Welcome to my part of the Year of the Staycation! I will be highlighting inexpensive or free things to do in McKinney, TX. Gas pricing are rising (ouch!). For most of us, this forces us to think a bit more local instead of a the usual family vacation that involves lots of travel.

McKinney is very family friendly. The majority of the events that the city holds are FREE. There are plenty of parks to go play in and some quaint little shops to visit on Main Street. Events for July 4th, Cinco de Mayo, and the like are planned every year.

Just because the usual family vacation may be out of your price range doesn’t mean you cannot have a great time this summer. Below you will find inexpensive or free things to do. Some are available to do all summer long while others are date-specific. Feel free to comment or email me via the contact form above if you have something to add!

 

To begin with, if you live in McKinney you need to check out the awesome activity guide. This is sent out three times a year and lists the city’s events, lessons and classes, and special happenings.

All Summer Long

• Parks

McKinney has lots of parks. Al Ruschhaupt Soccer Complex, Aviator, Finch, Horizon, and Whisenant have free splash pads that the little ones especially will love. There are many walking trails and Towne Lake Rec Area is a favorite. North Park also has swimming facilities.

 

• McKinney Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s Markets are fast becoming cheap family entertainment. Whether or not you are there to buy fresh produce or homemade items, usually you will find live music and good food to make a great family outing.

 

• Third Monday Trade Days

This is a HUGE flea market. Get there early or you will need to park across the street!

 

• Main Street

Main Street McKinney boasts restaurants, quaint little shops and boutiques, and is also the area where you will find many of the year’s events held.

 

• Heard Natural Science Museum

This is not expensive if you look at it as a whole, but for a family pass ($75) spread out over a year, this ends up a really great deal. There are also homeschool classes and the like available.

 

• Grisham Farm

From 10-1 on Tuesdays, this farm (which boasts horseback riding lessons and a petting zoo as well as animal assisted learning) is open to the public. Be sure to call ahead to RSVP.

 

Specific Dates

 

• Picnic in the Park

Friday, June 10, 2011, is the opening of McKinney’s The World Collection Park. McKinney has some of the loveliest Crepe Myrtles and this Picnic in the Park is a great way to see them while eating outside as a family.

 

• Crank off

Held in Chestnut Square, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on June 11, 2011, you can get homemade ice cream for $2-$3 a scoop. This is a great way to spend a hot Saturday!

 

• Jammin’ in June

If your family is of the musical persuasion, McKinney hosts three groups this June at Towne Lake Park: Vocal Trash, Acoustix, and Phares Corder Orchestra. Bring your own food or purchase meals there. Held June 16, 23, and 30th from 7:30 -9 PM.

 

• Traxxas Day in Craig Ranch (perfect for the boys)

“Come out and meet Traxxas (www.traxxas.com) – the fastest name in Radio Control on June 11 from 9am – 1pm!  There will be food vendors, live demonstrations, live music and all the race cars you could possibly hope to handle!  This event will be open to all of McKinney and is a great opportunity to have some fun for all ages – there will also be demo cars and tracks set up for guests to play”

• Red, White and Boom

Beginning at 10AM on July 4, McKinney is providing FREE of charge a full day of activities to celebrate Independence Day. Included are a parade, car show, family activities, music, and, of course, fire works beginning at 9:45 PM.

 

This is NOT a complete listing of all the free and inexpensive things to do in McKinney, however I feel it is a great start for those who want to plan their staycation. This list will be updated as I become aware of things to do that are affordable for families.