Galveston Family Friendly Activities
Galveston Island is the perfect family friendly vacation getaway. Not only do they have long stretches of beautiful sandy beaches, amusement and water parks, but they have wildlife, history and fantastic food as well. There is sure to be something for everyone with this selection of Galveston Family Friendly Activities.
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The Beach
Galveston Island features 32 miles of glorious beach access with over 41 individual beaches to choose from. In addition to parking on the Seawall and walking down to the beach, there are numerous stretches of beach where you can drive your car right onto the beach and set up your beach chairs and umbrella. Most of the beaches on Galveston are family friendly and dog friendly also.
Pleasure Pier
Of course, the most popular of Galveston family friendly activities is the historic Galveston Island Pleasure Pier. Pleasure Pier offers amusement rides, midway games, lots of food and treats options, as well as retail shops for all your souvenir needs. Their hours of operation are as follows:
Monday – Thursday 12pm – 8pm
Friday & Saturday 12pm -10pm
Sunday 12pm – 9pm
Schlitterbahn WaterPark
In addition to Pleasure Pier, Galveston, also has Schlitterbahn WaterPark. Fun for all will be found here, with the large collection of thrilling water slides, wave rivers, and water coasters. Furthermore, Schlitterbahn also offers free parking and you can bring your own picnic lunch with you also.
Moody Gardens
In the event that you need a rainy day activity or just need a break from the beach, then check out Moody Gardens. Moody Gardens features an Aquarium Pyramid, Rain Forest Pyramid and the Discovery Pyramid. As a matter of fact, each offer unique attractions and learning opportunities about different environments. Additionally, they feature a 3-D Theater, 4-D Special FX Theatre, 20,000 Leagues Interactive Experience, as well as the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat.
Stroll the Strand
The Strand in Galveston is one of four of the historic downtown districts. Because of its rich history, the Strand is a picturesque area that offers restaurants and shopping as well.Some really cool Galveston Family friendly activities include the Pier 21 Theater, the Texas Seaport Museum and the tall ship, Elissa. In addition families can also enjoy Ghost Tours, La King’s Confectionary, and the Galveston Children’s Museum.
Ride the Galveston-Bolivar Ferry to Crystal Beach
Another great option for the day is a ride on the ferry to the Bolivar Peninsula. You can walk or drive you car onto the ferry and enjoy the 18 minute trip across the Bolivar Peninsula to access the island. Not only has the ferry been in operation since 1934, it is also still free to ride. Once on the Island you can enjoy a beautiful day at Crystal Beach, not to mention, visit the Boliver Lighthouse, or play golf. You also have the option to take the kids on the Water Slide. If you love the beach and outdoor activities, you and your family will love Bolivar Peninsula.
Putt-Putt at Magic Carpet Golf
Another family friendly spot on Galveston Island is Magic Carpet Golf. Since it is located right on the Seawall, its easy to find. Magic Carpet Golf also features, not one, but two, colorful, fun and engaging, 18-hole courses for everyone to enjoy.
Galveston Go Cart & Fun Center
Galveston’s kid attractions aren’t just for the smaller kids, there’s plenty to do for big kids too! And the Galveston Go Kart and Fun Center is no exception! It features a curved track and a multitude of Go Karts, ready to help the young and young at heart get racing! There is also an indoor arcade with an array of popular video games, air hockey, and more. The facility also hosts special events and birthday parties too!
Take a Tree Sculptures Tour
On September 13th, 2008, Hurricane Ike’s massive tidal surge, destroyed and uprooted countless trees on Galveston Island. That being said, some artists of Galveston decided something beautiful could come of the damage to these trees. Not only have the artists created numerous whimsical sculptures across the island, but you and your family can enjoy a free scavenger hunt to find them with the map included here.
Go Fishing
Last but not least, fishing is always a fun idea in Galveston. There are numerous piers to choose, as well as fishing right on the beach. Some folks even crab along the Seawall amidst the anchor shaped concrete supports for the Seawall.
Family Friendly Places to Eat
In conclusion, there are so many fun, family friendly things to do on Galveston Island, you may run out of time to do them all. Of course, that’s okay, because you will have a reason to visit again.
Finally, when you’re ready to head to Galveston, check out thesegreat deals here.
Of course, if you’re looking for more cool things to do in Texas check out our post on Finding Bluebonnets here. In addition, we also have a post on Cool things to do in Houston here.
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