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Family Activities on North Padre Island

North Padre Island is one of the best beach trips you can take with kids on the Texas coast — the water's warm, the beaches are wide and flat, and there's enough else to do that you can break up the sand days without driving more than thirty minutes.

Texas State Aquarium (Corpus Christi, ~25 min) — easily a half-day. Dolphin presentations, shark touch tank, big-cat rescue area. Buy tickets online in advance.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark (Corpus Christi, ~20 min) — open seasonally (roughly May–Sep). Bring water shoes; the lazy river is the hit.

USS Lexington (Corpus Christi, ~30 min) — WWII aircraft carrier you can climb all over. Great for ages 6+.

Padre Island National Seashore turtle releases — Kemp's Ridley sea turtle hatchling releases happen on Malaquite Beach June through August. Free, magical, and worth setting an early alarm for.

Mini-golf and arcades on Whitecap and in Port Aransas for the rainy-day backup.

Sandcastle Days in Port Aransas (early October) — pro sandcastle competition on the beach, free to watch.

Family Activities on the island

Top-rated spots, pulled from public reviews and our local list.

Near Whitecap Beach

Fin-Scapes

5.0· 29 reviews

618 NAS Dr Unit 620, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA

Website

Evoke Studio & Gifts

4.9· 64 reviews

Compass Plaza, 14646 Compass St Ste 10, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA

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Wild Waves Playplace

4.8· 64 reviews

2126 Waldron Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA

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Horses on the Beach

4.7· 1027 reviews

19136 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA

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Texas Sealife Center

4.7· 695 reviews

Donation-based, volunteer-run center featuring a variety of rescued coastal & aquatic wildlife.

14220 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA

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The Slip

4.6· 102 reviews

15037 S Padre Island Dr # C, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA

View on Maps

Club 7

4.6· 88 reviews

10506 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA

View on Maps

Packery Channel Park

4.5· 351 reviews

This nature park with boardwalks & a picnic area is popular for birding, kayaking & fishing.

Packary Channel Park, 14218 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA

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In The Game Funtrackers

4.4· 1979 reviews

Amusement park with rides, go-karts, an arcade, mini-golf & more, plus a cafe with American fare.

9605 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA

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Oso Bridge Plaza

4.4· 33 reviews

9450 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA

View on Maps

Treasure Island Golf & Games

4.2· 725 reviews

14041 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA

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Jumping World

4.0· 1108 reviews

1601 Flour Bluff Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA

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Aquarius Park

4.0· 22 reviews

15002 Aquarius St, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA

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Port Aransas and Mustang Island

Coastal Cowboy Cart Rentals

5.0· 98 reviews

219 N Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Marlins Beach Carts

5.0· 48 reviews

521 W Avenue G, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Bodhi’s Beachin’ Buggies

5.0· 17 reviews

1726 TX-361, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Mustang Island Adventures

4.9· 375 reviews

5009 TX-361, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Port Aransas Art Center

4.9· 177 reviews

104 N Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Port Aransas Beach

4.8· 294 reviews

RXM3+H9, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

View on Maps

The Patton Center

4.8· 112 reviews

855 E Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Port Aransas

4.8· 52 reviews

Port Aransas Beach Rd, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Mission Golf Cars Port Aransas

4.8· 25 reviews

1115 TX-361 B, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

Website

Port Aransas Texas

4.8· 24 reviews

Port Aransas Beach Rd, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

View on Maps

Observation Deck

4.8· 14 reviews

395 J C Barr Blvd, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Roberts Point Park

4.7· 3128 reviews

This 50-acre waterfront park features a music venue, a pavilion, an observation tower & more.

301 J C Barr Blvd, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Cinnamon Shore

4.7· 1498 reviews

5009 TX-361, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Port Aransas Museum

4.7· 146 reviews

A kit house from the early 1900s is home to this center for regional history & preservation.

408 N Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Port Aransas Fishing Pier

4.7· 86 reviews

1009 N Station St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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I. B. Magee Beach Park

4.6· 2890 reviews

No-frills seaside camping spot with a bathhouse, coin showers, electrical hook-ups & picnic tables.

321 N on the Beach, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center

4.6· 1137 reviews

Observation area for birds, alligators & fish, featuring a boardwalk & tower with panoramic views.

1356 Ross Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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The Beach

4.6· 548 reviews

The Beach, Port Aransas Beach Rd, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Sea Gull Condominiums

4.6· 451 reviews

6649 Seacomber Dr, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Port A Beer Hut

4.6· 364 reviews

905 TX-361, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture

4.6· 236 reviews

Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Island Surf Shop and Golf Carts

4.6· 67 reviews

130 E Avenue G, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Wetland Park

4.6· 34 reviews

Wetland Park, 1112 TX-361, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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University of Texas, Marine Science Institute

4.6· 16 reviews

750 Channel View Dr, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Lelo's Island Bar

4.5· 1547 reviews

Burgers & cocktails dished up in an easygoing destination with a covered terrace.

