How to have a perfect family holiday in Galveston Island

Need to pack even more fun into your visit? Then definitely check out the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. You must pay a fee to visit the pier as well for each of the 16 rides, but if you opt for the $26 ride-all-day option and get wristbands in the morning, you can come back that evening to see the boardwalk lit up and catch a sunset. A handful of the rides are for kids at least 48-inches tall, but there are other attractions for kids of all ages, including some water rides, so pack towels and swimsuits, just in case.

Stewart Beach is your best choice for good, clean family fun. Like most public beaches in Galveston, it charges a small parking fee ($8), but the lot is directly on the beach so you don’t have to lug all of your gear very far. The water tends to remain shallow pretty far out from shore, making it more fun for kids, and there are lifeguards on duty March through October. And although alcohol isn’t permitted on the beach, you’re never far from a local watering hole.

If your kids are older than six and interested in animals, you’ll want to schedule a sea turtle tour at the NOAA Sea Turtle Facility. Free tours are given every Thursday (except on federal holidays) and fill up fast. Make sure to book several months in advance. Spoiler alert! You won’t get to touch a sea turtle, but you will get to see plenty up close, and the staff will teach you lots of interesting facts about their life cycle and what it takes to preserve their species.

Lots of people know about the pirate history of the Caribbean, but you might not know that Jean Lafitte, a famous pirate, made Galveston his home in 1817. At Pirates! Legends of the Gulf, kids will get to explore a pirate-ship deck and see an actual pirate hook. Kids under five get in free, while admission for kids under 13 is $6.75. Parents must pay the fee of $10 or walk the plank. There are loads of pirate photo ops and a scavenger hunt that’s especially fun for kids of reading ages.

Want more than just ocean views? Here, you can choose between three pyramids, each with its own ecosystem: They have a Rainforest Pyramid, a Discovery Pyramid, and an Aquarium Pyramid. It can take up to two hours to work your way through a single pyramid, though, so if you want to see more than one, be sure to allow enough time. Or, divide and conquer, and then share a family slideshow later on during your trip! If you can fit it in, the paddleboat cruise is a lot of fun, the Palm Beach Waterpark is a favorite for kids, and there’s even a zip line and ropes course! If you’re there at the right time, you might be able to catch a behind-the-scenes penguin experience or a shark feeding. You also can stay at the hotel on-site and treat yourself to a day at the spa or a delicious meal at one of the restaurants.