Get a hands-on experience with sea life while exploring the attractions at the Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center. While you're there, you'll get an opportunity to hold living starfish, hermit crabs, sea urchins, and snails. Be sure to learn about the role that the Sea Life Nature Center has played in coastal conservation and the welfare of the ocean's inhabitants.
Monkey around the Gladys Porter Zoo, where you can hang out with animals like gorillas, wallabies, rhinos, zebras, crocodiles, lions, kangaroos, and giraffes. The zoo's exhibits and attractions will lead you to far off lands like Asia, Africa, and Australia; while also showcasing wildlife here in the United States, and creatures of the ocean.
Born to fly? Head to Gravity Adventure Park and get in line for the Lone Star State's tallest bungee jump, the Bungee Grande; or try falling from the ground up on the reverse bungee ride, The Rocket.
The younger children are probably not tall enough to enjoy the thrills of these crazy bungee rides, but attractions like kiddie cars, Frog Hopper, and the Trampoline Thing should keep them occupied for a while. If you've got a little daredevil, send them on the Bungee Chico to experience a pint-sized version of bungee jumping.
Check out an event at the city's multi-purpose entertainment venue, the McAllen Convention Center. The center hosts a little bit of everything, from hunting, home and craft expos, to sporting events, conferences, graduations, and concerts. Disturbed, Deadmau5, Air Supply, and The Temptations have played the venue.
Be ready for some wet and wild fun at Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark. This South Padre Island destination offers thirteen water slides and a number of water attractions to cool you off in the Texas heat. Try your surfing skills on the Boogie Bahn, take a ride on the Rio Aventura, or hang out on Rio Beach - whatever you do, remember to use sunscreen.
Head to the State Farm Arena to see the RGV Killer Bees hockey team hit the ice, watch the basketball talents of the RGV Vipers, see a family event like Sesame Street Live, or catch your favorite musician in concert. Artists like George Strait, Luis Miguel, Janet Jackson, Elton John, Shakira, Brad Paisley, and Ricky Martin have all taken the stage at this entertainment venue.