Valley Nature Center

Review №1

Rating: 5

Date: 5 days ago

Review №2

Rating: 5

It was so great visit!! I enjoyed it so much!!

Date: a week ago

Review №3

Rating: 5

Date: 3 weeks ago

Review №4

Rating: 5

Date: a month ago

Review №5

Rating: 5

Date: 2 months ago

Review №6

Rating: 5

It was a truly wonderful experience to find such a natural gem in the heart of the city.

Date: 2 months ago

Review №7

Rating: 5

Date: 3 months ago

Review №8

Rating: 5

Date: 3 months ago

Review №9

Rating: 5

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.

Date: 3 months ago

Review №10

Rating: 5

Took my clients here and everyone where so attentive and cheerful

Date: 4 months ago

Review №11

Rating: 5

Went there for Earth Day .free event .went for a walk,but there were mosquitoes so we turned around and walked out.i cant wait to go back.

Date: 4 months ago

Review №12

Rating: 5

Very enjoyable! A great place to get away because it is an In, but out location.

Date: 4 months ago

Review №13

Rating: 5

Be sure to visit and support the wonderful work they do.

Date: 4 months ago

Review №14

Rating: 5

Great day with nice breeze. Park was full of people and kids laughing and having a great time. It would be nice to have the water park area working instead of just on hot days.

Date: 5 months ago

Review №15

Rating: 5

A great place to visit. Holly Johnston does an outstanding job in running it with the help of her wonderful staff. They hosted the 2024 BIRD CHIRP Birding Festival, which was an unmitigated success. I can t say enough nice things about how much I enjoyed the festival, how well it was executed and how warm and engaging the staff is. I am looking forward to next year!

Date: 5 months ago

Review №16

Rating: 5

Great place to take your kids if you are driving by Weslaco, Texas. There are bbq pits, tables, benches and basket ball court for the public. There are two play grounds for the children to play as well. There were restrooms. Go out there and enjoy a day with a picnic.

Date: 6 months ago

Review №17

Rating: 5

First time visitor to this lovely park. It was a Saturday around noon and there weren t many people in the wildlife area, but plenty of families in the park area. I will be back.

Date: 6 months ago

Review №18

Rating: 5

Always a nice place to take grandson when its not too crowded.

Date: 6 months ago

Review №19

Rating: 5

Date: 6 months ago

Review №20

Rating: 5

Love it ..My kids love it

Date: 6 months ago

Review №21

Rating: 4

Ok place a little small but ok for the valley

Date: 6 months ago

Review №22

Rating: 5

Date: 7 months ago

Review №23

Rating: 5

Love the Park. We have lived here 32 years and have seen great improvements. Now my grandkids are enjoying it.

Date: 7 months ago

Review №24

Rating: 5

Date: 7 months ago

Review №25

Rating: 5

My son and I loved it! Staff is also very friendly. We will definitely be going again. :)

Date: 7 months ago

Review №26

Rating: 5

Amazing spot hidden little gem

Date: 8 months ago

Review №27

Rating: 5

Date: 8 months ago

Review №28

Rating: 5

Date: 8 months ago

Review №29

Rating: 5

Date: 9 months ago

Review №30

Rating: 5

Date: 9 months ago

Review №31

Rating: 5

Nice clean trails and plenty of birds to see.

Date: 10 months ago

Review №32

Rating: 5

We will go again its waz so kool

Date: 11 months ago

Review №33

Rating: 5

Date: 11 months ago

Review №34

Rating: 5

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 kids park. Nice little gem in the middle of such an urban area!

Date: 11 months ago

Review №35

Rating: 5

Very nice place

Date: a year ago

Review №36

Rating: 5

Great hidden gem for bird lovers and not to mention the turtles. I love it..

Date: a year ago

Review №37

Rating: 5

Kids enjoyed feeding the turtles and walking the trail. Staff was friendly. They have restrooms inside the facility.

