Recreation in McAllen, Texas

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If you are visiting McAllen, Texas, or even if you live there, maybe you’re not aware of all the exciting things to do in McAllen.  Here are a few places you won’t want to miss!

The McAllen Visitors Bureau

This is the perfect place to start your tour of McAllen.  Get all the information you need about the different attractions in the area.

Get brochures, ask questions, get up to date on all things McAllen, TX!

International Museum of Art & Science

The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is a Smithsonian affiliate, and a great place to visit in the city of McAllen.  They are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year in 2017.  They started in a 5000-square foot building in 1967.  They have now grown to 50,000 square feet that make up exhibit space and public areas.

Rotating exhibits make this a place in McAllen, Texas that you can discover over and over again!

McAllen’s New Park and Spray Ground

Also called the Zinnia Water Park, this has got to be the place to take the kids in McAllen, TX.  With a traditional playground, and the added splash park feature, fun is guaranteed!  The splash park featured spouts and sprinklers at different levels, and kids will have a blast while staying cool.  Make a day of it.  They have picnic tables and walking paths as well.

McAllen Nature Center

Stroll the beautiful grounds of the McAllen Nature Center, which used to be called the McAllen Botanical Gardens.  This gem features 20 acres of greenery and hosts a variety of plant and animal species.

Hiking trails are featured.  Attend a program, or bring a picnic lunch!

Quinta Mazatlán

Here’s a real treat that you must make time to see.  Quinta Mazatlán is a 10,000-square foot adobe mansion and birding center.  They’ve got birding trails, an art gallery, nature exhibits, and programs for all ages.  This is a gorgeous place to spend the day relaxing and learning.

Nuevo Santander Gallery

This is a grownup place that houses fine art and museum quality artifacts and antiques.  Designed to look like a Spanish mission, it is a wonderful place for art and antique lovers alike.  Che and Becky Guerra opened Nuevo Santander in 1998, and turned their hobby into a business.  Now, we’re the lucky ones as we get to view the collection that’s been growing for 20 years.

Douglas Clark Sculpture Studio

In the Art’s District of McAllen, you will find the Douglas Clark Sculpture Studio.  Douglas Clark is a renowned sculptor that is a native Texan and resides in McAllen.  Don’t miss a chance to have a look at his work while you’re in his hometown.

Make Time to Explore McAllen

When you’re visiting McAllen, there are so many exciting things to do!  Your problem will be having enough time to do them all.  We’ve listed some here, but there’s much more than this.  A beautiful convention center is a nice place to visit.  The public library is nice, and shopping is great!  When the sun goes down, be sure to check out the nightlife.  Dance Clubs, Discos, and Karaoke Bars can bring a festive end to your days in McAllen.