With the arrival of spring, many families look for activities and events that get everyone outside enjoying the weather. If you’re looking for things to do to get the family in the mood for spring, McKinney, Texas, has plenty to offer. From a day at the park to community events, you’ll find plenty of springtime activities that the family can enjoy. Check out this list of things to do this season from the team at Huffines Hyundai McKinney.
Visit One of McKinney’s Parks
Image via Pixabay by MabelAmber
McKinney, Texas, has plenty of outdoor space for families of all sizes. Many of the local parks feature playgrounds, nature trails, ball fields, and picnic areas. With spring right around the corner, a lot of McKinney’s seasonal outdoor recreation areas open back up, where you can hike, bike, and enjoy nature with the family. Cottonwood Park is one of the city’s local spots where you can bring the family for playtime, exercise, and picnics. With about 3 acres to roam, a playground, and several sports areas, Cottonwood Park makes the perfect family outing on a spring day.
The Al Ruschhaupt Soccer Complex is another option for families looking for springtime activities outdoors. On North Brook Drive, the park covers more than 90 acres and features several soccer fields and sporting facilities. On a hot day, take the kids to the splash pad and enjoy picnicking for lunch at one of the many picnic areas at the complex. There’s also an amphitheater and winding nature trails, all for family enjoyment.
Take a Tour of the Heard Museum
The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary plans springtime activities every year, with tons of exploration opportunities for the kids. This museum also hosts an annual spring plant sale, featuring native blooms and foliage for getting the garden ready for the season. The Heard Museum sits in a 289-acre wildlife sanctuary, where you can take a walk along the nature trails and spot the native species becoming active in spring. Explore even more on the Heard’s Animal Encounter Trail, where you’ll learn about Texas’ native wildlife.
Heard also hosts many more events, including nature activities that promote environmental awareness. Be sure to take the kids to see Heard’s native Texas butterfly house and garden, with many types of native butterfly and pollinator species. And with the weather warming up, Heard Museum’s zip lining and wetlands canoe tours are the perfect way to get the family outdoors and active together.
Attend a Springtime Festival
Get into the spirit of spring and attend an Easter event or seasonal activity for the whole family. McKinney’s Victorian Eggstravaganza and Spring Festival at the Heritage Farmstead Museum is an excellent option to get the kids out and about. The Victorian Eggstravaganza gives families the chance to socialize, play, and celebrate the season. Take part in an Easter egg hunt and get up close to watch the spring sheep shearing.
The kids will love the hands-on demonstrations and activities with washing and dyeing the wool, and the wagon rides are perfect for enjoying the warming weather. Enjoy free lemonade and iced tea refreshments and take a tour of the Farrell Wilson house before heading home. This springtime event is held in April at the Heritage Farmstead Museum, which is only about 20 minutes from Huffines Hyundai McKinney.
McKinney’s Cottonwood Park also makes sure families enjoy the spring season with its semiannual juried art festival. This art show features top artists from around the nation who bring their works to share with the community. The Cottonwood Park Art Festival also hosts local bands in the jazz, blues, country, rock, and folk genres.
Head to a Local Farmer’s Market
Springtime is the perfect season to find fresh, local fruits and vegetables and enjoy the weather as it warms up. If you’re looking for the perfect family activity, check out some of McKinney’s local farmer’s markets. From fresh, seasonal produce to natural snacks and foods for the kids, McKinney’s farmer’s markets are excellent for crossing items off your grocery list and encouraging wholesome family eating.
Take the family down to the Historic McKinney Farmer’s Market at Chestnut Square, which is open from April to November yearly. It features produce, eggs, and dairy products from Texas’ top farms, so you know right where your food comes from. The market also hosts local arts and crafts vendors selling everything from soaps and candles to walking sticks, jewelry, and handmade apparel. Lola’s Local Market in Melissa is another great way to spend a spring afternoon.
Lola’s is about a 10-minute drive from McKinney and features seasonal, locally sourced produce, an animal farm attraction, and activities for the kids. In spring, wander the property where the kids can watch the chickens and rabbits roam and keep an eye out for Lola, the farm’s resident porcine. Lola’s also features artisan crafts, making this stop an activity for everyone.
Take a Family Fishing Trip
You don’t have to travel far out of McKinney to find aquatic activities for the family to enjoy. There are several excellent spots in and around McKinney to cast your line and relax in nature. Plus, many of the local spots have swimming areas and canoe and boat rentals. Collin Park Marina is one stop you’ll want to make with the family if you’re planning a day of fishing.
Collin Park has several areas where you can fish onshore, or you can get right on the water at one of the marina’s boat ramps to fish on the lake. There are swimming areas and a swim beach perfect for the little ones. If you and the family are feeling competitive, Collin also hosts fishing tournaments for all skill levels, giving everyone a way to enjoy the coming spring.
McKinney and the surrounding areas have so much for families to do, and with the weather warming up, many seasonal activities and events are opening in full swing. If you have a favorite springtime activity you like to do with the family, share it with the team at Huffines Hyundai in McKinney. We’d love to hear from you.