{"id":8189,"date":"2020-02-05T21:00:36","date_gmt":"2020-02-06T03:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/?p=8189"},"modified":"2024-02-08T06:52:19","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T12:52:19","slug":"28-things-to-do-in-galveston-tx-with-the-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/28-things-to-do-in-galveston-tx-with-the-family\/","title":{"rendered":"28 Best Things To Do in Galveston TX with Family 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Looking for a fun beach spot within the continental US? Look no further than Galveston TX. When Midwesterners think of the ocean, most think of Florida or California. But what about Texas? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is so much oceanfront property and a great view of the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston has become my favorite place to relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cruise companies have started to make this the main port, and with everything, for their guest to do I understand why. Vacationing here is so economical with tons of things to do in Galveston TX with the family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Things to Do in Galveston TX with the Family<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Visit the Best Beaches on Galveston Bay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to visit the beach in Galveston, you have two options. The public Galveston Seawall Beach, or drive up to the shoreline yourself. The first option is by far the most popular. Unlike many other shoreline destinations, hotels are rarely found on the shoreline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a highway separating you from the water, making it a true public beach. For those that choose to park across the highway, there are lots of stoplights to cross at. Please do this, the traffic is kind of crazy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seawall Beach is almost impossible to miss. Stretching most of the length of the island is one of the best beaches to visit. There are many different sections, and none have lifeguards. Along the beach, you\u2019ll find public restrooms, and piers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other option is Stewart Beach or a public beach access. Driving south on the Island, you\u2019ll start to see little blue signs on the side of the road with public beach access. Follow the small road, and in most cases, you can drive right up to the shoreline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may be the northern in me talking, but driving on a sandy beach is one of the most fun things about a visit to Galveston Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Driving<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dolphins <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dolphins love Galveston. More so than any other place I\u2019ve visited. They even have low-cost BayWatch Dolphin Tours<\/a> available. They\u2019ll have cost friendly tours on a Dolphin friendly boat to find them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sightings are almost guaranteed and the boat leaves right off the pier. If you are looking for a free opportunity to see dolphins, keep on reading. This is a must-see thing to do in Gavelston TX.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dolphin Tours are top-rated and guarantee sightings. Make sure you book a tour before you leave by clicking here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bolivar Ferry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Bolivar Ferry takes you and your vehicle through the channel to visit the neighboring island of Bolivar. The best part is the ferry is free<\/strong>! Bolivar is a flatter island with some unique opportunities to camp right on the beach. However, parking or camping on the beach requires a $10 vehicle sticker that can be picked up in any of the gift shops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the main reason we went to the island was to see dolphins. The closest I\u2019ve ever gotten was aboard the ferry. Locals were telling us that we could save ourselves some cash and take the ferry for guaranteed sightings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They were right. On our trip across we came up with nothing but on the way back we were surrounded. They came right up to the boat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ferry<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Catch Something off the Fishing Pier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of opportunities to fish in Galveston. Locals were fishing right off the rocks on the shorelines, or really any shorelines they can find. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some will wade into the water and throw a line out, others use nets. We saw it all. But for most out-of-towners, you\u2019ll want to stick with some of the fishing piers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pier 21 is a great one to start off with. They sell bait and licenses and will rent you everything else. They fully equip their guest with everything they need. There is currently a Groupon<\/a> to get you started. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bike along the Seawall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just for fun, you should rent a quad bike and take the family along. It is the ultimate beach time fun activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t worry about looking silly, my family and I did it and we were laughing the entire time going up and down the Seawall. There are a few different vendors available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is an amazing eBike adventure around the island run by Zipp E-Bikes<\/a> They take you on a tour of the best sites on the island. Make sure to get your ticket ahead of time because they sell out all the time.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kayak Adventures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking to do something more adventurous, try sea kayaking. Outfitters like Artist Boat Kayaks<\/a> know some of the best places for a leisurely kayak ride. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They focus on promoting awareness and preservation of the coast. There are multiple destinations to choose from, so you\u2019ll find something for everyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fly a Kites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whenever you are by water, you should always fly a kite. Kites Unlimited<\/a> has a great selection of kites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The kites were priced about a few dollars more than Amazon. Mine was only $4 more at the store and they had superior service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before we left the store, they made sure to make sure we had the right kite, and that we knew exactly how to set it up. This is one of the best things to do in Galveston with kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We ended up going back again not to get help with our kite, like they offered, but to buy more kites. We were a little addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Flying<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Ropes Course & Zipline at Moody Gardens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for something a little more thrilling to do, check out the Ropes course and Zipline and Moody Gardens<\/a>. This had to be one of the most terrifying things I\u2019ve ever done. