Contact her to start planning your session today!
