Things to Do in Galveston

The city of Galveston is typical of Texas: larger than life and twice as fun. The city truly has something to inspire everyone—families in particular. You’ll find no shortage of hands-on educational fun and white-knuckle thrills fit for all.

There’s so much to do at Moody Gardens, you’ll want to set aside an entire day. Laugh along with the antics of the penguins in the 1.5 million-gallon Aquarium Pyramid. Get up close and personal with river otters, Chinese alligators and cotton-top tamarins at the Rainforest Pyramid. Take your agility and stamina to new heights on the Sky Trail Ropes Course, a 48-obstacle course hanging 81 feet above the ground (don’t worry—you’ll have a safety harness). Younger kids can climb on a smaller version, the Sky Tykes Ropes Course, while mom and dad walk alongside. Jump into the action at the interactive 4D Special FX Theater and experience misters, wind and snow during the show.

Galveston Island’s Historic Pleasure Pier is the Texas version of Coney Island—restaurants, shopping and amusement park rides—only bigger and better. Feel the stomach-flipping thrills of the Iron Shark coaster, and get an eagle’s-eye view of the entire pier from the 100-foot Galaxy Wheel. Try your luck at Whack-a-Mole, Ring Toss, Lucky Duck and other games on the Midway. Satisfy your hunger at one of a wide range of restaurants; nosh on shrimp or ribs, grab a quick treat at Carousel Court Sweets or refresh yourself with a beer at Brew Station. Sit down for a nicer meal at Landry’s Seafood or Saltgrass Steak House. After eating, choose a funny costume and pose for an old-fashioned portrait.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a kid who’s been aboard too many oil rigs. The Ocean Star on Galveston Island was a real, functioning oil rig serving the Gulf Coast for 20 years; now it functions as an interactive museum and education center. Access the museum from the pedestrian bridge on the pier. Watch the museum’s educational video to learn more about the offshore oil industry first; then explore three floors of interactive displays and models for some hands-on fun. Plan on at least an hour to wander through the pipe floor, rig deck and exhibits. Docents are on hand to answer your questions about the Ocean Star and the industry. The museum is handicapped-accessible and open every day.

Whether you’re looking for simple sunbathing or a thrilling 80-foot plunge, Schlitterbahn has the water play you crave. Float lazily down the Kristal River, learn to balance on a boogie board at the Boogie Bahn or zoom 100 feet over the park on the Soaring Eagle Zipline. Your kids can splash in the fountains at Tiki Tikes or explore the pirate ship at Treasure Island Kids Pool. The park offers more than 35 attractions. Consider renting a cabana or luxury lounger for a peaceful spot to retreat during rest breaks. Bring your own picnic lunch, or grab a bite at any of the several food vendors in the park.

Billed as one of the best examples of Victorian architecture in the country, this old mansion is a time capsule of American history. It’s even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The home is graced with towering marble pillars, stunning mahogany, glowing stained glass windows and rich materials from all over the world. Take a guided tour, or explore at your own pace with an audio commentator. Reserve a spot on the monthly basement-to-attic tour to see parts of the house typically not accessible to the public.