212 Beach St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Aransas Princess Condominiums

4.5· 452 reviews

720 Access Rd 1-A, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Community

4.5· 325 reviews

258 Snapdragon, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Bron's Backyard

4.5· 123 reviews

314 E Avenue G, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Beach Bums

4.5· 91 reviews

232 E Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Port Aransas Beach Club

4.5· 26 reviews

604 E Avenue G, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Palmilla Beach Resort

4.4· 492 reviews

132 Palmilla Beach Dr, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Treasure Island

4.4· 317 reviews

315 N Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Lydia Ann Lighthouse

4.4· 97 reviews

Harbor Island Road, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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361 Bar

4.3· 402 reviews

1023 TX-361 A, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Jackfish Cart Rentals

4.2· 304 reviews

3411 Eleventh St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Sip Yard Port Aransas

4.2· 267 reviews

123 W Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Bron's Shaved Ice and To Go Bar

4.2· 184 reviews

314 E Avenue G, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Moby Dick's Souvenir Shop

4.1· 3135 reviews

Oysters, grilled seafood, steaks & more served in a huge dining room with whimsical, nautical decor.

517 S Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Bernie's Beach House

4.1· 852 reviews

This beach-house nightspot offers 5 bars, live bands, karaoke, poker games & a dance floor.

730 Trout St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Salty Dog Saloon

4.1· 498 reviews

203 N Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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JOY Cart Rentals - Port Aransas

4.0· 114 reviews

307 Sea Isle Dr, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Pleasure

4.0· 10 reviews

315 N Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA

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Corpus Christi and Nearby

Extraordinary Escapes

5.0· 2214 reviews

2660 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78415, USA

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Drift Corpus

5.0· 13 reviews

5302 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78408, USA

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Electric Starship Arcade

4.9· 828 reviews

5620 Denton Hwy, Haltom City, TX 76148, USA

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Sip-N-Putt

4.9· 466 reviews

7420 I 35 N Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA

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Gruene Mini Golf

4.9· 310 reviews

1632 New Braunfels St, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA

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Time Rift Arcade - Arcades Near Me | Family Fun!

4.9· 296 reviews

2113 Harwood Rd Ste 351, Bedford, TX 76021, USA

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Claw Madness

4.9· 90 reviews

2825 Nall St Ste 12b, Port Neches, TX 77651, USA

View on Maps

Osprey Overlook

4.9· 11 reviews

Unnamed Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78414, USA

View on Maps

USS Lexington

4.8· 17081 reviews

WWII aircraft carrier & naval museum with airplanes, an IMAX theater showing historic films & more.

2914 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, USA

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Padre Island National Seashore

4.8· 2118 reviews

Coastal island home to sea turtles, with camping on the sand dunes & fishing or boating on lagoons.

Texas, USA

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Viewpoint of the Flower

4.8· 686 reviews

600 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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S2G Golf

4.8· 195 reviews

933 Airline Rd Ste A, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA

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K Space Contemporary

4.8· 86 reviews

623 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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The Firefly

4.8· 52 reviews

4401 Old Brownsville Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78405, USA

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Parked-It Disc Golf Emporium

4.8· 39 reviews

1125 Airline Rd Ste.A, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA

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L87 Speedway

4.8· 28 reviews

3043 Co Rd 10, Bishop, TX 78343, USA

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Selena Memorial Statue

4.7· 10765 reviews

Memorial featuring a life-size bronze statue of the murdered Tejano singer Selena near the ocean.

600 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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Sea Turtle, Inc.

4.7· 6461 reviews

Organization rehabilitating & releasing sea turtles as well as offering educational services.

6617 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA

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PopStroke

4.7· 1876 reviews

23110 Grand Cir Blvd, Katy, TX 77449, USA

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The Arcade

4.7· 1705 reviews

906 E 3rd St N, Wichita, KS 67202, USA

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Sea Center Texas

4.7· 1686 reviews

Marine museum with touch tanks, an aquarium, a hatchery & outdoor wetlands with a boardwalk trail.

302 Medical Dr, Lake Jackson, TX 77566, USA

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Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve and Learning Center Corpus Christi, TX

4.7· 1371 reviews

2446 N Oso Pkwy, Corpus Christi, TX 78414, USA

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PopStroke

4.7· 1048 reviews

5539 Presidio Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA

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Bayfront Park

4.7· 672 reviews

1513-1517 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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Texas Maritime Museum

4.7· 514 reviews

From pirates to fishing to oil drilling, Gulf Coast history is told through exhibits & artifacts.

