What to do and see in McAllen, Texas (TX): The Best Things to do Good for Kids

October 7, 2021 Sheron Bogner

McAllen (/mɪˈkælɪn/ mih-KAL-in) is the largest city in Hidalgo County, Texas, United States, and the twenty-second most populous city in Texas. It is located at the southern tip of the state in the Rio Grande Valley. The city limits extend south to the Rio Grande, across from the Mexican city of Reynosa, and McAllen is approximately 70 miles (110 km) west of the Gulf of Mexico. As of the 2010 census the city's population was 129,877, and the population of the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission metropolitan area was 774,769. As of 2016, the city population was estimated to be 142,212. It is the fifth most populous metropolitan area in the state of Texas, and the bi-national Reynosa–McAllen Metropolitan Area counts a population of nearly 1.5 million.
Restaurants in McAllen

1. McAllen Public Library

4001 N 23rd St, McAllen, TX 78504-4104 +1 956-681-3000 http://www.mcallenlibrary.net/
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 154 reviews

McAllen Public Library

2. Quinta Mazatlan

600 Sunset Dr, McAllen, TX 78503-3146 +1 956-681-3370 http://www.quintamazatlan.com
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 219 reviews

Quinta Mazatlan

Quinta Mazatlan is a historical Adobe mansion and nature and birding center located in McAllen, Texas. Our MissionThe urban sanctuary works to enrich people's lives by sharing knowledge about birds, plants, and environmental stewardship in South Texas.Our VisionQuinta Mazatlan, cherished locally and recognized internationally, is a sanctuary connecting people to the history, beauty and wonder of our natural world.

Reviewed By FlightNursetraveler - Staunton, United States

I spent around 3 hours at Quinta Mazatlan on a Sat morning. I walked from my hotel to the grounds-for reference I stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites. Very easy walk. While it was early spring and the trees were just starting to bud out-the grounds were lovely. Due to the migratory patterns of birds I glimpsed birds Id never seen before. The trails are cut through the native vegetation and the signs along the paths are educational and interesting. For kids and the kid in all of us, one of the trails currently features Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax." The book is presented along the course of the trail and I now see it in a new light-conservation mixed into the great imagination and rhymes of Dr.Seuss. Another highlight for me was the sculpture. Throughout the gardens/trails there are incredible lifelike sculptures of the native animals to the region. The house is a spectacular architectural and design treasure. If you are as obsessed with design elements as I am you will love this home. For $3.00 you can't beat the price. Would definitely go again.

3. McAllen Convention Center

700 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501-3508 +1 956-681-3800 http://www.mcallenconventioncenter.net/
Excellent
59%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 142 reviews

McAllen Convention Center

Reviewed By marymendiola22

My friends and I decided to go eat and then we went walking to the McAllen convention center. It was a great afternoon and we had a wonderful time. We took pictures outside and inside the place is amazing.

4. International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)

1900 W Nolana Ave, McAllen, TX 78504-4121 +1 956-681-2800 [email protected] http://www.theimasonline.org/
Excellent
43%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 56 reviews

International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)

The International Museum of Art & Science is a Smithsonian Affiliate and fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. IMAS is the premier art and science museum of South Texas and contains over 50,000 square feet of exhibit space. The IMAS galleries host a number of revolving art and science exhibits each year. The museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to participate in hands-on science exhibits and to learn about original works of art while encouraging creativity and innovation. The IMAS permanent collection includes more than 2,000 natural history and geology specimens and 4,500 folk art and textile objects. The 1,500 fine art works in the permanent collection reflect many countries and artistic movements beyond Mexico, dating from the 16th century to the present. Current Hours and Admission Rates ($1): http://theimasonline.org/

Reviewed By myrag791 - Mission, United States

I love going to museums and I have been to museums all over the world. This one in McAllen will definitely not disappoint. The art side of the museum changes exhibits frequently. They bring in excellent exhibits. The science side is sure to make young kids fascinated with science and biology. Great place to visit with children and adults. Great place to just enjoy yourself for a few hours. While it is not a big museum by NY or Chicago standards, it is a very good museum and well curated with what is shown on a revolving basis.

5. McAllen Nature Center

4101 W US Highway 83 Open 8 am to Sunset and 8 am to noon and 5 pm to Sunset, McAllen, TX 78501-8613 +1 956-681-3333 http://www.facebook.com/McAllenNatureCenter
Excellent
50%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 40 reviews

McAllen Nature Center

Reviewed By PT1102 - Augusta, United States

My wife and I were looking for a place to walk while we were in McAllen Texas and went to the McAllen Nature Center. It was a wonderful place to go for a walk. There were plenty of paths to walk, a playground for children, and lots of wildlife and nature to see and explore. If you're looking for a place to enjoy a walk at whatever pace you walk at, I would recommend the McAllen Nature Center.

6. Town Lake at Firemen's Park

201 N. 1st St, McAllen, TX 78501 +1 956-681-3302 http://www.facebook.com/mcallentownlake
Excellent
52%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 33 reviews

Town Lake at Firemen's Park

7. La Plaza Mall

2200 S 10th St, McAllen, TX 78503-5437 +1 956-972-5454 [email protected] http://www.simon.com/mall/la-plaza-mall
Excellent
37%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
9%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 125 reviews

La Plaza Mall

La Plaza Mall is the premier shopping destination in the Rio Grande Valley and features over 1,200,000 square feet of upscale and mainstream retail space with retailers that include BCBGMAXAZRIA, Marciano, Michael Kors and Pandora, as well as more traditional retailers like Express, American Eagle Outfitters, Victoria’s Secret and Aéropostale. La Plaza Mall completed the expansion and renovation of its new food court, La Plaza Cafes. Eateries include Zushi, Green Leafs Beyond Great, Charley’s Subs and more. Conveniently situated at the intersection of 10th Street and Expressway 83, just 5 miles from the U.S. – Mexico border, La Plaza Mall is home to over 150 specialty retailers.

Reviewed By omahaken

One of the best malls remaining in the country, we.re certain. We were blown away by the size, selection of stores, cleanliness and energy of this mall. We are from Omaha, Neb., where the rinky dink shopping options and failed malls are very sad. We ventured over on a trip to Costco in Pharr and were so impressed. Good for McAllen, the Valley and neighbors in Mexico for supporting this great experience. It was nice to be out for a few hours in this pandemic to such a vibrant, lively setting. Virtually no empty storefronts — unheard of these days in malls.

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