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are 5 different levels of steel ropes, making it the tallest in the Gulf Coast. Each rope is 81ft and there are 48 different obstacles to face. When they say it’s challenging, it is, but also fun. For those younger kids, they have a Sky Tykes Ropes course a few feet off the ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Look<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you get the chance to visit an amusement park on a pier, you gotta go for it. The Historic Pleasure Pier<\/a> has been entertaining guests for years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They have some great rides and dining options. I recommend visiting at night. But that\u2019s mostly because I love all the lights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pleasure<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mini Golf<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is an amazing little mini golf course Magic Carpet Golf<\/a>. Two different sets of 18 holes to try out, each with its own set of challenges and difficulties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One side was shaded while the other was sunnier. The whole family was laughing and having a great time. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Mini<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Ride the Galveston Trolly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Galveston has a Trolly to get around. The fair is $1 per person. Kids are free with a paying adult. The best part is the trolly covers almost all of Galveston in different loops<\/a>. If your kids love trains, trolly, and all things that move, like mine, they’ll love getting to ride on the Galveston Trolly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pirate Museum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast Museum in Galveston<\/a> TX is a fun way to get into the pirate lifestyle. The museum staff is in character at all times making it very entertaining. They actually drew us into the establishment when we were walking by and they made it hard to stay no. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside, kids can learn about the pirate lifestyle, by looking at different artifacts. At the end of the adventure, you\u2019ll pass through movie memorabilia, including some from Pirates of The Caribbean and the Goonies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t have kids, you’ll probably get a little more of the historical elements out of it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like did you know the famed pirate Jean Lafitte used Galveston Island as a smuggling base? This may feel like a cheesy tourist attraction, it was the most memorable of all attractions in Galveston. Plus, we learned a little more about the Texas coast and it’s fun for the whole family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pirates\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ride the Worlds Tallest Watercoaster at Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A friend of mine took a day trip to Galveston and all she could talk about is Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark. They have some of the tallest watercoasters I\u2019ve seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shlitterbahn is tucked away by\u00a0Moody Gardens making it off the beaten path, but still accessible. We were there in the offseason so we couldn\u2019t get a chance to see for ourselves. but in the Texas heat, it’s perfect way to cool off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seawolf Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Seawolf Park<\/a> was an unexpected treat. On its own separate island with a view of Galveston, it housed a battleship, submarine, playground for the kids, and fishing opportunities. The coast is lined with fishermen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Seawolf<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you have kids, I recommend planning to be at Seawolf Park for at least 2 hours. Our kids loved getting the opportunity to let loose and play. While we got to sit aside and watch the fishing and dolphins swim by the harbor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cost is $6 to park. $6-9 to fish up to two reals. Visiting the Naval Ships cost $13 for adults, $8 for children and Active Military is free. This was one of the top things to do in Galveston TX with kids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Seawolf<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bolivar Flats Bird Sanctuary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nature lovers need to check out the Bolivar Flats Bird Sanctuary. This coastal haven provides a vital resting and feeding ground for a variety of migratory birds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll find pelicans, sandpipers, and other feathered friends in their natural habitat. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rainforest Caf\u00e9 Ride<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Rainforest Caf\u00e9 in Galveston TX<\/a> has a ride! This is geared toward kids 8 and under. The ride looks like it\u2019s a water ride from amusement parks but you don\u2019t get wet. Think of it like a lazy river through similar displays in their restaurants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a child and plan to eat at the rainforest, you almost have to go on the ride. Unless you can distract them from it. My kids loved it, while I was underwhelmed by it. As a group, we made it fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Rainforst<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Moody Gardens <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moody Gardens<\/a> was exactly where we chose to spend our rainy day. They have tons of different activities in one location. Most are contained inside the iconic three pyramids making it perfect when it started to downpour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main features include a Rainforest and Aquarium. Inside the last pyramid is a mix of theatre and rotating displays similar to what you\u2019d find in a children\u2019s museum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Aquarium<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Jelly<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Galveston Island State Park: Nature’s Retreat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Escape to the Galveston Island State Park, where you can enjoy unspoiled nature and a range of outdoor activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hike along scenic trails, fish in Galveston Bay, or simply unwind on the beautiful beach. This protected sanctuary is breathtaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shopping in Strand Historic District in Downtown Galveston<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you drive down the Historic Strand<\/a> shopping area, I challenge you not to stop. Why? Because it\u2019s almost impossible. Their seafront location and historic buildings make it one f the best places in the city to stroll. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They have a great selection of shopping, restaurants and more. Whether you are looking for fine art, cheap trinkets or a good bite of food, you\u2019ll find it here. If you are looking for a change of scenery from the beach, this is a great thing to do in Galveston TX.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Historic<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Ghost Tour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Did you know Galveston is Haunted? After the storm of 1900 and the pirate legends, there is bound to be a few spirits roaming around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just talking to some of the residents of the island, they will tell you stories about the hauntings they\u2019ve experienced in their own homes. <\/p>\n\n\n