Kid Friendly Things to Do on Bolivar Peninsula | Swedes Real Estate (2024)

Your children will never forget the time you spend with them while on vacation, so be sure to plan a few kid-friendly things to do during your next Crystal Beach vacation. There are a myriad of family-friendly activities on Bolivar Peninsula that your kids (and kids at heart) will enjoy. Browse through this list to start your vacation planning today.

We have compiled a round-up of kid-friendly fun for both on and off the beach. Which one will your family try first?

Kid Friendly Things to Do on Bolivar Peninsula

Spend a morning or afternoon at Fort Travis Seashore Park. This historic park is a wonderful place to see the first fort established by the Republic of Texas in 1863. Not only is this a wonderful educational opportunity for homeschoolers or children on summer vacation, but it is also a fabulous place for a picnic.

The Gulf Range Miniature Golf

The entire family can channel their inner golf pro at The Gulf Range. This miniature golf course is designed for endless family fun and excitement. You can also enjoy that Family Saloon for a cold beverage or a bite to eat while surrounded by the beautiful Gulf Coast backdrop.

Kid Friendly Things to Do on Bolivar Peninsula | Swedes Real Estate (1)

Dolphin Tours

Adults and kids of all ages will love the dolphinsightings that happen on our coast.See who can spot the most dolphinson an incredibledolphin boat tour along the coast or Galveston Harbor. Your kids will have memories to cherish forever!BayWatchDolphin Boat Tourcruisesaround the harbor for 45 minutesof fun under the sun.

Ride the Ferry

Kids love to cruise across the bay on the free vehicle ferry that connects Galveston to Bolivar Peninsula. This 2.7-mile crossing takes approximately 18 minutes and is a small yet thrilling adventure for everyone. You may see seagulls fly overhead, spot dolphins swimming nearby, or you can simply relax while the Gulf breeze sweeps through your vehicle.

Go Fishing

Spend a day or half-day fishing the beautiful shores of Crystal Beach, TX. There are many types of fishing to choose from. You can surf fishing, fish from the jetty, bring your own boat and enjoy Galveston or Trinity Bay, or hire a fishing charter. If you plan to go fishing during your vacation, please be sure to have the appropriate fishing licenses and know your catch limits and restrictions.

Kayaking

Paddle your way to fun with this kid-friendly thing to do. Whether you bring your own kayak or rent on here, your family will love exploring our coastal waters by kayak. A tandem kayak is perfect for paddling yourself and a small child. If your child is old enough to paddle themselves, be sure to speak with a local kayak service to inquire about the safest places for children to launch and paddle. Be sure to cover water safety information with your children and always wear a Coast Guard approved lifejacket.

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Build a Sandcastle or Sand Sculpture

This is a must-do activity for every child who visits the beach. Plan a day of sandcastle fun with special tools, a fun snack, and even a competition. If your children love to plan, you can encourage them to sketch out their design ahead of time or even try this fun sand art project. You can also search YouTube or Pinterest for inspiration, tutorials, how-to videos, tips, and the best tools to use.

Fly a Kite

One thing that you can find most days on the Gulf Coast is a fantastic breeze. Our gentle wind is perfect for flying kites. This is a great activity for the entire family and can be personalize based on budget and skill level. Your children can build their own kites, or you can purchase one. This can also be a wonderful educational opportunity. Learn the mechanics behind kite flying, expand your skills, and have fun!

Play Sandy Games

There are so many fun games to play in the sand. Volleyball, Frisbee, Bocce Ball, sand Pictionary, sand Skeeball (dig small holes and roll tennis balls), and tic-tac-toe in the sand are just a few of the many sandy games to enjoy. With just a few simple objects, you can turn a day at the beach into an endless opportunity for fun and games.

Find the Perfect Kid-Friendly Vacation Rental

Get your children involved in planning the kid-friendly things to do while on vacation. Have them research games, activities, themed snacks & meals, themed movies, and more. You could even have them plan a standby “rainy day” activity. Your children will never forget the vacation memories you create together. Make their next Crystal Beach, TX vacation the most epic escape to date!

When it comes to finding the most epic and kid-friendly place to stay, we have narrowed down the search for you. Check out our kid-friendly vacation rentals and search by amenities to find one that is just right for your next beach getaway.

