A Family Road Trip from New Orleans to Galveston (With Kids!)
If you’re looking for an easy family getaway from New Orleans, Galveston, Texas is a surprisingly great option. It’s only about a 5½-hour drive, which makes it totally doable for a long weekend or quick spring break trip.
We recently visited with our 9- and 5-year-olds, and there was so much to do — beaches, museums, rides, dolphins, and some really great food. If you’re thinking about making the trip, here’s a guide based on what we did (plus a few extra ideas I researched so you don’t have to).
Rainforest Cafe (With a Ride!)
If your kids have never been to Rainforest Cafe, it’s definitely worth the visit. The inside is designed like a jungle with animatronic animals and thunderstorms, which is always fun for kids. But the real surprise was that this location actually has a ride inside. My kids were so excited. Plus, the outside of the restaurant has some great photo spots, which made for fun family pictures.
Ride the Galveston Ferry (Free!)
Another fun activity is the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry. The best part? It’s completely free, even if you bring your car. Many people actually spot dolphins while riding the ferry, which makes it feel like a mini dolphin tour without the price tag. Once you cross over, there are a few things nearby worth checking out, including: The Bolivar Point Lighthouse and the historic Fort Travis Seashore Park. They’re a little far to walk from the ferry landing but just a short drive.
Beaches in Galveston
Of course, Galveston is known for its beaches. If you want more space and fewer crowds, it helps to drive a little farther from the central area. One beach locals often recommend is: East Beach. You can also find quieter stretches of beach if you drive farther down either end of the island.
Pleasure Pier
Our biggest highlight was definitely Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. It’s an amusement park built right over the water with rides, games, and great views of the Gulf.
Things to know before you go:
- You can pay about $10 just to walk on the pier
- Ride tickets or wristbands cost more
- There are rides for toddlers and bigger kids
My 9-year-old loved it, but my thrill-seeking 5-year-old was in that in-between stage where some rides were too small and the big ones were too big.
There is also a big splash ride that will absolutely soak you. Think of it like Splash Mountain — but without the indoor part and WAY more water.If you ride it, expect to get drenched. Bring a change of clothes or wear a swimsuit. Also important: check the hours before you go. When we visited during Mardi Gras season, the pier was only open on weekends and didn’t open until 4 PM on Friday. During spring break and summer, many more attractions stay open daily.
Moody Gardens
Another major attraction is Moody Gardens, which is hard to miss thanks to the giant glass pyramids. Inside you’ll find several attractions including:
- Rainforest Pyramid
- Aquarium Pyramid
- Rope courses
- Seasonal exhibits and theaters
Tickets can be confusing, because you can buy each attraction individually or bundle them. We chose a bundle for the Aquarium and Rainforest pyramids, which cost about $50 per person.
My biggest tip: Go inside first and see what’s actually open before buying tickets online.
When we visited, some things were closed because of wind or off-season schedules. But once we decided what we wanted to do, I was still able to buy the discounted online tickets right there from my phone. The aquarium was pretty good — honestly just as good as, if not better than, the one in New Orleans.
Galveston Naval Museum
When you visit the Galveston Navel Museum, you get to explore two real military vessels: The USS Steward (DE-238) and the USS Cavalle (SS-244).
Yes — you can actually go inside the submarine, which my kids thought was amazing. It’s mostly a self-guided experience, but there are volunteers around who will happily answer questions and share stories about the ships. There are also restrooms on site, and across the parking lot there’s a playground overlooking the water. We ended up staying there for nearly an hour while the kids played and watched boats go by. If you pack a picnic, this would be a really nice place to stop and eat.
Galveston Trolley
Another easy way to explore the island is the Galveston Island Trolley. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to see different parts of town without constantly moving your car.
- Kids ride free
- Adults ride for $1
One of Our Favorite Meals
One of our favorite dining spots was Basis Bistro. This area is absolutely adorable.
- Outdoor seating
- Lawn games like cornhole and giant Connect Four
- A few small shops
- A dessert spot next door
- A canal and bridge nearby
It was a really relaxing place where the kids could run around while we enjoyed dinner.
Other Restaurants to Check Out
If you’re planning meals ahead, here are a few popular spots people recommended:
- Mosquito Cafe
- Yaga’s Cafe
- Mr. Taco
- The Milk Bar (for dessert)
- Axecade – arcade games with axe throwing
A Few Other Things to Do in Galveston
If you have more time, you might also want to check out:
- Galveston Railroad Museum
- Bishop’s Palace
- Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
Some of these are seasonal, so always check hours before planning your day.
Bonus Stop: Kemah Boardwalk
If your kids love rides, consider stopping at Kemah Boardwalk. It’s about 30 minutes outside Galveston and has rides, restaurants, and a waterfront boardwalk atmosphere. You can buy a ride wristband for unlimited rides.
For Thrill Seekers
If you’re up for an adventure, about an hour away in Katy you can try iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Kids ages 3 to 100 can fly in the indoor wind tunnel. My kids were excited about the idea… until the moment came and they both backed out!
Is Galveston Worth the Drive?
For us, the answer was yes. It’s an easy road trip from New Orleans and has a little bit of everything: beaches, rides, museums, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants. We kept our schedule pretty relaxed and just explored the town — and that ended up being one of the best parts.
If you’re planning a family trip soon, Galveston might be the perfect quick getaway.
And if you’re like me, sometimes the best trips are the ones where the kids get to explore, play, and just enjoy the adventure.
