The Lone Star state is best known best for its sunny climate rather than its annual rainfall. However, on those rare occasions that a Texas downpour ruins your plans, you’re going to want something entertaining — and dry — to do. The next time wet weather has you stuck indoors, consider these rainy day activities right here in McKinney.
Discover the Aquarium
The weather app says it’s raining cats and dogs outside. Why not visit the Dallas World Aquarium? This exciting rainy day spot features various replica habitats where species of exotic birds, mammals, and fish are on display for public tours. Don’t let its small size fool you. There are many exhibits and exciting things to see and do inside its walls.
Each display now features QR codes that you can scan with your mobile device and learn all about the animal residents. Meet a pot-bellied seahorse, a giant clam, a ribboned seadragon, and a moon jellyfish. See examples of magnificent sea anemones, palm tree polyps, and other types of coral, like the branching Colt coral that grows in the Indo-Pacific reefs. You may also catch a feeding or talk with keepers who care for sloths, otters, and penguins.
Go to the Movies
Don’t let stormy skies get you down. McKinney is home to several movie theaters like Cinemark Movies 14, with locations on South Central Expressway and Hardin Boulevard. You can also see what’s playing on the silver screen at Moviehouse and Eatery by Cinépolis on Texas Highway 121.
Invite your significant other and share a box of popcorn and some Junior Mints. It’s the perfect time to snuggle up with your favorite new release. Whether you love an action flick or a romantic comedy, there’s something marvelous playing that will help you while away your rainy day blues.
Go Roller Skating
If dark clouds burst your bubble, don’t fret. Go roller skating instead! Interskate Roller Rink, located on South Texas Highway 121 in Lewisville, is a large, clean venue that’s well-maintained and has a welcoming atmosphere for loads of family fun. Interskate also has a separate rink for your little ones or beginners who need to keep a wide berth from other skaters. Grab a bite from the food bar after you work up an appetite.
Stop by on a rainy Thursday or Sunday night for an adult-only skate. This three-hour block is the perfect time for you and your sweetheart to reconnect and indulge your inner child. With so few old-school skating rinks around nowadays, it’s nice to support this once-beloved activity. There’s plenty of easy, free parking and the staff is helpful and accommodating. Every skater — or parent if the skater is under 18 — must sign a waiver before skating.
Escape the Room
A little precipitation shouldn’t keep you indoors all day. Head over to Escapology Escape Rooms for a little excitement. If you choose to play this thrilling game, the mission is to discover hints, solve puzzles, and accomplish tasks as a group, all within a set amount of time.
You can pretend to stop a nuclear war, find the antidote and save the world, or track down history’s greatest hacker before it’s too late. Located on Hardin Boulevard, Escapology offers loads of challenging indoor fun if you have what it takes to successfully navigate the challenges. Each live-action game has instructions that provide your back story, set the scene, and describe the mission. It’s up to you and your teammates to work together to unravel the clues.
Get Friendly With Nature
They say April showers bring May flowers, and nothing demonstrates this adage like the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Just 40 minutes from McKinney’s city center, this 66-acre oasis sits on the shores of White Rock Lake in East Dallas. The Botanical Garden offers many other family-oriented activities and educational programs for children and adults, such as summer camps and horticulture classes.
Store through the indoor visitor’s center on Garland Road, or enjoy free daily tastings at the on-site kitchen called “A Tasteful Place.” It’s a terrific place to grab a snack, take a cooking course, or watch a demo, such as “Dallas College Cooks,” every Monday. This popular activity hosted by Dallas College’s nationally recognized culinary institute will show you how to cook two recipes each month.
If it’s just drizzling, grab your umbrella and wander through the gardens. Its finely manicured grounds provide residents with breathtaking views year-round. You can even take a virtual tour online if you’re facing the torrential rains of Texas’ monsoon season and want to stay indoors.
Explore a Museum
If raindrops keep falling on your head, step inside the halls of your local museum. Kids seem to have a harder time staying busy indoors than parents do. Inclement weather is no reason to sit around at home, especially when there’s something awesome just down the road. When the little ones start bouncing off the walls, tell them to get their rain gear on. You’re going to the local children’s museum.
Play Street Museum on South Stonebridge Drive is best for kids aged 8 years and under, although older siblings may enjoy role-playing in the store. There are loads of activities to keep your young explorers busy, like painting and puzzles, pottery making, and plenty of interactive exhibits to discover that curators specifically crafted just for them. Let your children self-navigate through the activities at their pace to help reinforce their sense of independence.
Other destinations, such as the Explorium in Denton, the Museum of Memories in East Dallas, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in nearby Grand Prairie, are all fantastic places to spend your time when the weather has you holed up inside.
That’s a wrap! The friendly folks at Huffines Hyundai put together this list of some awesome rainy day activities you can do in and around McKinney, Texas. Did anything in our article spark your interest? Did we miss your favorite stormy weather activity? Let us know so we can share it with other Texans.
Image via Flickr by Andrew Gustar