Valley Nature Center

"So super kid friendly. Light walking type of trail. I’ve hosted nature scavenger hunts here before for groups of 20-30 kids, and it’s a fantastic location because the space of the this park is accommodating for kid exploration without many dangers compared to larger terrains. As a parent, I love that my children benefit from learning, exploring, exercising, and soaking in some sunlight all while the trail occupies them."

"Amazing spot hidden little gem"

"I am stunned at how much there is to do and see here! We came here just to walk around the trails outside, but stumbled on to Jurassic Camp. Insanely fun! Even got to hold a snake. The trails outside are very well maintained and perfect for a nice walk. Not too long, not too short. The pond with all the turtles was a highlight. Driven by for years and never knew that it was more than a kid's park. Nice little gem in the middle of such an urban area!"

"Very deserving of it's name, the valley nature center truly is the valley's nature center. Everyone who is coming down here for ecotourism or locals getting into it should start here, as the center breaks down the diverse ecosystems and wildlife of the lower RGV for everyone to understand. They have an attractive collection of captive animals and the indoor center itself is very clean and following all COVID-19 guidelines. The park itself is not huge but there are plenty of meandering trails, with a great assortment of rgv flora and fauna living there. What stood out to me the most was the sheer amount of turtles and lizards here. I spotted two brown anoles, two rose bellied lizards, one earless lizard and one spiny tailed lizard just on one cactus complex. You'll find plenty of lizards scurrying about, spotted a ribbon snake as well in there. As someone who actively engages in hiking and enjoys exploring the various natural sites in the LRGV, I find it kind of criminal that I did not start here first. Coming from someone that's been to nearly every state park, world birding center, national wildlife refuge, nature sanctuary/preserve and hiking area in the valley, I HIGHLY recommend that everyone new to it start here. I'm sure even experienced south texas naturalists will appreciate and enjoy this beautiful nature center in the middle of weslaco. Entrance fee is a very reasonable $5 and frontera audubon society along with estero llano grande state park are just a few blocks away."