Budget things to do in Galveston, Houston areas

[disneypharm]

We (Me, DH, DD13, DD10) are going to Galveston area on Saturday. We went to Houston 2 years ago and saw the Citypass locations (see below), so we are not doing any of these again. Schiletterbaun (Spell?) water park seems pretty expensive. So, are there any other places to take the kids that doesn't break the bank? We will be there for 7 days and temperatures are pretty high (94 degrees F with humidity)
Thanks
Space Center Houston
Downtown Aquarium
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston Zoo
The Children's Museum of Houston

 

[cricketgirl]

Have you thought about Galveston beach or the Kehma boardwalk? Maybe an Astros game?

 

[disneypharm]

Have you thought about Galveston beach or the Kehma boardwalk? Maybe an Astros game?

Thanks. I know about Kemah boardwalk. We were there the week of Christmas and it was very cold but we enjoyed it. We will definitely do it again. We are not baseball fans, so probably no Astros games. Is there only one beach in Galveston? If I google it, would I be able to find the direction to the beach.

 

[walkdmc]

Moody Gardens and Aquarium. The aquarium is the best aquarium we've ever seen (and yes, we've been to Baltimore). They also have a rainforest there (not the cafe, but a replica rainforest....although there is a Rainforest Cafe in Galveston). There's also a water park/beach area there, in the same complex. Basically, between the aquarium, rainforest and beach, you could spend all day at Moody Gardens.

If you like margaritas, Salsa's (restaurant, very kid friendly), on the Seawall is great and they have a happy hour special.

 

[disneypharm]

Moody Gardens and Aquarium. The aquarium is the best aquarium we've ever seen (and yes, we've been to Baltimore). They also have a rainforest there (not the cafe, but a replica rainforest....although there is a Rainforest Cafe in Galveston). There's also a water park/beach area there, in the same complex. Basically, between the aquarium, rainforest and beach, you could spend all day at Moody Gardens.

If you like margaritas, Salsa's (restaurant, very kid friendly), on the Seawall is great and they have a happy hour special.

Thanks. Is the aquarium in Galveston? Because we saw the ones in Houston and Kemah. Any suggestions for seafood (my favorite food) and BBQ (DH's favorite food) restaurants? They don't have to be budget.

 

[walkdmc]

Gaido's on the Seawall at 39th street has the best seafood.

Queen's BBQ on Stewart is the known as the best BBQ on the island. I believe Goode's is the best in the Houston area.

The aquarium is in Galveston. Check out moodygardens.com. (I just did it and they have a live webcam of the penguins!).

There's also a cute shopping/restaurant district, on Strand Street.

The Original Mexican Restaurant is also really good and super old. It's a local favorite.

(We lived there for 7 years).

 

[disneypharm]

Gaido's on the Seawall at 39th street has the best seafood.

Queen's BBQ on Stewart is the known as the best BBQ on the island. I believe Goode's is the best in the Houston area.

The aquarium is in Galveston. Check out moodygardens.com. (I just did it and they have a live webcam of the penguins!).

There's also a cute shopping/restaurant district, on Strand Street.

The Original Mexican Restaurant is also really good and super old. It's a local favorite.

(We lived there for 7 years).

This is great info. I am adding all of these to my list. Thanks again

 

[Gina]

We live not far from Galveston, and it's one of our favorite places to go. One thing you might do (that's totally free!) is to go ride the Boliver ferry. That's a big time fave for DS & I. You can drive your car on, or park in the well-lit and guarded parking lot right next to the pier and just walk on (which is what we do.) It's so relaxing... we go at night (ferry runs 24 hours) and stand up on the second deck at the very front. It kinda gives us a little cruise fix.

www.galveston.com is a great website with tons of info. You can go here to download a detailed map of the island. If you're planning on going to Moody Gardens and are planning on getting the all-day value pass, buy your tickets online before you go and you'll save a few $$.

There are a bunch of different beaches in Galveston, something for everyone. I tend to like the smaller pocket parks for that, because I hate crowds. The Great Storm at Pier 21 and Seawolf Park at Pier 19 are also both really interesting.

Have a great time, Galveston is such a wonderful place!!

 

[walkdmc]

We live not far from Galveston, and it's one of our favorite places to go. One thing you might do (that's totally free!) is to go ride the Boliver ferry.

It's been many years since I rode the Boliver Ferry but used to ride it weekly. I lived in Port Arthur while DH lived in Galveston. On Friday nights and other times that escape me, the car line for the ferry is very long. You're better off parking your car at the ferry landing and riding sans car. We've seen dolphins while riding that ferry!

 

[momofrrr]

don 't completely give up on Schlitterbauhn. It is a little on the high side but it is a great family day. We get there early and claim our spot and make a day of it. You can take in your own coolers with lunch and drinks (just no glass). I take a good book and just read all day while the kids do their own thing. I just have them check in regulalry. There are lots of lounge chairs and giant umbrellas for shade. Don't forget the sunscreen.

There is also a really cool little eatery on on 14th between may Church and Post Office called the Mosquito Grill. I had the best Turkey burger ever!!!! It was delicious! Just down the street about a block is a place called the Sunflower. They have fabulous muffins and rolls and the likes. Great place to get breakfast for the next day.

There are also two little parks here in League City that are great for picnics and family photos. Go East on 518 for about 2 miles and cross Highway 3. The first park will be on your left just after you cross the railroad tracks. There is a huge play scructure there with picnic tables and lots of shade. The other is just a block further on the right. There is always some one the doing engagement or wedding photos.

 

[DINKDisneyAddict]

Thanks. Is the aquarium in Galveston? Because we saw the ones in Houston and Kemah. Any suggestions for seafood (my favorite food) and BBQ (DH's favorite food) restaurants? They don't have to be budget.

Houston Restaurants
Seafood = Pappas Seafood or Pappadeaux
BBQ = Pappas BBQ

You can go to their websites and sign up for their e-club. They will send coupons for free appetizers, desserts, etc.

They are all over Houston, but the closest to Galveston is north about 25 miles in the Webster/Clear Lake area.

 

[Chee Chick]

My family loves going to the Bayou Wildlife Park in the Alvin area just north of Galveston. They take you around the park in a open tram pulled by a jeep. The animals come right up to you and you get to feed them. It can be quite a hoot when the animals are trying to get your food bucket especially the camels and emus. My kids absolutely love it! There is also a petting zoo and pony rides.

Here is a link:
http://www.bayouwildlifepark.com/

 

[disneypharm]

OP here. Thank you all. I am making a list of everything and checking them online. The Galveston site is great. We checked in the Frontier Airline site this afternoon (10 minutes after the 24-hour time was up) and got 4 seats in 4 different locations in the airplane. I really don't want to have my kids separated from us. We tried to call the airline and after several tries we were told that we can only change them at the gate!!

Chee Chick - Bayou Wildlife Park seems so much fun. DD13 loves animals. We will definitely do that.

momofrrr - DH wants to try Schlitterbauhn, so we might do it during the week when it is not as crowded.

DINKDisneyAddict - We will try to go to Pappas. We have been to Pappadeux. Love the food there.

Gina - Will also do the Boliver ferry, the Great Storm at Pier 21 and Seawolf Park at Pier 19.

walkdmc - Thank you for the restaurant ideas and Moody Gardens. Added to the list.