KID-FRIENDLY RENTALS

Kid Friendly Things to Do on Bolivar Peninsula | Swedes Real Estate (2024)

FAQs

Kid Friendly Things to Do on Bolivar Peninsula | Swedes Real Estate? ›

Although All-Terrain Vehicles may be driven on the beach, they are not allowed to be driven on public roadways—this includes shoulders, ditches or across the dunes.

Can you drive on Bolivar Peninsula? ›

Although All-Terrain Vehicles may be driven on the beach, they are not allowed to be driven on public roadways—this includes shoulders, ditches or across the dunes.

How wide is Bolivar Peninsula? ›

About 27 miles long and 3-1/2 miles wide, Bolivar Peninsula was named in honor of Simon Bolivar for his fight to free these lands from Spanish rule. Our five residential communities include Crystal Beach, Port Bolivar, Caplen, Gilchrist and High Island, and at the northwest side, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

What is the history of Crystal Beach Texas? ›

The Crystal Beach site was settled in the early 20th century. Patton served as a railroad station. When the railroad ended in the early 1940s, the name of the community became "Crystal Beach." The community incorporated in 1971. Four subsequent attempts to disincorporate the municipality occurred in the mid-1980s.

Can you camp overnight on Bolivar Beach? ›

Crystal Beach and Bolivar Peninsula. Camping is allowed anywhere on the 27 miles of beaches of Crystal Beach and Bolivar Peninsula. You can drive the beach and pick a spot to set up camp.

Can you build a fire on Crystal Beach? ›

You can drive the beach and pick a spot to set up camp. Campfires are allowed.

How deep is the water on Bolivar Peninsula? ›

Water depths of at least 5-foot (1.5 m) covered all of the Bolivar Peninsula, with most areas covered by at least 15-foot (4.6 m) of water (not including wave action).

Can you swim in Crystal Beach, Texas? ›

Bolivar Peninsula and the town of Crystal Beach is a gem of a Texas beach getaway that offers a nearly limitless amount of things to see and do. Relax on the pristine wide sandy beach, swim in the inviting water, and work on your sun tan.

What is Bolivar Peninsula known for? ›

The Bolivar Peninsula forms a very narrow strip of land in Galveston County, TX, separating the eastern part of Galveston Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. It is a popular spot for outdoor recreational activities including fishing, boating, bird watching and spending a day on the beach!

Is Crystal Beach swimmable? ›

The Crystal Beach shore is a great place for families with children, or groups of friends to spend time at during the summer season. You can swim in the clear waters of Lake Erie, go boating, take a hike, or have a picnic.

What year did Crystal Beach closed? ›

Crystal Beach continued to operate until 1989 when the park was closed permanently. It is now the site of a private gated community. The company installed amusem*nts, built a pier, and started ferry service to the park, which delivered its first customers on July 16th of 1890.

How old is Crystal Beach? ›

Crystal Beach Park was originally a Chautauqua with a beach and side show attractions that was founded by John E. Rebstock on the shores of Lake Erie in 1888. Rebstock turned it into a full-fledged amusem*nt park in 1890.

Are cars allowed on Crystal Beach? ›

Bolivar Peninsula encompasses 27 miles of Beach Shoreline on the Upper Texas Gulf Coast. The beach in Crystal Beach Texas and on Bolivar Peninsula is one of a kind, and the last of its kind. Vehicles are allowed to drive on, park and enjoy all 27 miles of coastal waters.

Do you have to take a ferry to Bolivar Peninsula? ›

The free ferry service provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is the only way motorists can cross the waterway between Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston Island. For more information, visit TxDOT's ferry information page.

Do you need a beach permit for Bolivar Peninsula? ›

Beach Parking Permit:

Regular Sticker (March 1st onwards): $10.00 per sticker. Early Bird Sticker (January and February): $5.00 per sticker, with a limit of 5 vehicles and 5 golf carts per household.

Can you drive onto South Padre Island? ›

MORE DETAILS: The entire length of South Padre Island city beaches does not allow driving, regardless of weather conditions. Driving is allowed only on the North Padre Island National Seashore and county beaches. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit http://www.sopadre.com/beach-status/or call 1-800- SOPADRE.

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