Corpus Christi is a great vacay spot for the whole family! It can be overwhelming to know where to start, so we have done a roundup of the best family-friendly vacation (or staycation) things to do in the area, in no particular order, they are all MUST do adventures! Let the family fun begin.
Texas State Aquarium– Dolphin shows, sloths, sharks, and fish galore! This place is great for the whole family, even little ones can enjoy the splash pad. Pack your sunscreen and a change of clothes for the little ones. They have a food court, easy parking, handicap accessible attractions, and much more. This adventure can easily take up a whole day of your vacation.
U.S.S. Lexington– Corpus proudly boasts being the home of the U.S.S. Lexington where you and your family will immerse yourself in the patriotic history of Lady Lex (as locals fondly call it). There are flight simulators, escape rooms, guided tours, self guided tours, and so much more! Tips: sunscreen! Water! It is an outdoor/indoor museum, it can be hot. Expect lots of walking, so wear comfy shoes!
In the Game Funtrackers– Indoor and outdoor fun, with a game room inside (did someone say air conditioning?) and a plethora of activities outside including: roller coaster rides, mini-golf, go-kart tracks, bumper cars, a batting cage AND MORE! There is also a restaurant inside, so you can easily spend the whole day here. So much to do for ages 5 and up! Bring a stroller for the littles.
Baywatch Tours- Cruise the coastal waterways of North Padre Island! They offer beautiful sunset tours, a chance to see dolphins, bird life, and the most gorgeous sunsets! These small group tours are perfect for the whole family and for kids of all ages, and an ideal way to wind down and relax while soaking up the beauty of North Padre Island.
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History– Adults and kids alike will find something to enjoy at the many exhibits this museum has to offer. Science and history collide to help visitors understand local history, Texas history, space, and you guessed it…much more! The littles will enjoy the H-E-B Science Center where they can explore chemistry, science, music, and biology in hands-on activities. Visit the beautiful Xeriscape Garden, which received the Beauty Spot Award of the Beautify Corpus Christi Association and is free to the public.
South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center– Visitors will explore gorgeous flower gardens, hike kid friendly trails, explore conservatories, enjoy bird watching, meet their animals (my favorites are the lizards!), and learn about water conservation. They are pet friendly, so your furry friend can also go!
Hurricane Alley– Beat the heat and take a ride down epic water slides, float the pools or the Gulf Stream lazy river, take the little ones to the Kids Cove, or swim up to the Hideaway Bar for a drink. All ages will enjoy this cool, water adventure!
Red Dragon Pirate Cruise Tours– Aaargh you ready for some fun? This nautical adventure is located in Port Aransas, only a short drive from Corpus Christi. Pirates, cannon blasts, dolphins, and so much more, perfect for kids of all ages, this is a family fun adventure your kids will talk about for days!
Fire It Ceramics– Make memories you can take with you! Your kids will select a ceramic item, adding their artistic talents! They fire it up and finalize this artistic masterpiece for you to take home. This is a truly unique experience.
Whataburger Field, MILB Hooks– We sure are proud of our Hooks! Catch a Hooks game at this one of a kind stadium on the bay. Near the Port of Corpus Christi, you can spot boats and barges in the bay while you watch the Hooks slide to home plate. Check out their schedule and catch a game while you are in the area.
Horses on the Beach– Not many people can say that they have ridden a horse on the beach! Let Horses on the Beach change all that with one of their epic beach tours atop a well trained horse. Ages 8 and up can enjoy a one of a kind beach experience to go home and brag about.
Beach– Visiting Corpus Christi usually means the same thing for everyone: hitting up the beach! The most popular beaches in Texas are located right here in Corpus Christi. Sand, sun, and FUN await! With so many locations to find fun in the sun, it can be hard to determine the best location. Check out this handy Corpus Christi Beach Guide just for your beach planning needs!
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