Date: a year ago

Review №38

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №39

Rating: 5

It was closed

Date: a year ago

Review №40

Rating: 5

Excellent place for viewing birds with wildlife. I especially love turtles .

Date: a year ago

Review №41

Rating: 5

We were there after hours so just saw from the outside but its an amazing place.

Date: a year ago

Review №42

Rating: 4

Very nice little park. Good local wildlife info. Enjoyed our walk through the out the pathways.

Date: a year ago

Review №43

Rating: 5

If you plan to visit, go as early as possible in order to avoid the heat. If youre going in the summer, dress as lightly as possible. This place is a gem. Even though its a fairly small area, its home to tons of animals and birds. Even before entering the park, you can hear the noisy chatter of the chachalacas. Its amazing to think that the entire Rio Grande Valley used to look like this not so long ago. Between the Valley Nature Center and a few other pockets of protected land (Santa Anna Refuge, Laguna Atascosa, etc.), its all gone. Do yourself a favor and walk through the many trails in this nature center. Experience what it was like for the first settlers. On your way out of the center, make sure to purchase one of many native valley plants for your own home.

Date: a year ago

Review №44

Rating: 5

Beautiful little nature park in the center of Weslaco. A hidden gem.

Date: a year ago

Review №45

Rating: 4

Pretty fun birding spot! A bit small, bit it feels expansive when you get inside on the trails

Date: a year ago

Review №46

Rating: 5

Excellent

Date: a year ago

Review №47

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №48

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №49

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №50

Rating: 4

Beautiful water birds

Date: a year ago

Review №51

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №52

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №53

Rating: 5

Great birding place!

Date: a year ago

Review №54

Rating: 1

The bird is very mean vita

Date: a year ago

Review №55

Rating: 5

Date: a year ago

Review №56

Rating: 5

Great place for the family. Love to see all the nature here

Date: a year ago

Review №57

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №58

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №59

Rating: 5

My family and I have been members of the Nature Center for many years. The facilities, the wildlife, the trails, the programming and the staff are a true gem to the Mid-Valley, and Weslaco, in particular. I have countless pictures of my boys and their friends running around the trails, hiding in the giant turtle cave inside the Nature Center or holding snakes or wildlife. Weve also enjoyed so many programs hosted to benefit our community. As a working parent, one of my favorite programs is their summer camp. Our boys have enjoyed the Nature Quest Camp for over 5 years running. Holly, Mrs. Nora (the camp chef) and the staff know my family and my kids so well that it feels like Im leaving them with family. My boys and my family have made amazing memories at the Nature Center. We love to promote and support their events to others. We feel blessed to have a treasure like this in our hometown.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №60

Rating: 5

Landscaping was gorgeous and well maintained! Trails were all popperly marked , the kids LOVE to feed the turtles here the interior air-conditioned area has amenities to keep little ones bussy puzzles,stuffed animals,puppets. THANK YOU FOR HAVING US!!!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №61

Rating: 5

Great tour guides and lots of fun and learning.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №62

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №63

Rating: 5

The birds and turtles were awesome

Date: 2 years ago

Review №64

Rating: 5

Excellent trails and water feature. Staff is very helpful. If you are looking for the goldcrownwd warbler they can tell you where to find it.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №65

Rating: 3

It looks very neglected, although it is interesting to go see.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №66

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №67

Rating: 5

Super place to visit with children

Date: 2 years ago

Review №68

Rating: 4

They have a great place and their spirit of conservation is awesome

Date: 2 years ago

Review №69

Rating: 5

Really nice place to take a short walk and feed the turtles. The staff is very polite and helpful.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №70

Rating: 5

I love turtles

Date: 2 years ago

Review №71

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №72

Rating: 5

Very nice place with old growth trees and good trails with feed and water spots.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №73

Rating: 5

Nice little place. Walking trails with dense vegetation and a good number of birds.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №74

Rating: 5

Thanks to Anthony, we saw the golden crowned warbler. He was very helpful to several birders! This is a hidden jewel in the middle of town. Very friendly staff !

