Galveston Island is a fantastic place for a family vacation. At BeachBox, we know the best trips are filled with fun activities and great memories. Families from all over visit the Texas Gulf Coast to enjoy our beautiful beaches and warm weather.
But the fun does not stop at the sand. Galveston is home to amazing events all year round. From holiday street parties to spring carnivals, there is always something to celebrate. We put together a list of our favorite family-friendly festivals in Galveston TX to help you plan the perfect getaway.
Why Galveston is Perfect for Festival Goers
Galveston has a rich history and a welcoming local community. The island hosts over eight million visitors every year. People love coming here because the city knows how to throw a great party. Our festivals bring together live music, local art, and delicious food.
Many of these events take place in the historic downtown area. This makes it very easy to walk around with strollers or little ones. Plus, you get to enjoy beautiful views of the water and stunning old buildings while you celebrate.
💡 Local tip: Galveston is a very family-focused city. In fact, over 20 percent of households here have children. This means our local festivals always include plenty of activities just for kids.
Spring Festivals Your Kids Will Love
Spring is a beautiful time to visit the island. The weather is warm but not too hot. This is the perfect season for outdoor events and carnival games.
The Grand Kids Festival
We look forward to The Grand Kids Festival every April. It takes place in the downtown Cultural Arts District. This event is designed entirely for children.
Our guests love that the festival features over 40 activity booths and hands-on exhibits. Kids can enjoy live entertainment on multiple stages. Best of all, admission is completely free for everyone. It is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning before heading to the beach.
- Price Level: Free
- Location: Postoffice Street (from 20th to 23rd Streets)
- Insight: Many families dress up for the fun themes, like Dr. Seuss characters!
Learn more about The Grand Kids Festival
Galveston County Fair & Rodeo
If your family loves animals and carnival rides, this is the place to be. Located just off the island in Hitchcock, this fair is a classic Texas tradition.
Our guests always rave about the amazing BBQ and the lively atmosphere. Kids can look at animal exhibits, play games, and enjoy affordable carnival rides. It is very organized, and they even offer golf carts to help you get from the parking lot to the front gate.
- Ratings: 4.5/5
- Price Level: Budget friendly
- Location: 10 Jack Brooks Rd, Hitchcock, TX 77563
- Contact: +1 409-986-6010
- Hours: Varies by day (check schedule online)
Learn more about Galveston County Fair & Rodeo
Fall and Winter Celebrations
The holiday season brings a special kind of magic to the Texas coast. We love how the city transforms into a festive wonderland during the cooler months.
Dickens On The Strand
This famous festival happens every December. It turns downtown Galveston into a 19th-century Victorian village. Families walk the streets surrounded by the sights and sounds of a Charles Dickens novel.
We love seeing the amazing costumes and listening to the street performers. Our guests tell us their kids enjoy the bird of prey shows and the unique holiday treats. It is a great excuse to dress up and experience a holiday tradition unlike any other.
- Ratings: 4/5
- Location: 2002 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550
- Contact: (409) 765-7834
- Insight: You do not need a fancy costume to join the fun. Simple suspenders or a puffy dress work perfectly.
Learn more about Dickens On The Strand
Mardi Gras Galveston (Family Gras)
You might think Mardi Gras is just for adults, but Galveston dedicates an entire Sunday just to families. It is called Family Gras, and it is an absolute blast.
Families can watch the Shriners parade with mini cars and festive floats. The best part is the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux parade. People dress up their dogs, cats, and even pigs in fun costumes. It is guaranteed to make your kids smile.
💡 Did you know? Galveston hosts the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. During Family Gras day, kids under 12 can often enjoy the parades for free.
Year-Round Festival Vibes
Even if you visit when there is no major holiday, you can still find a festival atmosphere. Galveston and the surrounding towns have plenty of spots that offer games, food, and music every single week.
Kemah Boardwalk
The Kemah Boardwalk is a short drive from our Galveston homes. It is practically a festival every single day. The boardwalk sits right on the water and offers cool sea breezes.
Our guests love bringing their kids here for the amusement park rides and arcade games. You can ride the train, eat at fun restaurants, and watch the boats go by. It gets lively on the weekends, making it a perfect spot to burn off some extra energy.
- Ratings: 4.5/5
- Price Level: Mid-range
- Location: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565
- Contact: +1 281-535-8100
- Hours: Open daily at noon
Learn more about Kemah Boardwalk
Saengerfest Park
Located right on The Strand, this charming little park is the heart of downtown Galveston. It is free to visit and often hosts live music and events.
We love stopping here to play a game of giant chess. During the Galveston ArtWalks, this park is a hub of activity. It also has a giant “Greetings from Galveston” mural that is perfect for a family photo. Grab some ice cream nearby and enjoy the lively street performers.
- Ratings: 4.6/5
- Price Level: Free
- Location: 2302 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550
- Hours: Open 24 hours
Learn more about Saengerfest Park
Plan Your Festival Getaway With Us
Galveston is truly a magical place for families. Whether you want to catch some beads at Mardi Gras or ride the Ferris wheel at Kemah Boardwalk, your kids will have the time of their lives.
At BeachBox, we love giving families a comfortable and spacious place to truly vacation. We offer stunning Galveston vacation rentals that keep you close to the beach and all the best events.
We will provide the beautiful home. You bring the people. Browse our hand-picked collections today and let us help you create lasting memories on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do in Galveston with kids?
Galveston is packed with family fun. You can spend the day building sandcastles at the beach or exploring the Moody Gardens pyramids. We also highly recommend visiting the Kemah Boardwalk for rides and games, or attending one of the many downtown street festivals.
What is happening in Galveston, Texas this weekend?
There is almost always something going on. You can usually find live music at Saengerfest Park or an ArtWalk happening downtown. Check local community calendars online right before your trip to find current parades, markets, and seasonal events.
Is Moody Gardens worth visiting?
Yes. Moody Gardens is one of the best family attractions in Texas. It features a massive aquarium, a tropical rainforest pyramid, and 3D theaters. During the winter months, they host a huge holiday light festival that is totally worth the trip.
What are Galveston’s hidden gems?
We love taking families to the quieter areas of the island. Galveston Island State Park is a wonderful place for peaceful nature walks and bird watching. The West End beaches are also much less crowded and provide a very relaxing spot for families to unwind.
