North Texas Faves Part FOUR

Eisenhower State Park

It's been a few years since we've been to Eisenhower State Park (about an hour north of McKinney) but it's on our list of spots to visit this summer because it's such a cool spot!

The last time we were there was Spring Break a few years ago and it was chilly but I know in the summer you can head down to this beach area and swim...

... and there are fun caves you can climb to and explore.

The beach area is great, but there are also hikes to do and you can even camp there if that's your thing!

Dallas World Aquarium

The Dallas World Aquarium is one of our FAVORITE spots. 

There's a shark tunnel...

.... outdoor penguin exhibit...

... SLOTH!!!

... and tons of other amazing exhibits (including a multi-story rainforest!)

 If you're in town visiting it's well worth the visit and if you're local it's for sure worth a membership. It's within walking distance from The Perot Museum and for years we were members at both and would spend the morning at the Perot (free parking in the members lot!), have a picnic lunch outside the museum (or grab tacos at the teeny taco stand behind El Fenix) and then walk over to the Aquarium.  

Downtown McKinney

I've talked about Downtown McKinney many many times but I figure it's worth mentioning again ;)  If you're visiting with kids here are a few spots you may want to check out...

The Antique Company Mall is my FAVORITE antique mall.  It's fun to poke around in on your own or with kids.  

About a block away is Barrons Estate Jewelry which may sound like a random stop with kids BUT the store is wall to wall, floor to ceiling cases filled with the most beautiful and interesting things not just jewelry.   

If you're looking for a place to stop and eat with kids absolutely check out The Yard...

It's a STUNNING old home that's been turned into the cutest restaurant and the indoor/outdoor dining is AWESOME (sidenote: I remember going to this spot in high school back when it was first converted to a restaurant and it was The Sweet Tomato Cafe... the soup there was TO DIE FOR!)

Do yourself a favor and get the smothered waffle fries and the chicken fingers!

When you're walking from The Yard back to the square make sure you check out The Prison... it's the actual old prison.  YEARS ago it was converted to a restaurant (we ate there before Prom once - hahaha) and then a book store and I believe it's just an office building now BUT if you walk down the alley you can read the historical markers and check see where they used to bring the prisoners in.

If you keep going through the alley (you don't have to go that way but if you're checking out the prison you might as well)... you'll land on Tennessee Street and HAVE to stop in at Emporium Pies.  You can't go wrong with any of their pies but definitely try the smooth operator!

If you're not full of sugar yet stop in at Mom and Popcorn and grab some popcorn to go as well as some bulk candy ;)

Rockin AB is a great stop for kids...

... and then make sure you pop into the performing arts center that used to be the original Collin County Courthouse.  There is more to say but these are my top reccs for a visit with kids. 

HAPPY Tuesday, friends!!!