Date: 2 years ago

Review №75

Rating: 3

Nice little place. Small but it brings in some great birds.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №76

Rating: 5

Neat place and great birds

Date: 2 years ago

Review №77

Rating: 5

Excellent nature center. Lots of walking trails with frequent benches, here-you-are maps at all trail intersections, friendly staff, nice clean main office. I recommend!

Date: 2 years ago

Review №78

Rating: 4

Nice little hidden gem next to the city park. Theres a small trail system with a good pond, the entire area is covered with vegetation making it a great place to bird. Currently theres a Golden-crowned Warbler being seen. The visitors center is also a nice area with unique exhibits for the public.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №79

Rating: 2

Date: 2 years ago

Review №80

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №81

Rating: 5

Beautiful

Date: 2 years ago

Review №82

Rating: 5

Great place for birding

Date: 2 years ago

Review №83

Rating: 5

Date: 2 years ago

Review №84

Rating: 5

Fun Halloween event, walking trails and seeing the local animals and plants. Fun park in front to play on as well.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №85

Rating: 5

Great time with my loved ones.

Date: 2 years ago

Review №86

Rating: 4

Date: 2 years ago

Review №87

Rating: 5

Loved it the trail was absolutely beautiful

Date: 3 years ago

Review №88

Rating: 5

I finally was able to visit VNC last June. I enjoyed a wonderful hike outside and a reptile demonstration inside. I even got to pet some of the snakes! This place is very well organized and they take very good care of the grounds. Signs are well marked on the trail and parking is easy to find. Also, the center is very active in the community, helping with after school students and hosting the local Rotary. The VNC is located in Weslaco Texas, which is an easy drive from McAllen or Brownsville .

Date: 3 years ago

Review №89

Rating: 4

Date: 3 years ago

Review №90

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №91

Rating: 5

Beautiful

Date: 3 years ago

Review №92

Rating: 5

Good time with the family

Date: 3 years ago

Review №93

Rating: 5

Great Nature Center. Rotary Club meets here.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №94

Rating: 4

Date: 3 years ago

Review №95

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №96

Rating: 5

We love the Valley Nature Center. My son goes to camp every summer there. The staff is very friendly and my son feels safe there. Absolutely recommend it.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №97

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №98

Rating: 5

Awsome

Date: 3 years ago

Review №99

Rating: 5

So cool for little ones. I didnt know this place existed but had fun and got lost in the trail. Went after the rains, so a bit muddy but still fun.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №100

Rating: 5

Wonderful staff!

Date: 3 years ago

Review №101

Rating: 5

Excellent for family

Date: 3 years ago

Review №102

Rating: 5

Love Taking My Nephew On The Trail

Date: 3 years ago

Review №103

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №104

Rating: 5

Wow, we the family enjoyed this hike nature. Its kinda hidden but dont be shy to ask people thier friendly. Felt like a awesome mazed trail but you could never get lost just missed placed if you go you know what I mean. Lots to see at the inside building and education plants/birds/animals post up pic and Aquarian creatures very cool. Please be nice cause some location in the map, well lets say are not huge come to see what Im saying. Come on your own risk.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №105

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №106

Rating: 4

Great staff makes the experience fun. Thank you. The museum of indoor area was limited but well designed and interesting. They have turtle food for 50 cents, which is a must with kids. Unfortunately we went shortly after the big freeze of 2021 and many plants were damaged. There were many birds, especially chachalacas. They have small water features throughout the area that are a great place to find birds drinking. The bridge art the beginning of the park was well built and the pond was full of several species of turtles. I also saw frog eggs on the moss close to shore. The trails are limited due to the size of the park, but they have fully utilized that area. I plan to go again with my toddler grandson.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №107

Rating: 5

Very deserving of its name, the valley nature center truly is the valleys 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. Youll 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 thats 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. Im 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.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №108

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №109

Rating: 5

We had a very awesome time!! The girls enjoyed themselves!! We got to experience the snakes feeding It was definitely an experience. We also got to feed the turtles!!! The trails are beautiful, a great scene all around!! Very nice staff, very welcoming!!! Definitely recommend and for sure coming back!

