RGV Moms, let’s get our littles (and our bigs) outside and explore all that the Rio Grande Valley has to offer! We’re excited to begin a new series entitled, “Let’s Explore,” where our RGV Moms Blog Contributors will take you along on their RGV adventures. First up: Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center.
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center
Location: 714 S Raul Longoria Rd, Edinburg
Phone: (956) 381-9922
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday (spring and summer)
Cost: $3/adult, $2/students and seniors, Kids 0-5 are free
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Website: http://www.EdinburgWBC.org
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EdinburgWBC/
Let’s Explore!
My little one is now three, and I feel like that is a prime age to begin exploring! He’s old enough to follow directions and endure the heat for more than 20 minutes, and he’s curious enough to make it an adventure!
I recently took him to Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center and we had such a great time! The staff was energetic and full of knowledge. We paid our admission fee (my little one was free!), got a map and headed off to get our junior ranger gear!
At the gift shop, we were able to check out a junior ranger bag with all kinds of goodies! Since my little one can’t yet read, some of the items were too advanced, but this would be so perfect for kids in elementary school. The bag had guides so that you could identify wildlife, kid-sized binoculars, a magnifying glass, a tray and nets for exploration, and a workbook.
We gazed over the lake and spotted cranes and turtles with the help of our binoculars. Then we went over to the Dragonfly Pond to really get into nature with our tray and nets.
There is a boardwalk and pavilion built right above the pond, with easy access to the water. We were able to identify dragonflies, water bugs and more! My little one thought it was so fun to scoop out the water and then look to see what we had found.
Next, we explored some of the trails (and saw butterflies, geckos, and cactus flowers) and made it over to the Discovery Pond. The design of the pond was perfect for my little one. He loved seeing the different-sized fish and lily pads.
It was a hot day, so we didn’t get to explore everything, but we ended with a sweet treat at a great price! I’m definitely planning to take my older kids back and do some more exploring, maybe during the butterfly migration season.
They have a huge list of activities and adventures happening throughout the spring and summer. You can check out their Facebook page for more info.
Insider Tips:
- Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray!
- Take some cash, if you want to treat your kiddos with very reasonably-priced ice cream on the way out.
- Take time in the visitor’s center to let your kids explore and learn about South Texas’ native wildlife…and there’s A/C!
- I recommend this adventure for kids ages three and up. The paths are stroller-friendly, but there are definitely danger-zones for unsteady walkers.
- Check out the Junior Ranger pack, especially if your kids can read.
So, RGV Moms, get out there and explore! Did you know that there are 10 World Birding Centers in the RGV? Check out our Directory for more information and ideas!
Let’s Explore Series
Check out the other posts in our Let’s Explore Series:
 outside and explore all that the Rio Grande Valley has to offer! First up in our new series: Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center.){kind=link}
Experiences like this one are so important for our long ones. They create memories that will last a lifetime and help shape them to be better conservation-minded people. Thank you for sharing!