Packing up and making your way to Port Aransas, Texas any time of year is always a treat for travelers. When you have the opportunity to enjoy this sun-soaked destination with your entire family in tow, there’s even more to look forward to and enjoy! Whether your family adores the beach, loves the waves, is looking forward to trying local eateries, or wants the best of it all, there’s never any shortage of options when it comes to adding fun to your itinerary. When you’re ready to put those finishing touches on your vacation lineup this year, the following are the top 5 family-friendly activities in Port A you won’t want to leave off the list.
Experience the Thrill of a Pirate Cruise as a Family
When you’re excited to enjoy time in Port Aransas with the kids this year, you can find all the whimsical entertainment and thrills you’re looking for when you book your place on a Red Dragon Pirate Cruise during your stay. This is an experience visitors of all ages are sure to love thanks to the fact that from the moment you step aboard, you’ll be invited to fully immerse yourself in the pirate lifestyle.
This cruise is designed to be both interactive and theatrical as passengers enjoy a sailing experience on a replica pirate ship that makes its way along the Lydia Ann Channel. Many traveling families would agree this is a highlight to add to any itinerary, thanks to the inclusion of live pirate performances, costumed crew, storytelling, and treasure hunts for kids to enjoy while you sail along, too. The addition of water gun battles only adds to the thrill, while face painting and pirate apparel for passengers to wear elevates the authenticity of your time on the water even further.
This is a flexible family-friendly activity to add to your itinerary as well, because there are options to pick and choose from, daytime family cruises, private charters, sunset sails, or holiday specials, depending on when you’re traveling to Port Aransas. You can expect your Red Dragon Pirate Cruise to last about two hours, with trips departing from 440 W. Cotter Avenue.
There are custom packages available to purchase if any of your little ones are celebrating a birthday onboard, and this sailing experience is an all-weather activity as well, thanks to the ship’s many covered decks. Just be sure to book your place early because these cruises inevitably fill up fast.
Spend Plenty of Quality Time on the Sand
If you’re a family that shares a passion for time on the sand when you’re on vacation, you’re bound to love every second you spend together in Port Aransas. That’s because this incredible vacation destination hosts no less than 18 miles of shoreline to explore together. The beaches here are beautiful, clean, and provide a fantastic playground for guests of all ages to enjoy.
If you’re typically early risers, the Port Aransas Beaches are stunning destinations to enjoy a sunrise stroll at your own, leisurely pace. During the afternoon hours, the beaches here become an oasis of fun for shelling, sunbathing, boogie boarding, flying kites, swimming, or building sandcastles. No matter how you spend your time on the sand, it’s a place where it’s easy to make family memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
Enjoy Sightseeing from the Comfort of a Golf Cart
While a rental car can certainly be useful for getting from Corpus Christi to Port Aransas via the Causeway, once you arrive here as a family, there’s a good chance you’re going to want to park and leave your vehicle behind for a while. That’s because you’ll have convenient options to rent a golf cart instead and enjoy sightseeing as a group whenever and however you’d like!
Getting around by golf cart is an easy, convenient, and eco-friendly way to spend your family getaway in Port Aransas. When you have a golf cart to use, you never have to worry about limited parking options at the beach, and you can more easily move through and around town.
There are many local golf cart rental options across Port Aransas that offer multi-day packages to make your getaway even more seamless. Whether you rent your cart through Kacie’s Beach Carts, Age Beach Carts, or Island Outfitters Port Aransas Golf Carts, you’ll find it’s a great way to see the area with the kids in a way that works specifically for you.
Add Wildlife Watching to Your Family-Friendly Getaway
When you’re traveling on vacation with kids to Port Aransas, you have inviting options to pair engaging fun with educational moments, too. A great way to balance both is to add some fantastic wildlife watching to your list while you’re here.
We would highly recommend spending some time at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center during your stay when you’re looking to enjoy bird watching as a group. This stunning nature preserve is built with a maze of boardwalks in place that make birding an extra welcoming experience, whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the activity entirely. Your family will also be thrilled to find that while a variety of bird species can be spotted here, so can alligators and turtles in the waters below the boardwalks.
For families that could benefit from a bit more insight, heading this way on a Wednesday morning at 9:00 am puts you in the right place to participate in a guided bird walk alongside a naturalist.
Get Creative at Fire it! Ceramics
A little creativity can definitely go a long way toward the family-friendly fun while you’re on vacation. If you and your traveling crew love to put your artistic skills to work together, time at Fire it! Ceramics, while you’re in town, could end up being the highlight of your stay. You’ll find this incredible and fun stop at 611 S. Alister Street, and they’re open from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm Sunday through Thursday, and offer extended hours until 8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. You won’t need a reservation to enjoy time at this walk-in studio. Simply show up ready to create as you grab a platter, mug, or ceramic décor to paint at your own pace.
Book Your Port Aransas Adventure Today
We hope you enjoyed our top 5 activities for families. The next time family travel plans bring you to sunny Port Aransas, be sure your trip includes the luxury and comfort you deserve by reserving your accommodations through Sandcastle Resort Condominiums. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting and inviting property options and to get started!