Are you looking for a leisurely way to enjoy the great outdoors in McKinney? Maybe you’re looking forward to exploring some nearby hidden gems you haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit. When the team at Huffines Hyundai McKinney wishes to get outside after a long week at work, we take advantage of these local recreational areas. Use the list below for planning your next outdoor adventure.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
Education, conservation, and preservation are the foundational goals of Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. This 289-acre outdoor museum includes a wide variety of interactive exhibits that introduce children to biology, ecology, and geology, all in an engaging and fun-filled way. With five varied habitats to explore, over 6.5 miles of self-guided or nature trails to discover, and an abundance of wildlife that calls the sanctuary home, you and your family will thoroughly enjoy roaming through this inspirational and educational outdoor environment.
Heard’s education department also offers innovative education programs designed to captivate all age groups. With Garden Talks, you can take a tour through native plant gardens and experience beautiful displays of trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, and perennials native to Texas. Participate in Night Hikes where you can spot animal life you rarely have a chance to see during daylight hours. From canoe rides and the ropes course to bird-watching and nature camps, there are several ways to explore the critter and plant life at Heard’s.
Rohr Balloons Hot-Air Balloon Rides
If you’ve never ridden in a hot-air balloon but would like to try, now is your chance to take advantage of this incredibly unique adventure. Rohr Balloons Hot-Air Balloon Rides offers amazing opportunities for exploring the McKinney area from the wide-open air. With eight hot air balloons of varying sizes, Rohr can accommodate any type of group or private hot-air balloon encounter.
This locally owned and operated balloon company provides several breathtaking and safe solutions for that once-in-a-lifetime hot-air balloon experience. Whether you wish to enjoy a private hot-air balloon ride for a special occasion, share the adventure with a group of friends, or take a tethered balloon ride only a short distance from the ground, Rohr has an option perfect for you, your family, and friends.
WestRidge Golf Course
When you think of outdoor activities, golfing always comes to mind. WestRidge Golf Course is an 18-hole course that prides itself on offering well-kept greens, a full-featured driving range, and exceptional course conditions. Plus, it’s the only golf course in the Lone Star State with six par-five holes. Pack your golf clubs whenever the golf bug bites or take advantage of their membership program, which offers unlimited use of driving range facilities and discounts on dining services.
WestRidge offers several golf course outings and programs created to enhance your golfing experience. Their custom tournament packages include driving range services, delicious dining and drink options, green fees, an award ceremony, and more. Hank Haney Golf Academy is their signature golf training school that provides year-round instruction in an indoor weather-protected environment. You can also attend Top Range, a modern twist on the traditional golf game that offers a fun, recreational golfing experience.
Towne Lake Recreation Area
If you and your family are looking to get a little outdoor time and expend some pent-up energy, then you need to visit Towne Lake Recreation Area. Boasting over 100 acres and a large lake, Towne Lake features a diverse selection of outdoor programs and recreational services for the entire community.
Take a brisk walk down the 1.2 mile hiking trail and then enjoy a picnic lunch at the park pavilion. Bring your fishing poles for an afternoon of relaxing in the sun and fishing off the pier. Play a game of disc golf at the 18-hole course that includes concrete tee pads, lots of shade, and a winding creek. Enjoy a chat with your spouse while the kids play on the interactive play structures. There are also volleyball courts, baseball fields, and horseshoe courts available for family reunions, church groups, corporate events, and other group get-togethers.
Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area
The Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA) was created to preserve native Texan ecosystems and biodiversity as well as restoring the bond between people and nature. With an abundance of outdoor activities and amenities, LLELA provides opportunities to enjoy and explore Mother Nature along with several engaging and hands-on outdoor enrichment programs.
Take a guided kayak tour through Beaver Pond Paddling Trail. Try your hand at art boating and let nature inspire your creative side. Enjoy the Night Hikes or Nature Walks with LLELA expert tour guides. Bring your little one to Toddler Time for a story and a guided hike through the park wilderness. Grab your binoculars and notebook and sign up for one of the monthly bird walks. Along with these activities, you can also spend an afternoon fishing, hiking, picnicking, and a multitude of other outdoor recreational pursuits.
Erwin Park
With over 200 acres to explore and play, Erwin Park is a fabulous place to spend a relaxing weekend with family or friends. Choose from a variety of open-air adventures individuals of all ages will appreciate. With three picnic pavilions, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch while the kids play in the large open spaces or on the interactive playgrounds. Exercise your mind and body by walking through the naturally wooded areas and exploring the local flora and fauna. Plan an evening roasting marshmallows or making s’mores at one of the 10 designated campfire sites.
Erwin Park also boasts 10 miles of mountain bike trails maintained by the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association. Work up a sweat by riding over the challenging and curvy bike paths. Take a slow, leisurely jaunt through the bike trails and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. If your bike gets a flat or the chain falls off, head over to the bike repair station, complete with tools, a stand to hold the bike, and a convenient air pump.
What do you think? Would you take your family on an adventure to any of these outdoor areas? If we missed one of your favorite nature-inspired sites in the McKinney area, contact us today. We’ll be more than happy to add it to our list.
Image via Unsplash by Joe Dudeck