7 Galveston Family Friendly Activities off the Beach-en Path - Houston Family Magazine

7 GALVESTON FAMILY ATTRACTIONS THAT ARE OFF THE BEACH-EN PATH

Getting to meet a penguin in person is one of the coolest experiences Moody Gardens offers. In this 45-minute program, you can go behind the scenes of the penguin exhibit at the Aquarium Pyramid to interact with these playful birds to see them eat, play, and even create penguin art.

Galveston Water Adventures

Yes, there are dolphins in Galveston! And these playful creatures are almost always up for a photo-opp. Thankfully, the folks at Galveston Water Adventures will take you through Galveston Harbor on their 40-foot pontoon boat to see dolphins up close, and you'll learn about the island's historic seaport while you're at it.

World's Tallest Water Coaster

This ride is 82 feet high and spans 926 feet of twists, turns, and dips! For slide lovers, this is one not to miss! Schlitterbahn is Opening for the weekends starting Apr 15th and full summer hours after Memorial Weekend.

1877 Tall Ship Elissa

This famed three-masted, iron-hulled sailing ship dates to 1877 and is far from a museum piece: it’s a functioning vessel available for tours and seasonal sailings. Located at the Texas Seaport Museum at Pier 21, a ride on the majestic ELISSA will leave an indelible imprint on even the most difficult to please teenagers in the family.

La King's Confectionary Old Fashioned Taffy Pulling

This old-school candy shop is an absolute joy for anyone with a sweet tooth. If you happen to be there when he makes the salt water taffy, you'll be in for a real treat. You get to sample the fruits of his labor thanks to the practice of tossing taffy treats to on lookers!

Kayaking with the Artist Boat

Going on a kayak adventure with Artist Boat is a relaxing and fun way to experience the island’s lush Coastal Heritage Preserve off Galveston Bay. You can do a two-hour traditional kayak tour or a three to four-hour tour where art supplies and a plein-air watercolor paint lesson are provided while you create a souvenir to remember the beauty of your experience.

Galveston Island Horse & Pony Rides Horseback Rides

I know I said Galveston has a lot more to offer than the beach, but that doesn’t mean the sunsets over the beach are any less breathtaking… especially on horseback. Thanks to the guides from Galveston Island Horse & Pony Rides, your family can travel the East Beach shoreline side-by-side to see the beautiful East End Lagoon teeming with wildlife on one end and a serene beachfront on the other.

In our experience, kids have no shortage of excitement when it comes to

splashing through Galveston’s white-capped waves and playing in the sand.

But while the beach may summon you and your family to the island, it doesn’t have to be your exclusive adventure.