Family fun does not have to cost a thing. These are free and low-cost things to do in the Rio Grande Valley with kids, from parks and trails to libraries, splash pads and nature centers. Mom of 3 tested and budget approved. #freethingstodo #rgv #riog...
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Huge, beautiful library with free kids' programs, story time and study spaces. Check their calendar for crafts, movies and summer reading prizes.
McAllen Public Library
Free trails and a cactus garden in the middle of McAllen. A quick nature break that's easy for little legs and strollers.
McAllen Nature Center
Low-cost nature sanctuary with shaded trails, gardens and a historic adobe mansion. Kids love spotting chachalacas and iguanas along the paths.
Quinta Mazatlan
Free wetlands trails with turtles, butterflies and tons of birds. Go early in the morning when it's cooler and the wildlife is most active.
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center
Big park with a playground and splash pad, perfect for cooling off on hot Valley days. Bring towels and a change of clothes for the kids.
Bill Schupp Park
Large park with sports fields, open space and walking trails. A great spot for family soccer, kite flying or an evening stroll.
Edinburg Municipal Park
Big park with playgrounds, a lake and walking paths. Pack a picnic and some bread crumbs for the ducks for an easy free afternoon.
Joe & Tony Oliveira Park
Free nature trails and birding in Harlingen with shaded paths. Bring binoculars and bug spray, and let the kids keep a bird checklist.
Hugh Ramsey Nature Park
Classic city park with playgrounds, shade trees and room to run. An easy, free stop for families who need to get out of the house.
Weslaco City Park North
Low-cost entry for trails, observation towers and suspension bridges through native forest. One of the best birding spots in the country, right in our backyard.
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
Free story times, crafts and summer reading programs in Brownsville. A library card also unlocks free ebooks, audiobooks and online learning.
Brownsville Public Library - Main Branch
Riverside park for picnics, fishing and big open lawns. Great for family gatherings, and the sunsets over the river are beautiful.
Anzalduas Park
Free story times, events and summer reading programs in Edinburg. Ask about their free museum passes and online resources too.
Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library
Free programs, a great kids' section and quiet study areas. Sign up for a card to borrow books, movies and ebooks at no cost.
Harlingen Public Library
Affordable family day at one of the best zoos in Texas. Go in the morning when animals are most active, and look for discount days.
