Planning a trip to the Texas coast and looking for things to do in Galveston with kids?
Galveston Island is a popular vacation destination for families with children of all ages from toddlers to teens as well as everyone in between!
The island offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for the whole family.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, as well as exploring the beach.
Families can also take advantage of the many museums, historical sites, and amusement parks located on the island.
No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find something to do in Galveston that the whole family will enjoy.
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Things to do in Galveston with Kids
Galveston is a great place to bring the kids for a getaway.
There are plenty of things to do that will keep them entertained without breaking the bank.
From the beaches and parks to splurge-worthy attractions as well as amusement parks, there are plenty of attractions in Galveston that are perfect for exploring.
Here are our favorite things to do in Galveston, Texas with kids.
Galveston Beaches
Our kids love to play at the lovely beaches in Galveston.
With 32 miles of coastline, there are plenty of beaches to explore.
Building sandcastles, swimming, playing in the waves, as well as collecting shells are all great ways to spend a day at the beach.
East Beach is an ideal spot for families, with a playground and amenities like showers and also concessions nearby.
For more adventurous water activities, visit Seawall Urban Park or West Beach pocket parks to rent kayaks or paddleboards.
Historic Pleasure Pier
Historic Pleasure Pier on Galveston Island is one of the most iconic seaside attractions in Texas.
This seaside amusement park features several thrill rides and games for all ages.
The charming buildings at the pier have a vintage feel and also feature gorgeous decorations that add to the charm of the park.
It is reminiscent of the original Pleasure Pier that stood here in the 20th century and was destroyed by a hurricane.
Sitting right on the beachfront, this pier is packed with fun things to do for people of all ages.
Rides include a Ferris wheel, carousel, roller coaster, and more.
Families can buy a day pass or an all-access wristband to enjoy all the fun.
There are also plenty of places to eat on the pier, from ice cream and pizza to seafood restaurants.
Seawall Boulevard
Seawall Boulevard is a must-do activity when visiting Galveston with kids.
This 10-mile stretch of road runs along the seawall, providing stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Families can rent bikes or scooters, or even golf carts to explore the Seawall.
The Seawall has plenty of beach access areas as well as souvenir shops and restaurants.
Planning a trip to Galveston without the kids?
Read our post on 21 Romantic Things to do in Galveston for couples to plan your getaway.
Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens is our favorite educational tourist destination near Houston.
It is a must-see for any family visiting Galveston Island.
Highlights include the three pyramids: Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, and Discovery Museum.
Rainforest Pyramid is designed to mimic the diverse geography of a rainforest, complete with winding pathways and soaring bridges that overlook lush vegetation and exotic animals.
Aquarium Pyramid is a must for marine life lovers.
This is the largest of pyramids and is home to thousands of marine animals, including sharks, penguins, and stingrays.
Discovery Pyramid is a kid-friendly museum with hands-on science exhibits.
The on-site Palm Beach water park is a great place to cool off in the summer months.
The artificial beach here is a white sand beach and hit with families.
Other activities include a cruise on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, zip lines and obstacle courses, and a golf course.
Moody Gardens Hotel is also an option for families looking to stay overnight.
Also Read: Iceland Moody Gardens Review
Galveston Railroad Museum
Galveston is home to many fantastic museums, galleries, and attractions that are perfect for family-friendly fun.
The Galveston Railroad Museum is one of the best.
This museum is dedicated to the history of railroads in Texas.
Kids will love exploring the vintage locomotives and cars on display, and learning about how railroads have shaped Texas.
The museum offers several different rides, including a Harborside Train Ride and a Polar Express train during the holiday season.
Galveston Children’s Museum
The Galveston Children’s Museum is a must-see for families with young kids.
It is housed inside the historic Moody Mansion building.
This museum is designed specifically for children ages 2-8.
Exhibits focus on the arts, sciences, and history.
Kids can explore a life-size fishing boat, play in a water table, create art, and build things!
Downtown Galveston Strand Historic District
Visit the Historic Strand District with the kids.
Stroll down The Strand and explore the murals, turtle sculptures on the street, historic buildings, shops, and restaurants.
Don’t forget to stop by the candy stores for a sweet treat!
For something truly unique, consider taking a ride on The Strand Historic District’s streetcar.
Kids will love riding on the vintage trolley, and they’ll get to see some of Galveston’s most historic buildings along the way.
Texas Seaport Museum
The Texas Seaport Museum is a must-visit for any family interested in maritime history.
This museum is located in the Historic Strand District.
Kids can explore the tall ship Elissa, learn about the history of piracy, and see artifacts recovered from shipwrecks.
The museum also offers Galveston Harbor Boat Tours.
On the cruise, you can see the dolphins, pelicans, and other wildlife that call Galveston home.
The tour is educational as well as fun!
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day.
This waterpark has something for everyone, with slides, pools, as well as a lazy river.
Younger kids will enjoy the kid-friendly areas with smaller slides and gentler waters.
Older kids and adults can enjoy a thrilling ride on the World’s Tallest Water Coaster.
There is also a huge wave pool that visitors can surf on, as well as a swim-up bar for adults.
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark is sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Galveston Island State Park
Galveston Island State Park is a great place to spend time outdoors with the family.
This state park has plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as a beach area for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
The state park also has campsites for those who want to spend the night.
BayWatch Dolphin Tours
BayWatch Dolphin Tours offers a unique way to see the dolphins of Galveston.
On the tour, you will ride on a spacious catamaran while looking for wild dolphins.
Once you find a pod of dolphins, you can watch them play and swim alongside the boat.
This is a great activity for families with kids, who will love seeing these beautiful animals in the wild.
Port Bolivar Ferry
The Port Bolivar Ferry is a must-do for any family visiting Galveston.
This ferry takes passengers on a short ride across the Bolivar Roads to Port Bolivar.
The ride is a great way to see the marine life that calls this area home as well as enjoy Bolivar peninsula attractions such as the lighthouse.
Seawolf Park
Seawolf Park is located on Pelican Island.
This park has a variety of features, including a playground, picnic areas, and also a fishing pier.
The highlight of Seawolf Park is the WWII submarine USS Cavalla as well as the Naval museum.
Kids can explore this submarine and learn about its history.
There is also a Museum of Naval Aviation located on-site.
Galveston Island is a popular vacation destination for families with young children.
The island offers a variety of kid-friendly activities and is popular to visit year-round.
With so much to do, Galveston Island is sure to be a hit with everyone in the family.