Parks & Playgrounds
Brownsville’s Resaca de la Palma boasts the largest tract of native habitat in the World Birding Center network. Visitors can enjoy over 8 miles of off-road trails, four observation decks that overlook four miles of resaca wetland, and a 2.76-mile paved loop by tram, hiking and biking. Bikes, binoculars, and Explorer Packs are available for rent.
The Magic Valley’s early 20th Century transition into an agricultural powerhouse is retold at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse, which also embraces nature conservation as a wing of the World Birding Center. Visitors to this museum on the Rio Grande can learn about the steam-driven irrigation pumps that transformed Hidalgo County into a year-round farming phenomenon. They also can wander the museum’s grounds, where hummingbird gardens are planned, and where many of the Valley’s amazing bird species are regular visitors as well.
Estero Llano Grande in Weslaco attracts a spectacular array of South Texas wildlife with its varied landscape of shallow lake, woodlands and thorn forest. Even beginning birders and nature lovers will enjoy exploring this 230 plus-acre refuge, which is convenient to all the Rio Grande Valley has to offer.
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park and World Birding Center is a great place to begin a south Texas nature adventure. Guided tours offer our visitors a chance to see wildlife in their natural habitats. Special programs for teachers, students and young naturalists are available as well as citizen science projects such as Hawk Watch and the Christmas Bird Count. Make sure to check our program calendar for special events and workshops scheduled throughout the year.
Boca Chica State Park is located near Brownsville in southeastern Cameron County, Texas. Boca Chica is part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, as is Brazos (Santiago) Island.
A Regional Park, which includes 12 picnic shelters, 2-acre pond with pier, 4 lighted baseball/softball fields, restrooms, playground, basketball courts, shuffle board courts, 3 lighted tennis courts, and a 2 mile walking trail.
5-mile Hike and Bike Trail, which includes Asphalt-Covered Trail, 2 Bridges, Parking Lot for up to 30 vehicles, a group Pavilion and Bike dirt trails.
A Neighborhood Park, which includes 2 Lighted Baseball Fields, Playground with gravel/rock floor, 2 Picnic Tables, 6 Covered Picnic Shelters, a Scout Hut, Community Center, Restrooms, and the Texas Citrus Fiesta Office.
An 18.5 acre Community Park, which includes a 7/8-mile Jogging Trail, Playground with rock/gravel floor, Pond with a Pier, Picnic Pavilion and Tables, Football/Soccer Field, Restrooms, Open Play Area and Dog Park. Park also houses a local fire station, the Boys and Girls Club and Bannworth Pool.
This 73-acre park includes 2 playgrounds, 3 covered picnic shelters, barbecue pits, 2 basketball courts, hummingbird and butterfly garden, and the Lon C. Hill aquatic center and Splash Pad
4o-acre park amenities include Victor Park Aquatic Center, Harlingen Rotary Bark Park, 5 lit baseball/softball fields, 6 lit tennis courts, playground, park pavilion, barbecue pit, covered picnic shelters, soccer/athletic fields, restrooms, and access to the Arroyo Hike & Bike trail on a sidewalk along HWY 77/83 access road.
Amenities include the 1-mile Harlingen Hometown Heroes trail with handicap accessible exercise equipment, 47 acres, 18 lit tennis courts with pro shop (HEB Tennis Center), Veterans Memorial, Pendleton Pool, park pavilion, barbecue pit, 6 little league baseball fields, scenic pond with fountain, picnic tables, restrooms, playgrounds, and a basketball court.
Park amenities include a 1.2 walking trail, covered picnic shelters, soccer fields, restrooms, and a playground area.
Park amenities include a 3/4 mile walking trail, 24 acres, playground, 3 soccer/athletic fields, park gazebo, 2 park pavilion, barbecue pits, restrooms
Park amenities include a 1-mile walking trail, 80 acres, 4 lit softball fields, 2 soccer fields, fishing pong and pier, 2 basketball courts, handicap-accessible playground, covered picnic shelters, park pavilion, barbecue pit, and restrooms.
Park amenities include a 1.5 walking trail, 54 acres of wooded park land, nature trails, observation blind overlooking the Arroyo Colorado, restrooms, and a covered picnic area.
Park amenities include a 2-mile walking trail (one way), 11 acres, playground, picnic areas, and access to Arroyo Hike & Bike trail
This 20-acre park has a playground, 9-hole disc golf course, park pavilion, barbecue pit, City of Harlingen Reservoir and restrooms.
This Harlingen park has 9 acres, an inclusive//handicap accessible playground, a covered picnic shelter, and access to the Arroyo Hike & Bike trail.
This park has a 2-mile walking trail, 29 acres, 2 baseball fields, 2 soccer fields, nature trails with scenic overlooks of the Arroyo Colorado, a playground, a volleyball area, a covered picnic shelter, restrooms, access to Arroyo Hike & Bike trail, and an exercise circuit.