The Rink: Opening Weekend. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
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Two girls enjoying a fun gymnastics summer camp in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Gymnastics Academy
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Little boy showing his steer. Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show Rodeo
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Little Beakers has three locations near Houston. Photo courtesy of Little Beakers
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Stay at one of these nearby hotels for the easiest Houston Rodeo experience. Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
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Little girl playing at an indoor play space in Houston. Photo courtesy of Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales
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Have a slimey-fun party at Sloomoo Institute. Photo courtesy of Sloomoo
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Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
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Disney Junior Play Zone at Katy Mills Mall. Photo courtesy of Simon Malls/Simon Property Group.
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Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
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Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
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See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
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Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
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City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
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Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
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Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
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Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
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Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
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In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
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The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
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One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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Fishing in Lake Somerville. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
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Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon
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Hero Headquarters is a birthday party entertainment company in Houston. Photo courtesy of Hero Headquarters
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Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
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The St. Regis in Uptown is one of Houston's best family-friendly resorts.
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Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip

New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
5/12/24 - By Sarah Banks

Tours in Galveston are a great addition to any family trip to the island. Galveston has so many top things to do, like Pleasure Pier, Moody Gardens, the Children's Museum, and of course the many Galveston beaches. But sometimes it's nice to just book a tour, show up, and let the guide do the entertaining. From boat rides to beach tours, here are some of the best family-friendly tours in Galveston.

 

 

Galveston Boat Tours

Capt. Hal Newsom’s Airboat Tours

Climb aboard a 450-horsepower airboat for a thrilling ride around Galveston Bay. See birds, alligators, and turtles as you glide over hundreds of acres of open marshland.  Bring your supplies and stop for an island picnic. Captain Hal will make sure your family has a great trip out! READ MORE

Galveston Harbor Tours

Take an hour-long tour around Galveston Bay on Seagull II. The boat has a comfortable main deck sheltered from sun and rain, and soft drinks and bottled water are available for sale. An open upper deck affords a panoramic view. Playful dolphins frequently show up to entertain the red-and-white boat's passengers. READ MORE

Artist Boat

Join an eco-art kayak adventure at the Coastal Heritage Preserve on Galveston Island's West End. The tour includes kayaking, a watercolor demonstration, and a time to paint your own work of art. No previous paddling or artistic experience is required, but be prepared to paddle around 3 miles. Children aged 7+ can participate in a 3-4 hour adventure and take home their artwork as a great souvenir of their experience. READ MORE

Get Hooked Charters

Jump aboard a Get Hooked Charters Bay trip, especially designed for families. The trip involves a boat ride and lots of fun-filled fishing time. Depending on the season, the catch is usually redfish, trout, drum, whiting, jacks, mackerel, sharks, and more. READ MORE
Combine sightseeing and horseback riding with a Galveston beach tour.
Combine sightseeing and horseback riding with a Galveston beach tour.

Galveston Beach Tours

Bucket Brigade

Join the Bucket Brigade for a FREE tour exploring the creatures and features that make Galveston beaches unique! All ages are welcome! The beach tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer vacation and last approximately 45 minutes. Beach Tours are provided at Stewart Beach, Midtown, and Pirates Beach. READ MORE

Galveston Island Horse and Pony Rides

Take your children 6+ on a horse ride lasting either 30 or 60 minutes. The ride begins at the outskirts of the nesting area for sea turtles and seabirds, located near East Beach. The trail will lead you through a picturesque natural lagoon that is home to a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the nearby ship channel - sightings are quite common! READ MORE

Galveston Sling Shot Rentals

Nothing says summer like cruising along the coast in a Slingshot, so why not create your own tour in this fun vehicle? If your kid is 5+, you can rent a two-seater slingshot in the Galveston area with Galveston Slingshot Rentals. Helmets are provided, and the Slingshots have Bluetooth audio so you and your kid can sing along to your favorite tunes. READ MORE

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