Date: 3 years ago

Review №110

Rating: 5

It is a really pretty place in that it is nice to find a place in the city where you can get away. The learning center(or building) is a beautiful learning environment. The exhibits, photographs, animals, and plants are all perfectly and professionally done. It goes head to head with any big city zoo(granted at a smaller scale). I almost wish i was a new mom again so Im cool take my kiddos on nature field trips every week! The staff is also very friendly. Highlights outside: came across a clan of chachalacas; one not shy and willing to pose for several photographs. Butterflies also agreed to pose. One con, the i wish MORE plants were labeled out on the trail. Take your kids, they cant get lost on the trail and will learn a lot.

Date: 3 years ago

Review №111

Rating: 4

Date: 3 years ago

Review №112

Rating: 5

Very nice with friends, very spooky forest too

Date: 3 years ago

Review №113

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №114

Rating: 5

Date: 3 years ago

Review №115

Rating: 5

Such a nice beautiful park just need to cut the grass a bet more around the solar energy panels

Date: 3 years ago

Review №116

Rating: 5

Quiet trails. Nice little forest. Good birding.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №117

Rating: 5

Great place to visit. a diamond amongst the rocks of the Valley.Crew I friendly an knowledgeable on native plants and native birds, Butterflies.They sell drinks so you wont go thristy

Date: 4 years ago

Review №118

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №119

Rating: 5

Great place to hang out, walk, and learn about our natural flora and fauna at this compact nature preserve.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №120

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №121

Rating: 3

I like it but not that much, the charge you 5 dollar per adult, but they dont have many attractions and is not that big, so... its better if you choose another place, the front desk was so kind

Date: 4 years ago

Review №122

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №123

Rating: 5

Great place to learn. Kids will love walking the trails.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №124

Rating: 5

This is a great place to find native Texas plants for your yard or garden. You never know what you might find in their selection when you go in. They also have a trail that you can access for a small fee. Its a very nicely run place

Date: 4 years ago

Review №125

Rating: 5

Beautiful scenery! A great place to view the nature.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №126

Rating: 5

Great birding place.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №127

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №128

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №129

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №130

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №131

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №132

Rating: 5

Nice place for a nature stroll. Saw many birds, to include green jays and chachalacas. They have a shop with books on birding and wildlife.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №133

Rating: 3

Date: 4 years ago

Review №134

Rating: 5

Love this place so many great natural features crammed into 6 acres!

Date: 4 years ago

Review №135

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №136

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №137

Rating: 4

Date: 4 years ago

Review №138

Rating: 4

Nice

Date: 4 years ago

Review №139

Rating: 5

Brews in the Woods time

Date: 4 years ago

Review №140

Rating: 5

Date: 4 years ago

Review №141

Rating: 5

Nice variety of animals at the Center. Peaceful place to chill. Nice gift shop.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №142

Rating: 5

I loved it! Very peaceful placen

Date: 4 years ago

Review №143

Rating: 5

We came across this hidden gem in Weslaco TX thanks to posts on the Lower Rio Grande Butterflies Facebook group. They are having a banner year attracting a great variety of butterflies. We identified 15 species in just 30 minutes. One of the staff members, Matt, was especially helpful and showed us sites we would have missed on our own.

