Galveston Island Provides Family Fun for Spring Break 2011

Trying to satisfy the entire family during Spring Break can be an exhausting job for even the most veteran of vacation planners – but the stress stops on Galveston Island.

This spring, Galveston Island has entertainment, attractions and events that will please mom, dad and the kids.

For the Family

For starters, the entire family can take advantage of free entertainment on Stewart Beach. On March 12, the RoadGamers crew will set up on the beach from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. with free activities, including its mobile video game truck, water gun battles and more.  From March 12 – 27, the beach will feature a giant, inflated “Hippo Slide” from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, providing a mini water park experience on the beach.   Also, on March 20, local band The Line Up will perform on the beach from 1- 4 p.m.

After fun in the sand, the family can enjoy the artistic side of the Galveston Island. On March 12, the reggae sounds of Irie Time will permeate the downtown district during Music Nite on Strand. The free concert will be held from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Saengerfest Park. That same night, the Galveston Arts Center will host Artwalk, allowing participants to explore the art galleries of Galveston’s historic downtown.

The free entertainment will continue March 18 when the historic Hotel Galvez hosts Cinema and Café Under the Stars as part of the hotel’s centennial celebration this year. The event will include a special showing of the 1959 film Some Like it Hot starring Marilyn Monroe. Reserved seating, lawn seating and concessions will be available.

Speaking of historic places, the family can visit plenty of those on Galveston Island, including Bishop’s Palace, Moody Mansion, and The Grand 1894 Opera House, or check out any of the island’s museums, including the Lone Star Flight Museum, Ocean Star Oil Rig Museum, Texas Seaport Museum and the  1877 Tall Ship ELISSA.

Also available for the family are private surf lessons with Ohana’s Surf and Skate, Artist Boat Kayak Adventures as well as harbor and dolphin tours.

For the Kids

Kids of all ages can have a blast exploring Galveston Island’s many Spring Break activities and attractions, such as the pyramids of Moody Gardens or Schlitterbahn Galveston Island’s heated indoor water park. On March 12, Moody Gardens will debut “Dora & Diego’s 4-D Adventure” in its 4-D Theater with costumed Dora and Diego character visiting throughout the day. Schlitterbahn Galveston Island – which was recently named one of the top ten best indoor water parks in the U.S. by Budget Travel online magazine – will be open daily March 12 through March 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fun for Mom

Keeping moms in mind during Spring Break, Galveston Island has relaxing spas at Hotel Galvez, the Moody Gardens Hotel and the San Luis Resort. Also, unique boutiques in the island’s historic downtown district provide shoppers with the chance to find treasured items you can only find on Galveston Island.

Fun for Dad

For the outdoorsman, Galveston Island offers plenty of places to fish and boat. After fishing, dad can take his clubs over to the Moody Gardens Golf Course.  The 18-hole course is designed to be player-friendly with five sets of tees to accommodate all playing abilities.

Dining

Showcasing some of the best in Gulf Coast cuisine, Galveston has dining options for every vacation style and budget, from Seawall favorites like The Spot to fine dining venues, such as The Steakhouse at the San Luis or Shearn’s overlooking the Moody Gardens pyramids. The Sunday brunch at Bernardo’s Restaurant at Hotel Galvez is another treat.

If you’re looking for a keepsake, Gaido’s Restaurant is celebrating its 100^th birthday this year with a new cookbook of Gaido’s recipes. You can also visit two public fish markets located at Pier 19 to take a taste of the Gulf Coast home. Katie’s Seafood Market is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sampson & Sons Seafood is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Plan a Visit

For more information on Galveston Island, please contact the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau toll-free at 1-888-GAL-ISLE (425-4753) or stop by the Galveston Visitors Center located at 2328 Broadway, inside Ashton Villa. Explore online at www.galveston.com.