A relaxing beach getaway close to home sounds like exactly what we need right now—bonus points if we don’t have to travel far and can get right to the fun. Port Aransas exudes a small-town island vibe that’s irresistible. Bounce between driveable beaches, eclectic eateries and local activities for all ages and interests—all while cruising around town in a golf cart. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite activities in Port Aransas by age group, making it even simpler to make your way to Port A!
The experiences your kids have here will become the stuff of future nostalgia—plan your trip today!
3 Years & Under
Community Park Pool
When your little guppy gets tired of the 18 miles of uninterrupted beachline, the Community Park Pool is a cool, refreshing oasis! There’s a splash pad just for them, along with slides, buckets and shallow water entry to the pool. There are plenty of places to lounge in the shade, lockers to stash your stuff and showers to freshen up before your next stop.
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
Enjoy birdwatching as you walk down the ADA-accessible boardwalk, which is also great for strollers. You’ll stroll right over the wetlands where kids can get a close-up look at birds, alligators and fish. The end of the boardwalk boasts a beautiful trail that leads you through a field of wildflowers around the edge of the saltmarsh. A bench under a mesquite tree is perfect for taking a rest and birdwatching.
Ages 4-7
Fire It! Ceramics
When you've had enough of the sun and sand, or on those rare rainy days, take the gang to Fire It! Ceramics. Spend time together creating one-of-a-kind painted ceramics with your kids and leave with handmade, beautiful souvenirs.
Joan & Scott Holt Paradise Pond
This is a two-acre habitat and a stop on the spring migratory route for smaller warblers and other songbirds, while many feathered friends call the pond home all year long. Because even kids need to take a load off, enjoy their sitting area at the entrance for watching butterflies, dragonflies and birds. Visitors flock from across the country for a sitting here!
Ages 8-12
Bron’s Beach Carts and Backyard
Fun for the entire family can be had at Bron’s Beach Carts and Backyard! Kids can sip on snow cones and slushies while you enjoy an adult beverage. Have a great time playing yard games like cornhole, hula hoop, giant Jenga, ping pong and test your skills on all types of video games. Relax under the big umbrellas or on the patio deck while listening to live music.
Learn How to Build an Epic Sandcastle
Build a better sandcastle! Tips, pics, tricks. Famous local, “the sandcastle building guy,” has been sand-sculpting since Memorial Day 1999. Sign up for a lesson to score some take-a-way tricks of the trade that will build castles and memories.
Teens
Surf Lessons
This one is sure to put a smile on your teen's face: Take a surf lesson on the beach! Texas Surf Camps have been teaching kids and adults of all ages for 16 years!
Parasailing
Experience some of the best views of Port Aransas while floating up to 500 feet from state-of-the-art Parasail Boats 'Chute 'Em Up' & 'Hang 'Em High.' Make your reservation here.
Plan your family’s escape to Port Aransas!
—Jamie Aderski
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