Everyday’s a Fun Day this Summer on Galveston Island

Galveston Island has something planned for the whole family to enjoy everyday, and any day this summer. From special events on the weekends, summer camps, to attraction tours and exhibits there is plenty to fill your days on the Island.

Everyone is sure to love a day in the fun and sun at the 24th Annual Sandcastle Competition held the first Saturday in June. Over 80 teams that consist of Houston area architects, designers and engineers, construct the most elaborate sandcastles you’ll every see, all vying for the grand Golden Bucket award using only their sand sculpting tools.

After a day at the beach, plan some time with mom in mind. Schedule a session at one of Galveston’s many spas located at the Hotel Galvez, Moody Gardens Hotel or the San Luis Resort. Then fit in some summer time shopping down on the Strand where new shops like Karen’s Closet, Head to Footsies and Gracie’s line the historic main street.

Dad can fit in some fishing fun while at the beach withthe kids or take a personal day trip out to the Gulf on a deep sea fishing voyage. Spend some time on the links at the Moody Gardens Premier Golf Course or grab a burger and cold beverage on the Seawall.

Kids of all ages will have a blast at many of the activities on the Island this summer season. They can take a dolphin tour before attending Ohana’s Surf and Skate Camp. Or visit one of Galveston’s many historical attractions like Bishop’s Palace or play pirate aboard the Tall Ship ELISSA.

Moody Gardens is offering something for everyone this year. Explore the depths of the sea at the Aquarium and meet a widevariety of unique spineless insects at the newly reopened Rainforest Pyramid. Special for this summer the “Amazeing Butterflies” Exhibit is where visitors can enjoy the beauty and wonder of these aMAZEing creatures.  They will find themselves amongst hundreds of live butterflies fluttering about in the Butterfly Zone with butterfly releases daily.

Need a little more adventure? Check out one of the nation’s most popular waterparks, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island. The park offers over 32 amazing rides and attractions, including uphill water coasters, thrilling speed slides, kid’s water playgrounds, relaxing hot tubs and family raft rides.

Galveston is also putting a major focus on music this summer, so grab the whole family and attend one of the many concerts being held around the Island. Bands on the Sand at Palm Beach will be held on Fridays, June through August, and feature headliner concerts at Moody Gardens’ Outdoor Amphitheater on holiday weekends. On Tuesday evenings catch the free Galveston Island Beach Band, directed by Frank. G. Incaprera, at the Sealy Gazebo.      

Free events also continue this summer keeping the family budget in mind.

MovieNite on the Strand and Music Night on the Strand continue each first and third Saturday of the month. June 5th, head to Saengerfest Park at sunset for the 80s classic, Goonies. Then, July 3rd, celebrate love of America with the Tom Cruise favorite Top Gun. August 7th, get your toes tappin' to the unstoppable beats of the musical classic Footloose. Then, finally, experience one of the best underdog films ever with the unforgettable Rocky, September 4th. Also at Saengerfest Park this summer, you're invited to bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy some of the hottest sounds of the season. June 12th will feature music by The Zydeco Dots; July 10th will feature Irie Time; and the summer will close August 14th with tunes by Electric Blues Crew. Music on The Strand runs 5pm to 8pm.

Looking for something more artistic? Take part ArtWalk, held every six weeks, exploring the galleries of Galveston’s historic downtown.

Fourth of July will be an entire weekend of festivities this year. With fireworks Friday to Sunday, Galveston will be full of fun. Moody Gardens will host their Friday concerts at Palm Beach and a feature concert on July 3. Then on the fourth, don't miss the 4th of July Parade downtown and the annual July 4th Fireworks Display over the Gulf of Mexico that evening.

Every day can be a fun day this summer on Galveston Island. Plan something for the whole family to enjoy by visiting www.galveston.com.

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

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