With beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and possibly the best old-school candy shop in the west, Galveston is truly a treasure trove of family fun—and yes, that includes pirate ships.
602 Gembler Rd, San Antonio, TX, US
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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.
Clearly, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities, entertainment, food, and education in Galveston. It’s kind of amazing that 29 miles covers so much ground and can provide fun for the entire family—kids and adults alike!