VISITING McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley · The City of Palms

Visiting McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley with toddlers and little kids: the plan.

Do Quinta Mazatlán in the cooler morning and IMAS after naps.

Top 2 can’t-miss spots

#1North McAllen, 1900 W. Nolana Ave.
International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Kids $5Adults $90–2Indoor
See it in the guide
#2Central McAllen, 600 Sunset Dr.
Quinta Mazatlán
Closed Sunday and Monday.
Kids $2Adults $32 and under
See it in the guide
Nap breaks built in

One day or two in McAllen

A couple of big stops, a real lunch and a nap in the middle. Tap a stop for the full listing.

If you have one day
MORNINGQuinta MazatlánOpens at 8, Tue–Sat · Central McAllen, 600 Sunset Dr. · $2 kids, $3 adults
NAPBack to the hotel for nap. If your little one sleeps best in the car, take a loop.
AFTER NAPInternational Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)Open until 5 · North McAllen, 1900 W. Nolana Ave. · $5 kids, $9 adults
If you have two days

Day 1 is the one-day plan above. Day 2:

MORNINGInternational Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)Opens at 10, Wed–Sat · North McAllen, 1900 W. Nolana Ave. · $5 kids, $9 adults
NAPBack to the hotel for nap. If your little one sleeps best in the car, take a loop.
AFTER NAPQuinta MazatlánOpen until 5 · Central McAllen, 600 Sunset Dr. · $2 kids, $3 adults
Where to stay

Kid-friendly areas near the big attractions

Pick the area by the stops you’ll make most, then plan around nap.

NNorth McAllenClose to IMAS.Near International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)
Plan B

Rainy-day backup plan

If the forecast turns, swap the outdoor stop for one of these.

North McAllen, 1900 W. Nolana Ave.International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)Indoors.Kids $5Adults $90–2Indoor
Before you go

Practical tips

Parking, strollers, changing tables and the best times to go.

Driving
You’ll want a car.
Visiting in November or December?

Santa and Christmas lights in McAllen

If your trip lands in the holiday season, these two pages have the dates, prices and booking links.

Santa in McAllenBreakfast with Santa, Santa photos and Santa trains, with 2026 pricesChristmas lights in McAllenDrive-thru and walk-through displays, start times and 2026 prices
Good questions

Visiting McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley with toddlers: the FAQ

Is McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley kid-friendly?

For a family with kids under 6, yes. Our McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley guide lists 5 places we checked for little kids, plus 2 free places and 3 picks for babies and toddlers. This page adds free storytimes at 1 library system. This week’s list has 5 dated outings for ages 0–6. See free things to do in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley and this weekend’s list.

Where should we stay?

North McAllen near Nolana Ave. is close to IMAS.

What about the heat?

Do outdoor spots early and save IMAS for afternoons.

Get the list every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the five things we’d leave the house for in McAllen.