Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
With the 32 miles of beach that make up Galveston Island, youre sure to find enough surf, sand and sun for every member of your family. But Galveston Island offers more than sand and surf and there is sure to be the perfect activity to suit even the smallest member of your family.
How about exploring a 10-story Rainforest Pyramid? This exotic building, located in the Moody Gardens Complex, features animals and plants from Africa, Asia and the Americas. In addition to the tropical fish and birds you can also expect to see unusual animals like Tamarins, Two-toed Sloths, Flying Fox, Kotamundis, and an Ocelot.
Not enough? Add to that, splashing waterfalls, tranquil pools and a lush canopy of green and youll feel as if youre in the middle of a real tropical rainforest.
Do you prefer something a bit more aquatic? Try the Aquarium Pyramid, another part of the Moody Gardens Complex. Fish tanks featuring exotic and colorful fish from four oceans of the world offer a glimpse into the seemingly endless variety of underwater fish and plant life.
Are you ready to cool off? Also onsite in the Moody Gardens complex is the family favorite, Palm Beach. A man-made escape of white sand and crystal-clear fresh water lagoons will help you beat the heat while you plan your next adventure. Lush landscaping surrounds you while you relax in the spa, enjoy the waterfalls or take a ride on a paddleboat. Kids will love the Yellow Submarine and Octopus Slide. The Sub has kid-enticing periscopes, water guns, dive horn and control panels. The surfaces are soft foam-padded and even wheelchair friendly.
Would you like to see more of the Island? How about taking a Duck Tour? These fun and unique sightseeing vehicles travel on land and in the water while the captain entertains passengers with tour information thats both amusing and informative.
A horse-drawn carriage ride is another great way to see the sights. Horse-drawn carriages can be rented in the ever-popular historic Strand District which is filled with shops, restaurants and live music and a peanut butter factory.
Maybe the kids like boats and ships. Seawolf Park was named after the USS Seawolf, a lost submarine. The USS Cavalla, a WWII submarine is berthed in the park as a memorial to the lost ship. The USS Stewart, one of only 3 destroyer escorts in the world, is berthed alongside. Seawolf Park has a 3-story pavilion with a view of Galveston harbor. A picnic area, playground and a lighted fishing pier are located within the park and are favorite activities for the kids.
Take a trip to the Texas Seaport Museum, located in the historic Strand District, to see a National Historic Landmark C an authentic, restored sailing Tall Ship called the ELISSA. The ELISSA is also designated as one of Americas Treasures by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The ELISSA, built in 1877 in Aberdeen, Scotland by Alexander Hall & Company, is a three-masted, iron-hulled sailing ship carrying nineteen sails. In the museum and theater located next door, you can follow the story of the ELISSAs rescue and restoration. Enjoy a self-guided tour around the deck of the ELISSA and the Texas Seaport Museum.
Galveston Islands also offers several different museums on subjects ranging from Ridley sea turtles to Mardi Gras displays and vintage aircraft displays.
The Mardi Gras Museum features historical costumes and memorabilia that date back as far as 1876 when the Island tradition was started. Another popular display is the Arches of Galveston. These fantasy arches form gateways across the streets of downtown Galveston as part of their annual Mardi Gras parade.
The Railroad Museum has a special room called the People's Gallery which contains full-sized figures that were made with plaster molds of real persons, and depict individuals who might have passed through the waiting room in 1932. These creative figures are called the Ghosts of Travelers Past. Also featured in the museum are original pieces of railroad china and three stages depicting Galveston history. Under construction is an HO-scaled model railway.
Maybe the kids are wild for airplanes. In the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame / Lone Star Flight Museum youll be able to view a collection of over 40 restored aircraft including WWII Fighters, Bombers, Liaison Trainers, and Executive Planes.
The Galveston County Historical Museum features exhibits on the great lighthouses that protect the Texas Gulf coast. A display on the Native Americans of the Upper Gulf Coast and early county history that includes explorers, pioneers, pirates and buccaneers is not to be missed. Film footage on the Great Hurricane of 1900 details the storm that nearly destroyed Galveston Island.
Galveston Island also has plans underway for the construction of a 25 acre mega water park resort called the Schlitterbahn.
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