South Padre Island is known as an incredible beach destination. It receives quite a bit of attention every spring break, however, many people don’t realize that there are countless fun things to do in South Padre Island for families it is an absolutely amazing family friendly destination.
The sands are white, sugary beaches combine with the tropical blue waters to create a natural location for family vacations. There are so many family friendly activities that it is also a great way to get the family together and disconnect from the outside world and spend some valuable time together as a family.
So why is South Padre Island such an awesome family destination? Here are my top 8 fun things to do in South Padre Island for families.
1. The Beach
It is incredible and large. Recognized as a top beach by many publications like Condé Nast, Men’s Health, Women’s Day, and International Business Times. Just sitting on the beach and enjoying time as a family is a wonderful activity all by itself.
2. Sand Sculpting Lessons
You can get lessons from one of the island’s master sand castle sculptors. What a great memory for the family.
3. Waterports
The gulf offers so many fun activities. Kayaking, windsurfing, stand up paddle boarding and snorkeling are all great thanks to the calm, shallow waters of the gulf by South Padre Island.
4. The Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark
Children friendly water playgrounds, water rides and slides, water coasters and a man-made surfing wave.
5. Horseback Riding
The Island Equestrian Center offers horseback riding lessons on the beach. The horses are suitable for all riding levels. With specific horses available for beginners and children. Riding the beach on a horse will make you feel like you are part of a movie, and will be a great memory.
6. Sea Turtles
We have seen baby sea turtles in the past and it is an unbelievably cool experience. South Padre Island is a habitat for several different species of sea turtles. Visitors are able to get an up close look at these incredible creatures at Sea Turtle Inc., an educational, rehab and rescue facility on the island.
7. Dolphin and Marine Wildlife Tours
The island’s dolphin viewing tours have a success rate of nearly 100% due to the sheer number of dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. Get out on a boat and see the majesty of these dolphins up close.
8. Birding and Nature Center
The South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center offers a 5 story tower with 360 degree views. In addition here are exhibits, boardwalk nature trails and bird blinds on a 50 acre site in the wetlands of Laguna Madre Bay. With over 300 recorded species, the island has become one of the premier birding locations in the western hemisphere.
In addition to these wonderful activities there are many other tours, camping, fishing, cruises, places to eat and other activities and fun things to do in South Padre Island for a family. Check it out for yourself, the beach alone is plenty enough of a reason to come here, everything else is icing on the cake!
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This place is definitely on my bucket list, looks beautiful! I would definitely do the dolphin and marine life tour:)
Looks so beautiful! I would love to go there
Wow! That would be a dream place to visit. I would love the Dolphin and Marine Wildlife Tours. That would be so amazing!
I’d love the horseback riding most of all! How’s the food there? Any local specialties? As a Food Historian, I’m interested in traditional recipes or hard to find items not found outside the region.
This place looks like so much fun for the whole family. That sand castle is amazing thanks for sharing this one.
South Padre Island is a wonderful destination. Be sure to eat some fresh seafood while you are there!
What beautiful photos. I would love to vacation at South Padre Island!