Free and Fun Things to Do and Places to Go on a Budget in Harlingen, Texas
There are many options to places you can go as a family, but not many that don’t require money.
It becomes your ever lasting challenge to keep your family entertained on a tight budget.
Harlingen, Texas is situated amongst a trail of other cities, known nationally as The Rio Grande Valley. For obvious reasons, the name Rio Grande is in there, Harlingen, along with many other cities run alongside this ever winding river.
Lush greenery and abundant palm trees help make this area a tropical paradise.
To get the most out of the city without spending any money, except for gas and essential for the kids like water and treats along the way, the following 30 plus ideas are simply that, ideas to get you started. I hope you enjoy some of them.
1.Feed the ducks at Pendleton Park (corner of Morgan Blvd & Grimes)
2.Tune in to 88.9 FM for National Public Radio favorites – All Things Considered, Car Talk, Morning Edition, and more!
3.Check out the collectible classics at the Knapp Chevrolet Antique Car Museum, on US 83, Stuart Place Road exit.
4.Bike along the Arroyo on the City’s two-mile Hike & Bike Trail. (Ample parking at McKelvey Park, 1325 S. 77 Sunshine Strip.)
5.Enjoy the extensive art collection at Harlingen Public Library, 410 ’76 Drive. Borrow a free guide at the front desk and take a tour!
6.Have a brown bag lunch amidst the beautiful flowers and fountains at the Texas Travel Information Center, at the US 77/83 interchange.
7.Load up the lawn chairs and head to McKelvey Park at 1325 S. 77 Sunshine Strip for “Blues on the Hill” – free concerts all summer long.
8.Marvel at beautiful homes on East Taylor Street, once known as Silk Stocking RoMarvel at the stained glass window at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1417 E. Austin. Take a sunset stroll around City Lake (across from Harlingen Public Library) and watch the sun melt into the palm trees.
9.Visit the past at the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, two blocks from Valley International Airport, on Loop 499.
10.Get a glimpse of Harlingen in the olden days! Dozens of vintage photos are on display at Coastal Banc, 221 E. Van Buren.
Learn about the healing powers of aloe juice and sample different flavors at Forever Living Aloe Plantations, on US 83, Altas Palmas exit.
11.It’s for the kids. Check out the children’s programs at Harlingen Public Library, 410 ’76 Drive.
12.No need to go to New York for pictures of Lady Liberty! Pose with Harlingen’s replica on Zoy Street (south of Walmart). See
what’s fluttering in the Butterfly Garden across from the Municipal Auditorium, 1204 Fair Park Blvd. Over 43 species have been seen here!
13.Grab your binoculars! Harlingen parks are home to lots of Valley specialty birds. Free birding guides at Wild Bird Center, 122 E. Watch fresh tortillas roll off the press at HEB, 509 S. Expressway 83. Plus, pick up a bag of warm tortillas to take home!
14.Pay tribute to World War II heroes at the Iwo Jima Monument & Museum. Open daily. (On the Marine Military Academy campus
15.The Antique Auto Club meets at Dairy Queen, 121 N. Loop 499, the last Saturday of the month, 6-11 p.m. Cruise over and check out the street rods!
16.Take a tour of Valley International Airport, and end it with a cup of your favorite coffee at Starbucks with free WiFi internet service. Call 430-8605 to schedule a tour.
17.View dozens of award-winning wildlife photos from the Valley Land Fund Photo Contest. On permanent display at Valley International Airport
18.Teens will love Harlingen’s new Skate Park! Located at the Harlingen Boys & Girls Club, 1209 W. Washington. Open 1-8pm every day
19.Go behind the scenes at KGBT-TV 4 News Center. Call Monica at 365-4444 to schedule a free tour.
20.Nostalgic for the good ‘ole days? You’ll love the historic photos at Luby’s Cafeteria, 822 Dixieland Road.
21.Broaden your knowledge at the Regional Academic Health Center Library, 2102 Treasure Hills Blvd
22.Take a walking tour among the natives – plants that is, at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park on Loop 499, one mile east of Sunshine Strip.
23.Shop for bargains at Market Days on Jackson Street the first Saturday of each month.
24.Admire the workmanship of the famed “King of Desks.” A rare Wooten desk is on display at the J Gordon Nix Building, 905 E. Tyler.
25.No visit to Harlingen is complete without a walk through Grimsell Seed Company’s lush tropical gardens, 213 W. Monroe.
26.Let the kids run wild at any one of Harlingen’s 14 neighborhood parks
27.Pick up a Heritage Trail brochure at the Harlingen Chamber, 311 E. Tyler, and take a walking tour of our historic downtown.
28.Let the kids cool down and play in the indoor playrooms at Burger King or McDonald’s
29.View Harlingen’s tribute to its most famous resident, the late Bill Haley. Shake, rattle, and roll to the corner of Jackson & “A” Streets.
30.Rise and Shine! Raise the Colors with the Marine Military Academy cadets at their morning assembly.
31.Tour the Harlingen City Cemetery, an official Texas historic site. At 1501 S. “F” St.
32.Flick your wrist on the Frisbee golf course in Dixieland Park, 2501 S. Dixieland Road.
33.Rejoice with a Masterworks Concert by the Harlingen-based South Texas Chorale
34.Swing your partner! Square dance in one of Harlingen’s RV Parks. Contact callers Nesser Shukayr, 622-0557; Tom Roper, 245-4245; or Jerry Rash, 428-3741 for a schedule
35.Check the Valley Morning Star, Harlingen’s daily, for dozens of additional happenings!
As with any city you want to visit, there are maps available to pretty much any location you wish to visit with your family at the local tourist travel center, which is one of the places listed as fun to do, and does not cost money.
Harlingen is certainly not a metropolitan city by any means, we are still seeped in country culture and attitude, something your family will enjoy, whether you are here to visit or live in the area. It’s amazing how many years most people live in their own home towns , yet never get to experience its rich history, which does not have to cost any money.
Much driving may also be required, as we are still country and even though we boast many businesses, we’ve grown and are spread out, driving will be required.
Freeze kool aid pops in the freezer the night before and make sandwiches, saving money on food as well.
Go back to a time when playing out side and running and jumping and just enjoying driving around with your family was enough to make great memories. They are still alive and well in Harlingen.
Enjoy!
