Galveston is located on the Gulf Coast of Texas and has long been known as a vacation destination.
The city offers visitors a wide variety of attractions, such as beaches, museums, parks, and historic sites.
If you’re visiting Galveston soon and you have kids, we know that entertainment and fun things to do throughout the day are something that’s bound to be on your mind.
But thankfully there are a surprising amount of fun things to do with kids in Galveston.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of things to do whilst you’re there, don’t panic!
There are plenty of activities to choose from, whether you want to go swimming, see the sights, or play games!
That’s why we’ve created this extensive list to help give you some ideas!
We’re going to take you through some of the best places to go whilst you’re visiting Galveston.
We’ve also made sure to include a day trip planning guide, and a short FAQ section at the end of this article to help answer some common questions about the area that you might have.
Let’s get into it!
Visit The Moody Gardens Aquarium
Aquariums are awesome and a sure-fire hit with any kid, so we’ve decided to start our list off with one!
Moody Gardens is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Galveston.
It features more than 5 million gallons of water, over 1,000 animals, and many different exhibits.
The aquarium also offers daily shows that feature sea life and educational presentations about marine science.
Visitors can even take a ride through the Amazon River! If you’re looking for something that the whole family can enjoy, then this is the place for you.
The Galveston Seawall
Next up is an activity that can be a great follow-up to visiting the aquarium.
The Galveston seawall is a series of concrete walls that stretch along the shoreline of Galveston Island.
These walls were built to protect the island from hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Today they serve as a barrier between the ocean and the land, but they were originally constructed to prevent flooding during storms.
You’ll find lots of fun things to do on the seawall, including walking paths, bike trails, fishing spots, and beautiful views of the beach.
You could spend hours here, and if you’re lucky enough to visit when the weather isn’t too hot, you may even spot dolphins frolicking in the waters below.
Explore Historic Downtown Galveston
If you’re looking for a place to explore, then downtown Galveston should be on your radar.
This historic district was once home to the highest concentration of millionaires in America.
Today, it still boasts some amazing architecture and is a perfect location for a stroll.
There are tons of interesting shops, restaurants, and bars to check out downtown, and you can easily spend half a day exploring all that the area has to offer.
Don’t forget to stop by the Strand Theater, which is a restored movie palace that dates back to 1927.
Take A Boat Ride Around Galveston Bay
If you’re looking for a way to cool down after visiting the aquarium, then a boat ride around Galveston Bay will certainly do the trick.
You’ll find several companies offering these trips, and they generally run every hour throughout the day.
They cost anywhere from $5 to $20 per person, depending on how long you stay and where you decide to go.
Most boats allow visitors to disembark and walk around the bay, and some even let you jump off the side of the boat and swim!
Some tours even include dolphin watching opportunities, and others offer snorkeling options.
Whichever option you choose, make sure to bring a change of clothes and sunscreen, and pack snacks and drinks for yourself and your kids.
Go Swimming
Galveston is famous for its warm summer temperatures, and if you want to beat the heat while you’re visiting, swimming is a good idea.
There are several public beaches located within easy driving distance of the city, and each one provides a unique experience.
For example, West End Beach is known for its pristine white sand, and East End Beach is home to a large mangrove swamp.
Both locations have plenty of parking, restrooms, showers, concession stands, and playgrounds.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston
The best waterpark in Texas is also located right in Galveston.
If you’ve never been to this incredible facility, then you owe it to yourself to give it a try. It’s open daily, and tickets start at just $13 per person.
This huge complex features more than 20 slides, two lazy rivers, a wave pool, and many other attractions.
And if you need a break from the rides, there are plenty of places to sit and relax with food and beverages.
Make sure to take advantage of their special family rates, because they often provide discounted admission for children under 12 years old.
Galveston Railroad Museum
If you’re interested in learning about history, then the Galveston Railroad Museum is an excellent choice for you.
The museum houses exhibits dedicated to the history of railroads, as well as local industries and businesses.
It’s free to enter, and it’s open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.
How To Plan A Day Trip To Galveston
We know that when you have kids, planning day trips can be difficult.
There’s so much to try and organize, so many things to keep in mind, and as a parent or guardian, you want everything to run as smoothly as it can.
That’s why we put together this guide to help you plan a trip to Galveston.
We hope that it helps you get ready for your next vacation, whether it’s with your kids or not.
Start Planning Early
When you’re thinking about taking a trip somewhere, the first thing you should do is figure out what time you want to leave.
This gives you enough time to book flights and hotels and allows you to pick up any necessary items before you head out.
Depending on where you’re going, you may want to consider booking your flight earlier than usual (like three months ahead of time).
This way, you won’t have to worry about finding cheap airfare.
Book Your Hotel Room Ahead Of Time
Once you decide how long you’ll be staying in Galveston, it’s important to book your hotel room early.
Hotels tend to fill up quickly during the summertime, especially during holidays like Memorial Day weekend.
You don’t want to end up having to pay extra money to stay somewhere else.
So, once you’ve booked your hotel, check back every few days to see if anything has opened up.
Find Cheap Flights
You’ll probably already know that flying is usually the most expensive part of traveling, but you might not realize just how much cheaper it can be if you look into different travel deals.
Luckily, tons of websites will find you great deals on flights, including Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Hipmunk.
When you search for these sites, make sure to input the dates you want to fly, and the city you want to visit.
Then, click “search” and let them work their magic!
Pick Up Some Groceries Before You Go
You’ll probably be spending a lot of time at the beach, so you’ll need some snacks and drinks to keep you hydrated.
Plus, you’ll want to pack a cooler full of ice packs to keep all of your food cold while you’re out and about.
Also, bring along sunscreen, bug spray, and even a hat and sunglasses. These little details can save you money later on.
Final Thoughts
So there you go! Galveston is a great day out and one of the best locations that Texas has to offer.
We hope that this article has given you some good ideas for how to spend your time here.
We also hope that you enjoy yourself because after all, that’s what vacations are supposed to be about.
If you still have some additional questions, keep reading for a short FAQ below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you leave us today, check out this brief FAQ section below to get your last-minute questions answered!
How Old Does My Child Have To Be To Come On This Trip?
Most attractions are family-friendly, but they do have age restrictions.
You should check online first to ensure that your child is the right age to attend and to check prices.
Are Pets Allowed In Galveston?
Pets are allowed in certain areas of Galveston, but they must be kept under control at all times.
Can I Take My Baby Swimming?
Yes, but please note that babies younger than 2 years old cannot be left unattended in water or pools.
Where Can I Get More Information About Galveston?
Visit galveston.com/travel-guide for helpful tips on planning your vacation.
What’s The Weather Like In Galveston? How Hot Is It In July?
Galveston is located in the Gulf Coast region of Texas, which means that temperatures vary throughout the year.
The average temperature in Galveston is 75 degrees Fahrenheit from May through September and drops down to 68 degrees Fahrenheit from October through April.
How Far Away Is Galveston From Houston?
Houston is approximately two hours southwest of Galveston by car.
Which Airlines Fly To Galveston?
United Airlines flies nonstop between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Galveston.
Southwest Airlines also offers direct service between Dallas Love Field (DAL) and Galveston, with connections available between DFW and Houston Hobby Airport (HOU).
You can also find flights from the US to Galveston on Delta, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and many more.