Discover our top tips on how to make the most of your family trip to Galveston.
Galveston is a beautiful island town that has something for everyone in the family. From the beach to the historic downtown district, there are endless possibilities for families to share quality time together.
The best way to enjoy your trip is to plan ahead. Decide what you want to do as a family, and make sure everyone is on board with the plan. Once you have an idea of what you want to do, you can start booking tickets and making reservations. This will help you stay organized and give you more time to relax and enjoy your vacation.
Looking for a great deal on top attractions? The Galveston Island Pass is a great way to save money on admission to top area attractions and family experiences.
Many of the best hotels and vacation rentals fill up months in advance, so be sure to start your search early. Summer months and holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day are especially busy, so plan accordingly.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, try to visit during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October). You'll avoid the crowds and you can save money on hotel rates and airfare.
One of the best parts about taking a family vacation is getting to experience new things together. Shared experiences are one of the best ways to create lasting memories as a family—so be sure to include them in your plans! That could mean going fishing together, riding the Ferris wheel at the Pleasure Pier, or exploring one of the many museums in Galveston. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it's something that everyone can enjoy.
The beach is the main draw here, as we have some of the best beaches in Texas. With 32 miles of coastline, there are plenty of beaches to enjoy together. One of the most popular beaches is East Beach, which offers a wide variety of activities for families. There is a children's playground, boardwalk, pavilion, chair and beach umbrella rentals, as well as a concession stand that sells food and drinks. Other popular beaches in Galveston include Stewart Beach and Seawall Urban Park.
The Strand is a must-see for families visiting Galveston. This historic district is one of our most popular tourist attractions, full of restaurants and shops. Families love stopping for ice cream and old-fashioned candy at La King’s Confectionery, a Strand staple since the 1920s. On weekends and during the summer months, you can catch taffy-pulling demonstrations here.
For kids who love trains, the Galveston Railroad Museum is a great option. This museum is home to a collection of historic locomotives and railcars, as well as interactive exhibits. Visitors can also spend the night at the museum and sleep on a train.
Moody Gardens is a great place for families to visit because there is something for everyone to enjoy. The aquarium has a wide variety of marine life, the rainforest exhibit has beautiful plants and animals, and the discovery center has interactive exhibits. Plus, the 4D Special FX Theater and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat are both really fun for kids. If you are in town for the holidays, be sure to get tickets for the Festival of Lights.
Built in the 1920s, this historic pier is now a fun amusement park with rides, games, and views of the Gulf of Mexico. Parents can share in the fun with their kids on rides like the Iron Shark Rollercoaster and the Sea Dragon. Or, challenge each other to the Midway games. Whack-a-mole anyone?
Galveston Island State Park is a natural paradise with miles of hiking and biking trails, a fishing pier, campgrounds, a kayak launch, bird watching, and more. This is the place for families who love spending time outdoors together.
Even if the weather isn't cooperating, there's still plenty to do in Galveston. Visit one of the many museums, such as the Moody Mansion or the Bryan Museum. Or, take the kids to play at the Children's Museum or paint pottery at Clay Cup Studios.
Eating together is a great way to bond as a family. And, with so many great restaurants in Galveston, you're sure to find something everyone will enjoy. Try the seafood at Gaido's or Katie's Seafood House, the burgers at The Spot, or the BBQ at Koop's.
Galveston is a great place for families to vacation because there is so much to do. From the historic district and amusement parks to the beaches and state park, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And, don't forget to take advantage of the downtime!
With a little planning ahead, you can ensure that your trip is enjoyable and relaxing for everyone involved. So pack your bags and get ready for some fun in the sun!
Where the Texas Coast begins.
Author
Nicky Omohundro Travel Blogger
Nicky Omohundro is the founder of LittleFamilyAdventure.com, a lifestyle and family travel blog that encourages families to have “No Child Left Inside.” The site focuses on getting families outdoors, family travel destinations, healthy food, and helping readers find their own adventure.
Nicky is based in Oklahoma City with her husband and 2 teenage children. In addition to her website, she works as a freelance writer for digital and print. You can often find her with a large cup of coffee in hand, hiking a trail, or at the local farmer's market.
