Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura and Ryan O’Dowd.
Laura and Ryan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After a family trip to Colorado, we were inspired to create a space to encourage people to make memories outside with family and friends. We began dreaming up a place with games, music, mini-golf, and space to play. We got a dose of courage and purchased 4 acres in Northwest McKinney.
After 2 years of hard work, we renovated the century-old red barn, added axe throwing lanes, 9 square, Gaga ball, tetherball, restrooms, and tons of other games. We hung hundreds of string lights and added an old grain silo (for birthday parties).
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The physical work of building bathrooms, restoring the old barn, and adding grass, mulch, and games were challenging, though we enjoyed it.
The land was unkept when we bought it, so lots went into trimming trees and bringing the space to life.
Spreading the word that we are here has been challenging as well.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Wayback Barn?
The Wayback Barn is a space to relax, play, and make memories with their people! We are a perfect birthday party spot (for adults and kids!), friend hangout, place to take the kids or grandkids, date night, happy hour, corporate meeting, sports celebration, fundraiser, and event space! Relax by the fire pit or play one of over a dozen games (tether ball, corn hole, Gaga ball, 9 square, horseshoes, ladder ball, giant Jenga, foosball, darts, giant connect 4, or ring toss). We also offer the only outdoor axe-throwing lanes in North Texas!
The hundreds of string lights bring the space to life at night! On the weekends, we often have live music and food trucks. We also host events for the community.
We hope to have mini golf completed by March and our liquor license soon after! BYOB until then.
We will open up registration for summer camps soon!
Pricing:
- $8 pp entry
- $35 family max
- $12 additional for axe throwing
Contact Info:
- Website: Waybackbarn.com
- Instagram: @waybackbarn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waybackbarn
Image Credits
Ryan O’Dowd Photography