Date: 4 years ago

Review №144

Rating: 3

This place trails are not too safe n the fauna not too extence trees and plants not cared for.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №145

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №146

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №147

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №148

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №149

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №150

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №151

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №152

Rating: 2

Date: 5 years ago

Review №153

Rating: 5

Very good attention

Date: 5 years ago

Review №154

Rating: 5

Amazing place to go for a small nature trail. Absolutely loved it.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №155

Rating: 5

We have been members for years and we love this place. I love to take my little ones and explore the area, it has grown tremendously from what it used to be back in the day. The inside is great because it has exhibits with different reptiles and spiders. There is also an area where the kids can play with different nature toys and puzzles. The outside trail is also awesome because its not too big but not too small. We have seen different types of birds, spiders and the boys favorite: the Texas tortoises. They also enjoy to feed the turtles. However, today was the first time to see what goes on at nature camp with RGVDSA and I am so happy to see your staff and volunteers teach the little ones. I had the opportunity to take pictures the whole day and Im so thankful I was able to make it out today.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №156

Rating: 3

Date: 5 years ago

Review №157

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №158

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №159

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №160

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №161

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №162

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №163

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №164

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №165

Rating: 5

Very nice place to visit but has alot of chocalocas.Lots of valley wildlife and plants.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №166

Rating: 4

Date: 5 years ago

Review №167

Rating: 5

Wonderful and relaxing

Date: 5 years ago

Review №168

Rating: 4

Saw some turtles

Date: 5 years ago

Review №169

Rating: 3

Not a lot to see

Date: 5 years ago

Review №170

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №171

Rating: 4

Date: 5 years ago

Review №172

Rating: 5

Clean nice place and very peaceful.

Date: 5 years ago

Review №173

Rating: 5

I think I like it its great to see see all kinds of plants and animals here

Date: 5 years ago

Review №174

Rating: 4

Date: 5 years ago

Review №175

Rating: 5

Date: 5 years ago

Review №176

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №177

Rating: 5

Love it

Date: 6 years ago

Review №178

Rating: 5

Beautiful and peaceful place. I enjoyed learning about the natural habitats and native plants and animals in the valley. I will be returning soon.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №179

Rating: 5

Very educational my son loves it

Date: 6 years ago

Review №180

Rating: 5

Went for Earth day. It was fun for little ones and the live animal displays and presentation was the favorite

Date: 6 years ago

Review №181

Rating: 5

Very impressed by the Valley Nature Center. Holly and her staff have been able to create something that truly stands out! Theyre very good and their camps are a lot of fun for the little ones. Thank you for all that you do for the Rio Grande Valley.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №182

Rating: 5

Valley Nature Center is a beautiful place. Its amazing to have this center in the center of the city. Great animal exhibit inside. Beautiful native plant nursery. Trails are well kept with a lot of different species of native plants. Plus when you exit there is a Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle mural great for a photo op. If you havent been put it on your list! (:

Date: 6 years ago

Review №183

Rating: 5

Enjoyed my visit today. They have the area very clean plus the employee are very helpful

Date: 6 years ago

Review №184

Rating: 5

Great birding center!

Date: 6 years ago

Review №185

Rating: 5

Great place for a picnic or event

Date: 6 years ago

Review №186

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №187

Rating: 5

Great place for winter Texans to go! !!

Date: 6 years ago

Review №188

Rating: 5

I just came to a party inside the building. We had an animal demostration. It was good. Next time will do the trail

Date: 6 years ago

Review №189

Rating: 5

Beautiful nature center and a terrific event.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №190

Rating: 4

Date: 6 years ago

Review №191

Rating: 5

Loved it only bad thing is that some winter Texans were racist with us and stared at us ugly just because me me and my boyfriend because we were talking in spanish

Date: 6 years ago

Review №192

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №193

Rating: 5

Wow!!!

Date: 6 years ago

Review №194

Rating: 2

Didnt see much at all. Front desk clerk was nice. Indoor tiny animal exhibit was ok. Turtles were nice to feed. Dont feel it was well kept outdoors, dont expect to see much.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №195

Rating: 4

Brew in the woods :D

Date: 6 years ago

Review №196

Rating: 5

Had a very good time

Date: 6 years ago

Review №197

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago

Review №198

Rating: 5

This is a place that is near and dear to my heart. Education. Flora. Fauna. Stewardship. Community.

Date: 6 years ago

Review №199

Rating: 5

Building has nature exhibits and wonderful nature trails

Date: 6 years ago

Review №200

Rating: 5

Date: 6 years ago