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Whether you’re a festival-seeker yearning for live music and new food to experience or a nature-lover craving lush scenery, spring break is an ideal time to plan an adventure in the great outdoors. Step outside into Quinta Mazatlán’s big backyard and unleash your inner explorer on a self-guided walk through the forest trails, or at one of several special spring break holiday programs; culminating with Monarch Fest, Saturday, March 21.
Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 20, guests will have the opportunity to explore nature through games, nature walks, and craft activities. Each day brings a new theme- from scavenger hunts to art in nature; as well as morning and afternoon options to participate (11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.). The programming is open to all ages and free with park admission.
Tuesday, March 17, boasts a Scavenger Hunt. Participants will uncover the hidden treasure within the forest during this partly-guided exploration of the lush grounds, as well as learn about native plants and animals. On Wednesday, March 18, guests will explore the world of birds and have a chance to win prizes during Bird Bingo. Participants will gain hands-on experience identifying birds in the wild and more. On Thursday, March 19, guests will create their own works of art in nature during Wild Art. Monarch Migration is Friday, March 20, when participants will discuss and identify monarch butterflies, their migration pattern, and how they play an important role in the ecosystem.
Visit Quinta Mazatlán Thursday, March 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for a presentation on creating a flourishing butterfly garden. Allen Williams, Landscape Habitat Specialist, will be sharing his expertise in creating butterfly-friendly landscapes at Quinta Mazatlán’s Nights at the Mansion speaker series. Admission is $3.00 per person. Advanced reservations are not required.
Celebrate the magnificent migration of the monarch butterfly at Monarch Fest, Saturday, March 21 from 1:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m. The festival is a family-friendly event featuring live music, food trucks and vendors, scout badge activities, collaborative art murals, educational speakers, garden tours, a farmers market, arts & craft activities, dance performances, native plants for sale, a caterpillar corner for toddlers, the largest LEGO Monarch in the Rio Grande Valley, and more. Tickets to Monarch Fest are $5.00 per person; children 2 years of age and younger free. Tickets may be purchased at Quinta Mazatlán or online at www.TicketLeap.com.
In addition to these special spring break programs and events are weekly ongoing programs such as Nature Nuggets, Nature Lab, Feeder Friday, and Birding our Backyard. For more information call Quinta Mazatlán at (956) 681-3370. For detailed descriptions of all events, visit Facebook events at Facebook.com/McAllenQuintaMazatlan. Quinta Mazatlán is located at 600 Sunset Drive in McAllen, Texas; one block south of La Plaza Mall on 10th Street.