1202 Navigation Cir, Rockport, TX 78382, USA

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South Texas Race Ranch

4.7· 291 reviews

6701 Old Brownsville Rd #9744, Corpus Christi, TX 78417, USA

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Oleander Point at Cole Park

4.7· 252 reviews

S Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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Alamo Mini Golf

4.7· 117 reviews

509 Sassman Rd, Marion, TX 78124, USA

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Blue Tide Acrylics

4.7· 14 reviews

402 Claremore St, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA

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Texas State Aquarium

4.6· 17267 reviews

Collection of regional sea life, coral reefs, dolphin preserve, sharks, touch pools & a playground.

2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, USA

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Cole Park

4.6· 6095 reviews

Bayside park with a playground, lighted fishing pier, skate park & open spaces for outdoor activity.

2600 Ocean Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78404, USA

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Selena Museum

4.6· 5617 reviews

Intimate memorial for Selena fans showcasing the singer's awards & memorabilia; closed on weekends.

5410 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78408, USA

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Aquarium At Moody Gardens

4.6· 5443 reviews

1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554, USA

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Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

4.6· 1508 reviews

Permanent & special exhibits examine the region's history, culture, agriculture, animals & more.

1900 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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Cosmic Mayhem: Black Light Mini Golf and Bar

4.6· 1411 reviews

903 E Bitters Rd Ste 310, San Antonio, TX 78216, USA

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ARs Entertainment Hub San Antonio

4.6· 1273 reviews

4522 Fredericksburg Rd B100, San Antonio, TX 78201, USA

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Swantner Park

4.6· 1253 reviews

5102 Ocean Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA

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Monster Mini Golf Round Rock

4.6· 1128 reviews

Monster-themed mini-golf chain featuring a glow-in-the-dark indoor course, plus arcade games & a DJ.

3916 Gattis School Rd, Round Rock, TX 78664, USA

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Holey Moley Golf Club San Antonio

4.6· 770 reviews

849 E Commerce St #171, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

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Outlaw Pass

4.6· 459 reviews

78 Tate Rd, Victoria, TX 77904, USA

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Water's Edge Park

4.6· 395 reviews

602 S Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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11th Hour Escape

4.6· 321 reviews

4455 S Padre Island Dr #105, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, USA

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Original Whataburger Replica

4.6· 257 reviews

4126 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, USA

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Art Center of Corpus Christi

4.6· 215 reviews

100 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center

4.6· 180 reviews

Gallery with art & objects from Japan, India, Thailand & other countries, plus kids' activities.

1809 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

Website

Salty Aquatics & Fish

4.6· 126 reviews

5413 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, USA

View on Maps

Tiny Adventures

4.6· 87 reviews

4050 Weber Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, USA

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Texas State Aquarium

4.6· 36 reviews

Corpus Christi, TX 78402, USA

View on Maps

Instituto de Cultura Hispánica

4.6· 21 reviews

Hispanic cultural center in a 1905 home, featuring ethnographic exhibits & a library.

1617 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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Parking lot - Texas State Aquarium

4.6· 10 reviews

2723 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, USA

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San Antonio Zoo

4.5· 26844 reviews

Sprawling zoo with 750 species (from alligators to zebras), cageless habitats, exhibits & a train.

3903 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA

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South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

4.5· 2430 reviews

Expansive learning center featuring an array of flora & fauna; classes & tours are available.

8545 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78413, USA

Website

Green Acres Golf and Games, Inc.

4.5· 1310 reviews

Complex with mini-golf, go-karts, paintball, bumper boats, batting cages, party rooms & a snack bar.

9782 US Hwy 87 E, San Antonio, TX 78263, USA

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The Art Museum of South Texas

4.5· 1102 reviews

The permanent collection & special exhibits showcase regional fine art, photography & crafts.

1902 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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COTA Karting

4.5· 1009 reviews

9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617, USA

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Heritage Park

4.5· 984 reviews

Popular site with several Victorian homes, some offering tours, plus space for picnics & festivals.

1581 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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Embassy Miniature Golf

4.5· 672 reviews

Landscaped course with 18 holes, water features, animal sculptures, an arcade & water-balloon games.

500 Embassy Oaks, San Antonio, TX 78216, USA

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Lozano Golf Center

4.5· 633 reviews

4401 Old Brownsville Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78405, USA

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Ropes Park

4.5· 583 reviews

3502 Ocean Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, USA

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Port Isabel Historical Museum

4.5· 120 reviews

Exhibits & artifacts from the Mexican-American War until now, including an iconic 1906 fish mural.

