9 Great Off-Season Things to do With Teens on Galveston Island

Once classes resume, traveling with teens can be hard to get away for more than a few days at a time. There are always school schedules and work commitments to contend with - and let's not forget the various extracurricular activities they were involved in. But that's not to say that traveling with teenagers is impossible.

With a bit of planning and flexibility, it can be done and be a richly rewarding experience to share together. The key is to choose your destination wisely and ensure that there is enough to keep everyone occupied. A place with good weather, plenty of activities, and a relaxed atmosphere is ideal. This is why Galveston, Texas is such an excellent choice for a family vacation with teenagers.

Location

Galveston Island is just 50 miles southeast of Houston and offers 32 miles of beaches along the Gulf. It's a leisurely road trip destination, and Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) is only about 30 minutes away for anyone looking to fly in.

Weather

Galveston visitors enjoy high temperatures in the mid-70s and 80s from September to November and low-50s and 60s December to March making it a great spot for a fall break or sunny winter vacation.

Galveston Island offers a wide variety of activities that will appeal to teens. Here are a few ideas of what to see and do on your next visit:

The Strand is a National Historic Landmark District across from Galveston's harbor. It is a pedestrian-friendly area full of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and historic buildings. Teens will enjoy browsing the unique shops, people-watching, and grabbing a bite to eat.

Beyond The Strand

If you or your family are interested in history, visit the harbor area near Pier 21. Here, you will find The Galveston Historic Seaport and the Tall Ship Elissa. Few people know that Galveston was considered the "Ellis Island of the West" and welcomed more than 133,000 immigrants to the United States. Galveston’s historical immigration story comes alive with a new experience: 'Ship To Shore,' which allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of the early immigrants, from the long sea voyage with its mix of hardships and wonders to the hustle and bustle arriving in the 1880s at Galveston, one of the busiest ports and booming cities in the United States.

The Tall Ship Elissa is a National Historic Landmark and one of only three remaining 19th-century tall ships. Visitors can take a tour of the ship, weather permitting.

The Ocean Star Offshore Rig Museum is also located in the harbor area. This unique museum is built on a retired jack-up drilling rig and tells the story of the drilling industry as well as the men and women who worked on these rigs.

Other notable areas of Downtown Galveston you won't want to miss include the Postoffice District and West Market (WeMa).

Learn more about Downtown Galveston here.

Moody Gardens is a must-see for any visitors to Galveston Island, but it's especially fun for teens. Featuring three individually unique pyramid experiences - Aquarium, Rainforest, and Discovery - you could easily spend the entire day here.

The Aquarium Pyramid

Dive into the oceans of the world to visit one of the largest aquariums in the Southwest. This 1.5-million-gallon aquarium is teeming with creatures from tuxedo-clad penguins to seals and sharks, an amazing Jellyfish Gallery and thousands of tropical fish and more, with new and interactive opportunities all along the way.

A fun and awe-inspiring experience is wonderfully complemented with conservation messages that underscore the vital importance of the oceans. New exhibits inspire visitor interest and empathy and connect them to specific ocean habitats. Each ocean exhibit highlights different marine sanctuaries and different aspects of our relationship to the seas.

The Rainforest Pyramid

As you enter through a tree-top canopy entrance, you'll visit the rainforests of Asia, Africa and the Americas in a rare, up-close and interactive adventure with over 1,700 exotic plants and endangered animals that range from Giant Amazon River Otters to an ocelot, Komodo dragons and other reptiles. Saki monkeys, Cotton-top tamarins, and sloths roam freely while an array of birds fly between the trees as you walk the trails through the spacious enclosure!

The Discovery Pyramid

The third pyramid at Moody Gardens is a hands-on museum-like environment perfect for inquisitive minds. Teens can learn about the science of waves, make their own music, and even experiment with robotics. Exhibits rotate seasonally; learn more on the Moody Gardens website.

Learn more about Moody Gardens here.

Galveston Island is known for its great fishing, so if you and your teens are looking to cast a line, head out to the gulf for a day of fishing. You can go deep sea fishing, try your hand at pier fishing, or even fish from the beach.

This historic theater has been hosting shows since it opened in 1894 and today offers a variety of performances throughout the year, including music, dance, comedians, and more. Visit our Calendar of Events or check their website to see what might be playing during your visit.