With an average of 229 sunny days a year, storm clouds are pretty rare in our neck of the woods. But, when Texas skies do turn gray, there’s no reason for your family to sit around twiddling your thumbs. So beat the rainy day blues with this list of fun things to do around McKinney.

Make a Splash at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium

A child swims at the local indoor pool as a rainy day activity in McKinney, Texas

“Our little water baby” licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 via Flickr by mrsjadekenny 

The Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium is McKinney residents’ go-to spot when skies are gray. The city of Allen’s Parks and Recreation Department manages this premier, family-friendly recreational facility on East Rivercrest. It’s an affordable place for year-round fun for everyone. From tai chi to Traditional Karate classes, you’ll have everything you need to achieve your health and wellness goals here.

For a unique fitness experience, try out your skills on the indoor rock climbing wall. It soars 24 feet above the ground and is an impressive 18 feet wide. Its sandstone-textured surface provides a fantastic climbing experience that’s suitable for all skill levels. The center also provides an excellent variety of workout equipment and loads of classes for all ages.

Where this facility really shines is its outstanding aquatic experiences. You can improve fitness with low-impact water workouts, and children as young as infants can learn to swim at one of the city’s largest indoor pools. With a play structure, slide, and a lazy river, there are so many ways to take advantage of this center. It also offers programs like:

  • Open swim times for the general public.
  • Group aquatic fitness classes.
  • Small class swim instruction for kids.
  • American Red Cross certification classes.

Learn Something New at the Museum of Science and History

While Fort Worth is about an hour from McKinney, the Museum of Science and History is worth the drive. Anchored by various permanent exhibitions, its rich collections and interactive raveling exhibits engage learners of all ages. Organizers updated most areas of the museum in 2021, giving it a fresh look and even more ways to engage with your community through this institution’s creative, vibrant programming.

When stormy summer weather has your family cooped up indoors, take advantage of The Little Scholars Program. Its summer session keeps students in grades first through fifth engaged over the long break. They’ll get to explore the museum, visit the STEAM lab, and bridge the COVID learning gap with the help of certified teachers.

This facility is also home to the Fort Worth Children’s Museum. This gallery offers unique sights for the museum’s youngest guests, children up to the age of 8. They’ll love loads of stimulating, age-appropriate activities. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History also features numerous world-class permanent attractions like:

  • DinoLabs.
  • DinoDig.
  • Energy Blast.
  • Cattle Raiser’s Museum.
  • Innovation Studios.
  • Omni Theater.
  • Noble Planetarium.

Check Out Your Local Library

Your neighborhood public library is one of the most overlooked entertainment destinations in town. The city has three namely, the John and Judy Gay Library near Gabe Nesbitt Community Park, the Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library on East Hunt Street, and the Collin College Library on West University Drive. You may be amazed to learn that the walls of these formidable institutions contain more than mere books. So plan to spend the next gray day exploring your library’s treasures. 

Check out the calendar for numerous indoor events like “Wobblers and Walkers” or “Meditative Mandala. ” Spend a rainstorm studying your family’s genealogy. You can use your library’s extensive collection of records and online resources. Your free library card unlocks access to something for everyone, such as:

  • eBooks, DVDs, and music CDs.
  • ESL classes.
  • Book clubs.
  • Career resources.
  • Computer services and printing.
  • Story time.
  • School and homework resources.
  • Volunteer opportunities.

Discover the Kimball Art Museum

Even young children can appreciate art, especially on a cloudy day. Reports show that children are never too young to benefit from time wandering an art museum’s halls with mom and dad. Kimball on Camp Bowie Boulevard is an excellent place to while away a gray day. 

Kimball Art Museum is open every day except Monday, making it easy to stop by on the weekends when you have more time to take in all of its extraordinary pieces. While the sculptures scattered throughout the grounds are spectacular, stick to the indoor collections when it’s stormy out. Directors filled its crisp, modern halls with stunning works of art. Over 100 paintings by artists like Henri Matisse and Claude Monet grace the walls.

If the weather is particularly awful outside, grab a mug of hot cocoa, gather the kiddos on the couch, and take a virtual tour. The whole family can experience Kimball’s permanent collections, as well as special temporary exhibitions. Past presentations include exciting glimpses at “Turner’s Modern World.”

Catch a Show at the Granbury Opera House

Forget all about the weatherman’s prediction today and take in a show at the Granbury Opera House. This local production company puts on loads of live presentations inside the historic theater on East Pearl Street. Catch a variety of family-friendly shows, including festive season favorites like “Elf” and classics like “The Nut Cracker,” plus other live musicals, tribute concerts, variety shows, and stage plays, like The Broadway on the Brazos.

The Granbury Theatre Company also hosts adult and youth classes. Students between the ages of 10 and 18 can join the academy and improve their performing skills with basic tap dancing and musical theater. Littles Dance is perfect for budding stars from 5 to 7 years-old, while teens may be interested in learning more about Granbury’s contemporary dance and hip hop workshops. In addition, participants get to perform on the Opera House stage during the seasonal showcase.

So, there you have it. Crème de la Crème of McKinney just informed you of the best things to do on a rainy Texas day.  Did you like the destinations we chose? If we miss a favorite spot of yours — one resident’s love, let us know! Drop us a line; we’ll be sure to add it to our list.