Fun Things to do in Galveston TX with...

As y’all know, Galveston has been our family’s happy place since…forever! Of course, we love spending time relaxing on the beach, but did you know there is so much more to this Texas city?  Galveston is rich in history and the buildings down on the strand tell such an incredible story of, what was once the most popular Texas city to live in. Yes, Galveston has 32 miles of public beaches but if you need a little break from the sand; or if our Texas sun is a little too much for you then here are my Top Five Things to do to enjoy Galveston Island with your kids.

Visit The Strand

Since the Strand is where so much of the history lies it’s one of my favorite parts of Galveston to walk around.  Everything from seeing the waterline on the buildings from Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Harvey,  to the old architecture.  Even though most of the original buildings are long gone, there are Historical Markers in front of many of the renovated structures. They are also on the street corners to show you how the city thrived hundred of years ago before The Great Storm.

Photographer Tip: Be sure to snap a pic of your kids sharing a vintage milkshake from La Kings Confectionary, a 1920’s throwback ice cream parlor.  At La King’s they hand pull saltwater taffy in the middle of the store; so be sure to stop by and grab a warm gooey sample!

Take a spin on the Pleasure Pier Carousel

We were lucky when the city of Galveston decided to add Pleasure Pier to the coastline.  Pleasure Pier is small so one could easily fill half a day to a day of your vacation here. However, it’s also so unique because it reaches out over the Gulf water!  There are carnival games and rides for every age but we like to give our kids an “allowance” before we walk in because it can get a bit expensive, kind of like the Houston Rodeo.

Photographer Tip: Stay until the sun goes down!  Enjoy the sunset on the Huge Texas Sized Ferris Wheel and take a pic at the entrance when all of the twinkling lights turn on after dark.  Be sure to walk across the street to Fish Tales and grab a scoop of Texas’ own Blue Bell Ice Cream.

Eat off the beaten path

Texas is not short on good restaurants and Galveston sure has a lot of them crammed onto that island. Try to avoid flashy restaurants on the Strand.  Remember that area normally caters to cruise visitors.  Read reviews and ask the store owners.  One of our all time favorite restaurants on the strand is Shark Shack, because it’s kid friendly and the shark bites are delicious! If you venture off the beaten path that’s where you will find the most delicious mom and pop owned places to eat!  We always make sure to eat at Sunflower Cafe for Brunch before we head home.

A Moody sky makes for a Moody Day

If the weather isn’t cooperating and you get a less than idea forecast head over to Moody Gardens.Of course it’s fun to stay at the resort but you can also buy tickets to the attractions without having to book a room!  The Aquarium Pyramid is one a family favorite as well as the zip line over the waterpark.

A Pirates life for me

A hidden jewel on Galveston Island is Pier 21. The 1877 Ship Elissa and The Texas Seaport Museum are both quick visits filled with history and sights.  You can also watch a film at the Pier 21 Theatre or step onto the ocean star Oil Rig.  For the history buffs who want a little more than historical plaques, there is certainly no shortage of museums on the island.

Pro tip: Be sure to eat before you walk over there, remember when I said avoid flashy restaurants…

I am currently booking beach sessions and Galveston strand Happy Place Sessions!  I believe the authentic smiles, belly laughs and little in between moments of love are truly what make a session magnificent, not the location!  So don’t worry if you prefer a field in Houston or a treeline in The Woodlands.  After photographing Texas Families for 13 years, I want to create a stress free and easy photoshoot so that you only need to show up and have fun with your beautiful, crazy crew!  Give me a call of fill out the inquiry form so we can get started in planning the most EPIC and FUN family photoshoot your family has ever had!