Family Fun in the Rio Grande Valley
Families in the Rio Grande Valley can enjoy the summer’s heat at various water parks, including South Padre Island which is about an hour and a half away from McAllen. Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort is located in South Padre Island. There are two sections of attractions that are indoor and outdoor. Featuring the Transportainment river system, the attractions in the Outdoor water park are almost all connected by a single river. You can enter the Rio Aventura from one of several beaches within the park and then choose your own water adventure from there. You do not have to leave your tube to float the day away at Schlitterbahn. The indoor park is open throughout the year and connects to the outdoor park by a short walkway. With kids playground, slides, and water coasters. There is something for everyone!
South Padre Island Things to Do
Once you have had some fun at the waterpark, you might want to try some other types of water sports on South Padre Island. There are several locations where you can experience some excitement on kayak’s, wave runners, fishing trips, kite boarding, banana boats, or go on a dolphin watch tour in the morning or at sunset. Maybe take a walk on a pier to relax and fish in the Gulf. I am sure after a full day of activities you will want to try some of the well known restaurants on the island. The most popular locations for dining would be Blackbeard’s, Sea Ranch, Palms Café, and Gabriella’s. There is something for everyone to enjoy. If you are at the island on a Friday, you may want to stick around for the beautiful firework display. Louis Backyard has a firework display every Friday throughout the Summer nights. The fireworks can be viewed from different points of the island and children get so excited when watching the sky light up. Some viewers will find a good area to park their vehicles and have the children watch from there.
Pharr, Texas Things to Do
In Pharr, Texas, is where the Aquatics Park is located. The opening date for the Summer is on June 2, 2018. This is a fee‑based recreation area featuring multiple pools and water play structures with slides and tubes. For those who don’t want to do a lot of walking around, there is a lazy river for you to float around the park. If your children need swim lessons for the Summer; registration has begun. They are providing parent/child classes for ages 6 months through 3 years of age and preschool aquatics for ages 4 and 5. The ratio is one instructor for 10 kids. Classes for older children include, Introduction to water skills, fundamental aquatic skills, stroke development, and T.A.A.F. Team. You can contact the Pharr Parks and Recreation department at 1‑956‑402‑4550 for more information.
Zinnia Water Park
Zinnia Water Park, located in McAllen, Texas, on 29th and Zinnia Street, is the perfect place to visit when you want to get refreshed from the Texas heat. It features a spray ground water park for little ones to splash in. This park offers a swimming pool, splash pad, tree‑shaded walking and hiking trails, and ample green space. All the playground areas are surrounded with a soft safe ground to keep the children safe. You can even bring your pets to enjoy the sprinklers and to cool off too, it is a pet friendly environment. While the children are running around, you can be preparing a meal for them on the barbecue pits that are provided. Be sure to take sunscreen and to arrive early. With kids out of school, Zinnia Park gets packed at the opening hours.