When you plan your getaway in Galveston, Texas, you’re in for a true treat. With an abundance of eateries within walking distance of many vacation rentals in Galveston, it’s easy to choose a place to eat. Numerous family-friendly restaurants offer kids’ menus and a casual, easygoing ambiance. Check out these fun places to eat and play in Galveston.
1. Downtown Aquarium
This gorgeous aquarium is a blast for kids who can take a train through the interior of the shark tank or ride the back of a dolphin or alligator on the aquatic carousel. When it’s time to eat, stop at the aquarium’s restaurant to rest and enjoy some great food. Kids can choose from Pirate’s pasta, Sand Dollar pizza, Coral Reef grilled chicken, popcorn shrimp, or the iconic and much-loved grilled cheese.
2. Rainforest Cafe
Kids really enjoy this dining experience. As they munch on Jurassic chicken tenders, chow down on Python Pasta, or devour a made-to-order Castaway pizza, adorable robotic animals visit them. They can meet Tuki, an amusing baby elephant, watch Rio the Macaw sing and dance, or acquire some wisdom from the oldest of the bunch, Iggy the Iguana. Healthy sides such as applesauce, fresh fruit, steamed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes accompany their meals, and they won’t want to miss the Lava Mud dessert – a chocolate pudding with crushed Oreos and gummy worms.
3. Mama Teresa’s Flying Pizza
Pizzas don’t really fly here, but the kids can use their imaginations to build their own personal pizza or stuff a tasty calzone. Located in Downtown Galveston, this authentic Italian eatery also offers kids spaghetti with two kinds of gravy or sauce, chicken nuggets, tender ravioli pillows, or tiny tortellini. Save room for homemade cannoli, NY-style cheesecake, Italian cream cake, or a gooey chocolate eruption cake.
4. Shykatz
Located in the heart of Galveston Island, this affordable family-owned restaurant serves breakfast all day and is open for lunch. Settle into this cozy and quaint shop and indulge your tastebuds as you sample homemade marble rye bread or Texas toast, sink your teeth into warm-from-the-oven cookies, or pair up your meal with some grits. Kids adore the grilled peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich, and the Mikey Pancake with a fresh-fruit face always triggers a delighted smile.
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5. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
The smell wafts from the door before you even reach the building and it’s delightful. The candied apples are to die for with coatings like the combination of sticky caramel, marshmallow, and chopped walnuts wrapped around larger-than-life, crispy Granny Smith apples, the perfect combination of sweet and tart. This fabulous shop serves up unique flavors of Bluebell ice cream such as Krazy Kolors and Cotton Candy.
6. Papa’s Pizza
Pizza is always a favorite meal, so try out Papa’s where the kids can build their own pizza or calzones. For a change of pace, they can try fries with cheese, bacon, and jalapeno, or eat cheesecake on a stick dipped in chocolate. From hot and cold subs to lasagna and eggplant Parmesan, there’s something for everyone at Papa’s. Save some room for fried dough or to-die-for Italian cream cake.
7. Joe’s Crab Shack
Joe’s Crab Shack is always a fun place to spend some time eating delicious food and laughing at the capering waitstaff. There’s even a huge sandbox with twisty slides where kids can burn off some energy. Kid’s enjoy steampots made just for them that include snow crab, shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob, and potatoes, all gluten free. Or they can choose Rockin’ Popcorn Shrimp with a side of applesauce, sliders, or fish sticks. For dessert, let the kids decorate their own crab-shaped rice crispy treats with chocolate syrup, strawberry sauce, and butterscotch caramel.
8. Board Game Island
Come, play games, and stay for a few friendly rounds of old-fashioned ‘gaming’ with the kids. This establishment has hundreds of games like Risk, Scrabble, Chutes and Ladders, Life, and Trivial Pursuit. The food is great, too, and the staff loves having the kids around. The kids can create and build a customized pizza, crunch into an ooey-gooey grilled cheese, or munch on a Texas-sized pretzel. There are lots of healthy choices such as milk and fresh fruit to accompany the meal, and the entire family can enjoy a handcrafted Italian cream soda.
9. Leon’s World’s Finest Barbeque
This self-described hole-in-the-wall eatery serves up outstanding barbecue. The meat is perfectly cooked, then you add the sauce you prefer, making this an ideal choice for kids with particular tastes. They can also choose from turkey legs, riblets, or a sliced turkey sandwich with a side of cracklings or a stuffed baked potato.
10. Cafe in the Park
Kids eat free at this popular open-air cafe surrounded by acres of lush tropical gardens on historical Galveston Island. The menu includes warm, crunchy Belgian waffles, Mexican-style waffles ranchero, omelets, pancakes, cold cereal, and satisfying biscuits with country gravy. If you’re there for lunch, choose wings or the shrimp gumbo.
11. Shrimp N Stuff
Get to know the locals when you visit this casual kid-friendly restaurant just off the seawall. Shrimp N Stuff is the winner of the 2017 Best Seafood Galveston Countywide award, and the food is delicious. Kids can choose fried catfish, chicken-fried steak, popcorn shrimp, or fried tilapia accompanied by a side of onion rings, hush puppies, or sweet potato fries. Sit back and enjoy the fresh sea air on the patio before choosing Key lime pie or cheesecake for dessert.
12. Cafe Michael Burger
Enjoy some gourmet burgers with a view of the Gulf at this charming cafe. This is a great place to grab a bite after swimming on the beach because swimsuits and cover-ups are considered normal attire. Cafe Michael Burger is family-owned, and you can take a seat indoors or out as kids devour hot dogs, chicken fingers, a fish sandwich, or a satisfying grilled cheese.
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