Los Fresnos News

Children’s Program Overview

The Children’s program includes activities before and during the festival. These activities include the Children’s Nature Nook. the Art, Photography & Creative Writing Contests, Birds of Prey Flight Shows and Guided Nature Walks.


Children’s Nature Nook
Families are invited to participate in a variety of education-oriented activities in the Children’s Nature Nook. The nook will be located in the trade show on November 11-12 from 10am-4pm. There will be arts and crafts, birding and nature activities. Valley organizations participating in the nook include the UTRGV Coastal Studies Lab, the South Texas Ecotourism Center, Resaca de la Palma State Park, the South Padre Island Birding Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary, the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service: Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, the Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, and the Texas Children in Nature Network.


Art, Photography & Creative Writing Contests
The RGVBF has three contests for students from 5th to 12th grade. Hundreds of students, sponsored by their teachers, participate each year. 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place and Honorable Mention awards are given in each grade and category in an awards presentation on Sunday, November 12 at 1:30 pm at the Harlingen Convention Center. There are over 64 potential winners along with a Best in Show for the overall art contest.


Entries that placed will be showcased in the trade show during the Birding Festival. The art is returned to the teachers and students at the festival.


Birds of Prey Flight Shows
Two raptor flight shows will take place at elementary schools during the festival. The raptors can also be seen at the trade show. Daily birds of prey flight shows will be held at the festival. Entrance into the trade show and flight shows are free.


Guided Nature Walks
Free guided nature walks for families will be held at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park in Harlingen and the San Benito Wetlands on Saturday, November 11, and Sunday, November 12. The walks will be at 8 am and 10 am. Binoculars will be available for use.