Updated: Apr 29, 2020

Thinking about going to Galveston with your kids? Please do! There is so much to see and experience!

#1

Moody Gardens

One Hope Blvd, Galveston. TX 77554

You can spend an entire weekend just at Moody Gardens, running around doing all the on-site activities. You can even stay the night at the Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center.

Rainforest Pyramid @ Moody Gardens

Asia, Africa, and The Americas

You will be able to see endangered plants and animals up close and personal. The birds are accustomed to people and will walk right up to anyone. If your kids love animals, this is the place to go. It takes about an hour to complete this exhibit.

Aquarium Pyramid @ Moody Gardens

This aquarium is massive and over 10 stories high. It takes about an hour or two to complete. It’s well worth the money!

My absolute favorite part is that you can touch (yes touch) jellyfish. You are not allowed to pick them up, which my rule breaker husband did on accident.

Lunch- We love the Rainforest Concession at Moody Gardens.

Located in the Visitor Center across from the MG3D

You can get nachos for $6 or chicken tender baskets with chips and a soda for $10.50.

We have eaten at the Garden Restaurant inside Moody Gardens, and although it’s reasonable priced, it’s equal to fast food in quality. I’d rather pay fast food prices for fast food.

Palm Beach Water Park @ Moody Gardens- (Summer Time)

This is a small water park located outside Moody Gardens. They have a section for small kids (see below) and a lazy river. Although, it’s a small water park, my kids still had a blast. It’s debatable, if it’s worth the money. However, the price tag and size keeps the crowds away.

Holiday in the Garden @ Moody Gardens- (Winter Time)

November 16- January 12

Interested in seeing Christmas Around the World come to life on Ice? Here are eight attractions all in one venue.

Ice Land: Christmas Around the World · Festival of Lights · Holiday 3D Films

Rudolph 4D · Ice Skating · Arctic Slide · Train Rides · Photos with Santa, plus Live Entertainment!

Make sure the kids are dressed for Ice Land which has below zero temperatures. I’m usually not dressed properly and I end up hauling butt through the ice room because I’m freezing.

#2

The Spot

3204 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550

This restaurant is perfect for kids because you just walk up to the counter and place your order. Everything on the menu is delicious and they have something for everyone.

Check out their homemade desserts, because they are amazing!

The best part is the parking is Free at The Spot and it’s within walking distance to Pleasure Pier. Shhh.. To score free parking, just keep your car at The Spot’s parking lot and walk to Pleasure Pier. Make sure you have lunch there first so you are not breaking any rules.

#3

Pleasure Pier

2501 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550

I’ve been to a lot of amusements parks on a pier and this place has the most rides that I’ve seen. They have a large selection of toddler rides. However, if you have a 5 year old like mine, who likes extreme rides, then you will be disappointed due to all the height requirements.

If you want to do something special for the kids, then take them to this adorable candy store on the pier. Do not worry, the prices are reasonable.

#4

Schlitterbahn Water Park Galveston

2026 Lockheed Road, Galveston, TX 77554

This indoor water park is open year round. Also, you can keep your camera in the lockers, because water park staff is in the water taking pictures for you. Please be aware, this park can get extremely crowded during the summer. It’s packed with obnoxious teenagers with no supervision! If you hate crowds, then you should stick with the Moody Gardens Water park.

If you have a large family, then renting a cabana is a must. You can keep all your stuff together and everyone knows where they are supposed to meet up.

#5

Children’s Mardi Gras Parade

In March, they have the Children’s Mardi Gras Parade on the Seawall. My kids are obsessed with the parade and it’s FREE. Bring your own lawn chairs and show up early to find the perfect spot. Your kids will leave with a ton of beads.

#6

Rainforest Cafe

5310 Seawall, Galveston, TX 77551

Need a mini vacation? Have lunch at the Rainforest Cafe. It’s like a cheap quick trip to an African Jungle. Let me be honest, the food sucks, but the atmosphere is awesome.

Check out the indoor River Ride at the Rainforest Café. Yes, my kids looked scared out of their minds in the pictures, but they just had no idea what to expect. It’s suspenseful. It’s dark inside and all you can hear is the animals. They had a blast once we started and were inside our boat.

#7

Galveston Children’s Museum

2618 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550

This is my FAVORITE children’s museum! Why? Because I am lazy! This place is one big learning playground, and you can just sit back and watch the kids play.

#8

Shrimp N Stuff

3901 Avenue O, Galveston, TX 77550

This place is perfect for kids. You walk up to the counter and order your food right there. The place is loaded and the food is fried. Perfect and yummy!

#9

The Strand

Strand Street, Galveston, TX 77550

You can spend a half day or even an entire day on the strand with kids. Check out my blog which gives you a list of ideas for things to do on the strand here.

#10

Magic Carpet Putt Putt Golf

9030 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554

Who doesn’t like to play putt putt golf by the ocean?

#11

Galveston/Port Bolivar Ferry

You can take a FREE boat ride to the Bolivar Peninsula. The trip takes about 15 minutes and you can look for dolphins on the way. I’ve personally never seen a dolphin on the ferry, but my friends seem to score a ton of dolphin pictures. I personally love the ride because I enjoy the wind in my hair and the views of the water.

#12

El Jardin Beach

500 El Jardin, Seabrook, TX 77586

I’m going to tell you a secret that could get me in a lot of trouble with the locals. If you want a private local beach that isn’t crowded then drive 20 minutes north to El Jardin Beach. Shhhh!

#13

Midnight Slice

1605 Second St, Seabrook, 77586

While you are in Seabrook after a long day of swimming in El Jardin, then check out Midnight Slice. The place has a hippy vibe and the pizza is awesome. There is no need to look nice and it’s open all night. Just walk in with your bathing suits and order a beer and a large pizza.

#14

Beach Town Tours

1524 8 Mile Road Galveston, TX 77554

832-630-2440

Kids 5 and up

Beach Town Tours is kayaking tours in Galveston. The price is $50 per person and it is 100% WORTH it.

One mistake I did make was wearing tennis shoes. Bring your rain boots so you can get on and off the kayak with no worries.

If you are looking for more things to do in Galveston see my blog here.

Did you see a cute outfit? Here’s what we wore.

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