317 Railroad St, Port Isabel, TX 78578, USA

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Golf Place Beach Access

4.5· 100 reviews

Corpus Christi, TX 78402, USA

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Hippo Claw Machine

4.5· 71 reviews

4032 Weber Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, USA

View on Maps

The Friendship Monument - Captain Blas de la Garza Falcón

4.5· 15 reviews

Lawrence St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

View on Maps

Born to Fly mural

4.5· 11 reviews

601 TX-544 Spur, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

Website

La Palmera

4.4· 7669 reviews

100+ shopping & dining options & occasional events make this stalwart enclosed mall a local staple.

5488 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, USA

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Gravity Park

4.4· 1913 reviews

Opened in 1993, this amusement park offers reverse bungee, go-karts, mini-golf & more.

106 W Marlin St, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA

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Puttshack - Houston

4.4· 1538 reviews

1200 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010, USA

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Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge

4.4· 597 reviews

Wildlife refuge offering birdwatching, biking & hiking trails, a picnic area & more.

6001 Ennis Joslin Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA

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Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course

4.4· 531 reviews

5601 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA

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Artesian Park

4.4· 216 reviews

524 Twigg St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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Downtown Corpus Christi

4.4· 46 reviews

518 Peoples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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Jurassic Karts

4.4· 23 reviews

2200 S 10th St, McAllen, TX 78503, USA

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Corpus Christi Trade Center

4.3· 3520 reviews

2833 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78415, USA

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Bobz World

4.3· 1643 reviews

36451 TX-100, Los Fresnos, TX 78566, USA

Website

Monster Mini Golf San Antonio

4.3· 1440 reviews

Monster-themed mini-golf chain featuring a glow-in-the-dark indoor course, plus arcade games & a DJ.

2267 NW Military Hwy Ste 114, San Antonio, TX 78213, USA

Website

Tropical Fish Haven

4.3· 373 reviews

6325 McArdle Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA

View on Maps

Centennial House

4.3· 10 reviews

411 N Upper Broadway, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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Chuck E. Cheese

4.2· 1533 reviews

Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.

5118 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, USA

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SK8LAND Family Fun Center

4.2· 604 reviews

10829 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78410, USA

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RETRO Sports Bar, Arcade, Lounge & Rooftop.

4.2· 571 reviews

326 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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Watergarden

4.2· 203 reviews

1700 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

View on Maps

La Retama Park

4.2· 97 reviews

501 N Mesquite St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, USA

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Downtown Aquarium

4.1· 25141 reviews

Sprawling spot for sea life, including touch pools, shark tank & displays of aquatic ecosystems.

410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Website

San Antonio Aquarium

4.1· 11341 reviews

Small, interactive aquarium offering touch tanks, fish feeding, an aviary & an inflatable play area.

6320 Bandera Rd, Leon Valley, TX 78238, USA

Website

Lucky Strike Corpus Christi

4.1· 2428 reviews

Long-standing chain of bowling alleys featuring casual grub & pitchers, leagues & party events.

6116 Ayers St, Corpus Christi, TX 78415, USA

Website

Dave & Buster's Corpus Christi

4.1· 1996 reviews

Family-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food & arcade games.

5488 S Padre Island Dr Ste 1260, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, USA

Website

SEA LIFE San Antonio

4.1· 841 reviews

Family-friendly exhibits with a variety of sea creatures (most offer play areas & group packages).

849 E Commerce St Ste 600, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

Website

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

4.1· 333 reviews

4701 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, USA

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Centroplex

4.1· 157 reviews

6116 Ayers St, Corpus Christi, TX 78415, USA

View on Maps

Austin Aquarium

4.0· 9148 reviews

Small, family-friendly aquarium with many varieties of sea life, plus touch tanks & frequent events.

13530 US-183 #101, Austin, TX 78750, USA

Website

Lucky Corner Game Room

4.0· 29 reviews

5922 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78413, USA

View on Maps

Treasures of the Gulf Museum

4.0· 23 reviews

Museum dedicated to 16th-century shipwrecks, with murals, artifacts & interactive kids' activities.

317 Railroad St, Port Isabel, TX 78578, USA

Website

FAQs

What's the best age range for this trip?

Honestly any. Toddlers love the wide flat beach. Elementary-age kids love the aquarium and Schlitterbahn. Teens get fishing, surfing, and the beach drive.

Are there strollers / wagons that work on the sand?

Bring a beach wagon with fat tires. Regular strollers do not roll on Padre sand. Several rental shops will deliver wagons, chairs, and umbrellas to your condo.

What if it rains?

Aquarium, USS Lexington, Schlitterbahn (some indoor), Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. Plenty of rainy-day options within 30 minutes.

Run a business on the island?

Get your business in front of the people booking their next North Padre stay.

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