Family Friendly In Galveston
From museums and amusement destinations to watersports and splash pads, the island provides countless attractions for families of all sizes and ages. Whether it is the sprawling Moody Gardens or the famous Pleasure Pier, there is enough here to keep kids entertained for your entire vacation. Here are some of our favorite things to do with kids in Galveston, TX.
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Littles love to splash around in the water, so what better way to allow them to cool off and have fun than by taking them to one of Galveston’s splash pads. At Menard Park, you will find a vibrantly colored structure with spraying flowers and plenty of space for the kids to run around. Located across from Pleasure Pier and the Seawall, this park also includes an expansive playground, a skate park, and tennis court. Wright Cuney Recreation Center also features a fun splash pad with water jets and dumping buckets, in addition to an outdoor basketball court and playground. Head towards the Seawall, just past Moody Gardens, and you will see Schreiber Park. This space themed park includes a toddler playground, swings, a giant three story shuttle play structure, and of course, a splash pad. Here, tots can run around an airplane that sprays water as more jets shoot up from the ground.
Though it is one of the top things to do in Galveston for kids of all ages, Pleasure Pier is the perfect spot for preteens and teenagers. With an assortment of shops, restaurants, midway games, and amusement rides, older kids can spend an entire day here when they need a break from the beach. From the Iron Shark Roller Coaster to the Cyclone and the Texas Star Flyer, the thrill rides will have your teen soaring over the Gulf of Mexico. A variety of games, including Big Shot Hoops and High Striker will test their skills and allow them to win fun prizes. When they are done playing and riding, several shops and restaurants allow them to cool off and unwind after an exciting day on the pier.
With surfboards and skateboards for sale and for rent, in addition to lessons and camps, your older kiddos will love this casual, beachy shop. Whether they want to pick up some gear to practice on their own, or learn from certified instructors, Ohana Surf & Skate is your one-stop-shop for all things surfing and skating. In addition to learning how to surf, the surf camp teaches about marine life in the Gulf of Mexico and how to protect the beach’s natural resources. Campers also participate in pop-up drills, paddling lessons, races, and beach games. On the last day, kids are photographed in action to capture their experience and treated to a pizza party as well.
Originally built as a barrier to shield against hurricanes and high waves, The Seawall now offers more than 10 miles of beach that the whole family will enjoy. Boasting the world’s longest mural and the longest continuous sidewalk in the country, this historical destination is a must visit. You and your family can enjoy strolling along The Seawall Interpretive Trail, which features 70 hand painted concrete benches representing the history, economy, and ecology of the Texas coast. For a unique experience, you can also pedal along the sidewalk in a 4 or 6-passenger family bike available for rent from local shops or cruise the path in style in a golf cart. Paid parking is available along the Seawall and free parking can be found on the north side of Seawall Blvd.
Galveston Island State Park offers activities for nature lovers of all ages. Plus, entry is only $5 per person and kids under 12 years old get in free! In addition to setting up a tent for camping by the waves (link back to Camping page), you can also park your family RV here to enjoy an array of activities. From birdwatching to kayaking, everyone in the family is sure to find something to do at this island refuge. Both the bay area and beach side offer ample spots to fish, swim, and hike, while the Nature Center offers a Junior Ranger Youth Explorer program that your kiddos will love! Stop by to pick up a free Junior Ranger journal that will help them learn about nature through drawing and writing everything they observe outdoors.
