HOUSTON – If the kids are already asking, “What are we doing this summer?” — but you’re not quite ready to commit to a massive family vacation — Moody Gardens in Galveston might just be the perfect getaway close to home.
Because let’s be honest… sometimes parents want the fun of a road trip without the actual road trip.
Just about an hour from Houston, Moody Gardens packs beach days, giant dinosaurs, rainforest adventures and lazy river vibes all into one destination — making it the kind of place where the kids barely have time to ask, “Are we there yet?” before you’ve already arrived.
This summer, families can cool off at Palm Beach, complete with white sand, a lazy river, wave pool and water slides. Starting in June, Beats on the Beach also brings live music and fireworks to Galveston Island on Saturday nights throughout the summer.
And for dinosaur lovers? The Dinos Alive exhibit takes families back in time with nearly two dozen giant animatronic dinosaurs hidden throughout a Jurassic-style jungle. From Stegosaurus to Tyrannosaurus Rex, it’s a prehistoric adventure kids are guaranteed to remember.
Of course, Moody Gardens is also home to some of its signature attractions including the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, 3D and 4D theaters, ropes course, zip line and interactive exhibits — all conveniently located in one spot.
Parents looking to turn a day trip into a weekend escape can also stay at the newly refreshed Moody Gardens Hotel, featuring updated guest rooms, on-site dining, a spa, and access to the Moody Gardens Golf Course and new pickleball courts nearby.
Basically? It’s summer fun without the stress of spending half your vacation stuck in the car.
For the best deals on tickets, hotel reservations, the Moody Gardens annual pass and basically everything you need to know, visit moodygardens.org or call 409-744-4673.