Parks & Playgrounds
Introducing children to a world of learning through creative hands-on interactive exhibits, workshops and activities.
The Gladys Porter Zoo is an oasis nestled in the center of Brownsville, Texas. With 27 acres of lush tropical plants and some 1,500 animals, the Gladys Porter Zoo is known for its successes in breeding endangered species of wildlife.
Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center hosts school groups from pre-K through high school, scout groups, birding tours for all ages, challenge course facilitation, youth family programming, adult and senior history tours, speaker series programs, adult short courses in backyard habitat and birding! We have something for everyone!
A 40-acre wetlands oasis in the midst of a lively urban landscape, the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands offers watchable wildlife year-round in a setting friendly to birds, butterflies and other water-loving creatures. The grounds offer three acres of paths and butterfly gardens, a large lake for wildlife viewing, Dragonfly pond, discover pond and indoor kids’ area and gift shop. You can check out Junior Ranger packs filled with activities and materials to help your little ones explore South Texas nature!
Fireman’s Park is an oasis in the middle of McAllen. It boasts a pond with walking track, restrooms, kids’ playground and B-cycle station. Rentals are available on weekends for paddle boats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. The barbecue pavilion is capable of serving 250 people. The pavilion features a refrigerator, indoor grill, restrooms, and can be rented through the Parks & Recreation Department. The park also has a playground area and sand volleyball court.
The Pharr Aquatic Center is a South Texas attraction including water slides, pools and lazy river attractions. Pharr Natatorium is also on site.
Park with a walking path, pond, playground, bathrooms and splash pad.
Neighborhood park offering a splash pad, playground, restrooms, and pavilion with picnic tables. It is a summer meals site via the McAllen ISD summer feeding program. The park also has a skateboard park, tree-shaded trails, baseball field, sand volleyball court, and ample green space.
McAllen Municipal Park and Pool is home to a 27-acre site with picnic facilities, a rubber floor toddler playground, older kid playground & an Olympic-size outdoor pool (see McAllen Parks and Rec aquatics site for more information on pool hours).
Bill Schupp Park is a great park for any age! It has an outer fitness trail, multiple playgrounds, bathrooms, picnic tables and shade trees.
This spot in South McAllen has everything! It’s located at the Palmview Community Center, so there’s a branch library, gym, as well as the outdoor facilities. The splash pad is very interactive, and has restrooms and picnic tables with shade. It’s also a summer meals location through the McAllen ISD summer feeding program. The playground is perfect for kids 5-12. There are some high slides and steep drops for the little ones. There’s also a walking path, exercise equipment, basketball court and skate park.
The Lark Community Center and Park is a great place for the whole family. It has a branch library, gym, classrooms and restrooms inside. The outdoor facilities include two play areas (one for littles and one more advance for the bigger kids), soccer fields, covered picnic tables, and a walking track with plenty of shade.
The 37-acre green space houses a softball complex & playgrounds, plus picnic areas and 4 BBQ pavilions. Also the site of Movies in the Park during the summer months.
This neighborhood park is right by the Othal Brand Center of the Boys and Girls Club of McAllen. It has restrooms, multiple playgrounds, soccer and baseball fields, and plenty of shade.
This cute neighborhood park is perfect for your littles! It has a low playground, shaded pavilion, walking path, basketball court and sand volleyball area.
Sports enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy the lighted softball/baseball, football, and soccer fields, a jogging trail, a lighted basketball pavilion, lighted tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and aquatic facilities. Exciting playground equipment is also available in the 27-acre park.
This park is part of the master-planned Tres Lagos Community. Complete with swings, exercise stations, picnic tables and a multi-level playground that’s great for kids ages 5 and up.
Morningside Park features 41 acres and consists of baseball fields, kickball fields, soccer fields, playgrounds, and pavilions. This park is a major destination for recreational sports. It also has a waterfront boardwalk perfect for bird-watching.