Galveston Island, on the coast of Texas, is a wonderful spot for a family vacation. There is a ton of fun rings to do – here are 5 fun things to do on Galveston Island.
We love to go to Galveston Island. With the beach and the smell of salty sea water in the air, you can’t help but relax and think “vacation” when in this fun city. Beyond the 32 miles of beaches and it being Texas’ premier cruise port, Galveston Island makes for a pretty great family vacation. My kids had lots to say when I asked them what their favorite things to do in Galveston were and it was honestly hard to narrow it down to just 5. Just know there are enough fun things to do in Galveston to fill an entire week!
5 Fun Things to Do in Galveston
Moody Garden Rain Forest
Galveston Island: Moody Gardens
As you cross the bridge into town, you will immediately see Moody Garden‘s 3 pyramids off to your right. And your curious, what’s inside those pyramids??? Moody Gardens features Rainforest, a multi-leveled Aquarium, several 3D & 4D theaters, an 1800’s Paddlewheel Boat, and more…all designed to keep you busy for the full day! Also, opening March 8, the Gulf Coast’s tallest five-tier Sky Trail Explorer Ropes Course and new 60-foot Zip Line. Moody Gardens will be open daily March 8-22, 2015.
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island (image courtesy of Schlitterbahn)
Galveston Island: Schlitterbahn Waterpark – Galveston Island
We’re all familiar with Texas’s biggest and baddest waterpark, Schlitterbahn, but did you know that Galveston has one too? It’s the Houston’s area only Indoor Waterpark, open year round with lazy rivers, tube slides, wave pools and more. And I love the fact that they had great areas for the kiddos to play in as well. The outdoor section is open mid-April through mid-October. Schlitterbahn Galveston’s indoor water park will be open daily March 7-22, 2015.
Pleasure Pier at Night (image courtesy of Galveston CVB)
Galveston Island: Historic Pleasure Pier
Take a walk on a “historic” pier filled with amusement rides, games, and nostalgic food at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. My kids loved it – I mean wanted to stay ALL DAY -loved it, as many of the rides are thrilling – they ride out over the water! I like the fact that they had several different ride passes that accommodate different needs – all day, single ride passes, family passes, and child passes. We had fun spending an evening there, as the lights of the pier were so beautiful. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier will be open daily March 6-22, 2015.
Restored Planes at the Lone Star Flight Museum
Galveston Island: Lone Star Flight Museum
One of the more quieter gems of Galveston, the Lone Star Flight Museum was one of our favorites of the weekend. My son in particular enjoys military history, so this museum, with 30+ restored airplanes, was a particular treat. Of special note, they have a P-47 Thunderbolt, the plane my husband’s grandfather flew in WWII – we were totally surprised to see it! And if you go on a weekend, chances are they will be giving rides (for purchase) on some of the planes and you can go outside to watch them taxi & take off. We loved it!
Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum
Galveston Island: Ocean Star OffShore Drilling Rig & Museum
When have you had the chance to climb aboard an actual off-shore drilling rig? You can at the Ocean Star OffShore Drilling Rig & Museum, located in the harbor. The museum features 3 floors of interactive models and videos that show you exactly how a drilling rig works. In particular, we enjoyed seeing a full picture of what it is like to live on a rig for months at a time. And you can go outside and walk around the actual drill floor of the rig. The kids found it fascinating.
As I mentioned, there is really much more than these 5 – If you are interested in boats, you can take a tour of the Tall Ship ELISSA. There are several historic mansions such as Bishop’s Palace & The Moody Mansion. Take a paddle surfing excursion with Ohana Surf & Skate. And you definitely need to spend some time on The Strand – great shopping & dining. Click here for more information on Galveston Island.
And don’t forget to catch Free Fun in Austin’s Top 5 FREE Things to Do in Galveston.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Galveston Island. All opinions are my own.
