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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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About the Author

Sarah Banks
Sarah Banks is a Houston-based mom of two boys and a dog. She loves the local vibe, from the Houston Rodeo to Tex-Mex, BBQ, and exploring the state's beautiful parks. Learn more about her writing and editing business, Spring Tide, at springtideeditandwrite.com.
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