8 Top Things to do with Kids in Galveston, Texas - Best Time and Hotels

8 Top Things to do with Kids in Galveston

1. Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry

The Bolivar Ferry is useful & efficient. They have a well-organized system to get people & cars on & off the ferry quickly. The ferry is quick & kind of fun too. You normally see dolphins, jellyfish, and even see a baby shark. You can feed the seagulls, which is fun for the kids but only on the back of the ferry. The downside is there can be a long wait depending on the day and time you go. They have a website you can go to so you can find out wait times if it is a busy time. They normally update it hourly with their wait times.  

2. The Seawall

Walk along this eight-mile seawall built to protect Galveston from the raging winds and waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches are amazingly clean given the number of people and the weather was ideal. You can bring your own chairs and umbrella or rent from several places. Rules for drinking are different in different parts of the beach so be sure to check. Sun, seashells and watching the ocean waves was the perfect way to relax. The sand is very fine and sticky, so bring something to dust off with and you will be great.

3. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

What a nice pier amusement park to visit. It was nice riding the rides and overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. A definite must with the family. It’s a boardwalk over the water with rides and carnival type games. Some rides are for small children. There is a charge to simply walk on the Pier of $10 or $7 for seniors. Then you pay for every single ride. You can purchase all-day pass so you and your children may ride as many times as you would like...you can also leave and come back the same day. Security is there to ensure safety and security is very friendly.

4. Galveston Island State Park

The historic park offering camping, hiking, bird watching, biking, kayaking, swimming, and the beach. You can camp on the Bayside of GISP on site 59. This is a good site because that side has a view of the bay. The site is small and simple. No shade and no cover on the picnic table, but give you a really affordable place to park our pop-up with water and electricity. Bathrooms are in the next circle over by the tent camps. By camping standards very clean bathrooms but never had soap in the dispensers.  

5. Stewart Beach

Families are the focus at this popular, amenities-rich beach park, where volleyball, sandcastle competitions, concerts, and other family-oriented activities are the norm all summer long. The beach itself was a lot of fun. One of the few beaches with restrooms, running water, showers, and umbrella/chair rentals. Chair rentals are pricey so be smart and save money. It’s $35 per pair (1 umbrella and 2 chairs. Rental expire at 5 pm). You can bring your own chairs, canopy or small tents. You are allowed to bring coolers, food, and drinks. It’s $15 per car just to enter. You can also take your dogs. 

6. Moody Gardens

Surrounded by vivid colors and wildlife from across the globe, you're immediately engaged at the Rainforest and Aquarium Pyramids. Moments later, you're transported via state-of-the-art imagery and sound at the MG3D Theater with the world's first Giant Screen 6P Laser Projector on the largest screen in Texas. Then, the thrill of the Ropes Course and Zip Line, Speed Exhibition and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat awaits. And whether it's morning golf, a spa afternoon, a Palm Beach playdate, or a dreamy overnight hotel stay, take this moment and make it your own as you immerse yourselves in some real quality time.

7. Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum

The Ocean Star is a retired jackup drilling rig that offers a fun, hands on way to learn about the offshore oil and gas industry in a comfortable and accessible facility. The museum features three floors of models, exhibits, equipment and interactive displays illustrating the story of offshore exploration and production. This self guided museum is open seven days a week and offers visitors the unique opportunity to board an actual offshore rig. While ticket sales halt at 4:00 PM, visitors can remain until the site closes at 5:00.

8. The Galveston Children's Museum

The Galveston Children's Museum is an Island resource that attracts families and serves the community; Supports all areas of education; Offers self-directed activities promoting science, literacy, math, and the arts; Showcases dynamic exhibits targeting a primary focus group of children ages 2-10; Conducts special programming for children of all ages. 

Perfect place for young children and in the middle of the city. A little off the path (below Moody Mansion); a nice place especially for younger children to play on various activities. There is even an area for the children to run around, play and enjoy themselves.

5 Best Family Hotels in Galveston

1. Gaido's Seaside Inn 

At Gaido's Seaside Inn, spend the day playing on the nearby beach then return to dine at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants. Free self parking and free full breakfast available daily 7 AM–10 AM. Outdoor pool, spa tub, free WiFi, refrigerator, microwave, and free cribs/infant beds are available.

2. The Tremont House, A Wyndham Grand Hotel

The Tremont House is just a 5 minute drive from Galveston Beach. Guests at this hotel will enjoy a flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station in each room.

3. Harbor House at Pier 21

This hotel features a marina, self parking, and coffee/tea in a common area. Continental breakfast is free. Additionally, dry cleaning, a 24-hour front desk, and free newspapers are onsite. 

4. Hotel Galvez & Spa a Wyndham Grand Hotel

Hotel Galvez & Spa, A Wyndham Grand Hotel and National Trust Historic Hotel of America, is the only historic beachfront hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast.  

5. Hilton Galveston Island Resort

Unwind at Hilton Galveston Island Resort and enjoy a premier oceanfront location overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Situated on the historic Seawall Boulevard at the 32-acre San Luis Resort, this Galveston hotel is within close walking distance of the beach, fishing piers, shopping and restaurants.

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The Best Time to Visit Galveston

The best time to visit Galveston is October to November or March to April when the weather is warm, but not sweltering, and accommodation prices are reasonable. Winter is the best time to score a deal on your accommodations, but it will likely be too chilly to enjoy Galveston's beach activities. The months that span May and September constitute Galveston's long summer season, where lodging rates, tourism and temps are at their peak. 

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