Small Family Itinerary

If you and the kids are ready for a family day out but aren’t quite sure how to do it affordably with fun activities for all, try these Galveston Island ideas for a day of family adventure.

Rent a surrey bike – Visit Salt Water Gift Shop to rent a family surrey. This four-wheeled, covered bike is perfect for moving about the island. With two-, four- and six-seat capacity, your family will be having a ball together in no time. Or, if looking for something a bit more exciting, rent e-scooters and bring out the giggle in everyone. Zipping around the beaches, shops and restaurants on a motorized two-wheel scooter makes for an easy, fun afternoon.
Enjoy the beach – Feel the warm sand beneath your toes and the cool ocean waves surround your feet. Get your beach umbrellas and chairs along with towels, water toys and swim apparel from Salt Water Gift Shop. We also carry boogie boards, skim boards, and water floats to take in the full beaching experience.
Grab a bite – There are many family-friendly restaurants near East Beach that serve a variety of foods including lower-priced kid meals. Check out The Spot for burgers, salads, sandwiches and milkshakes. Stop by Miller’s Seawall Grill for po-boys, chicken, scrumptious desserts, and beer or wine. If pizza is the family favorite, visit Mario’s Seawall Italian and Pizzeria. For a jungle setting complete with souvenir shop and amusement ride, give Rainforest Café a try.

Take a ferry ride – Take a FREE 18-minute (each way) ferry ride to Bolivar Peninsula. With ships running regularly 24/7, you can view giant tankers and barges traveling to and from the Port of Houston. Watch for shrimp boats to catch a glimpse of dolphins looking for a free meal. Feed crackers to the seagulls from the back of the ship. Here’s a tip: skip long automobile waits by parking in the ferry lot and enter as a pedestrian rider. There’s even A/C in the observation deck.