The family making their way to the Gulf Coast Capital for a weekend filled with fun in the sun has certainly come to the right place. There’s a sunny forecast for the weekend ahead, and the awaiting activities are endless. But first, let’s take care of those hotel reservations. Opting for a traditional hotel stay is great for this type of vacation.
Morning
A full day of plans calls for a big country-style breakfast to kick things off, and that means we’re heading to Town & Country Café. Grab a booth and maybe a couple of coloring pages at this classic eatery, then load up on diner coffee and order literally anything off their breakfast menu for the ultimate first meal of the day. Or maybe just “an ultimate meal,” since they serve breakfast all day. If rushing the kids out the door first thing in the morning doesn’t sound ideal, a traditional hotel stay will offer a continental breakfast with a range of options.
After you and the crew have gotten your fill of hash browns and pancakes, it’s time for a fun-filled morning. Make a splash into the day with fun in the sun at Hurricane Alley Water Park. Enjoy this downtown waterpark by zooming down the CAT 5, a 6-story water slide, or by lounging in a cabana and floating down the 750-foot scenic lazy river. For the little ones, enjoy the splash deck around the USS Dusty, and compete with water cannons guaranteed to have the kids entertained for hours.
Midday
All that sun is sure to tire everyone out, and you now notice it’s just about lunchtime. Fueling up for the afternoon activities at a spot like Panjo’s Pizza or Brewster Street Ice House is ideal. Both restaurants are super family-friendly and have great activities for the kids to play while waiting for their food. Brewster Street has an excellent playscape, Panjo’s is stocked with fun arcade games, and both spots feature menu options to satisfy everyone in tow.
Now we’re heading over the Harbor Bridge for a different kind of aquatic adventure. The Texas State Aquarium showcases an astonishing variety of marine species through colorful and unique exhibitions. Pathways wind in and around jungle habitats budding with life, including vibrant coral formations, cenotes, and beautiful fauna and flora. Stop by Dolphin Bay and meet the famous Shadow and Kai – if you’ve timed it just right, you can even catch their show! Make sure you’ve got the kiddos' swimsuits packed with you, because the H-E-B Splash Park, the first zero-depth wetscape water play area in the Coastal Bend, is on-site and included in your admission.
Afternoon
Before we move on to the next thrilling activity, a stop at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is in order. There’s no shortage of fun to be had and knowledge to be gained within its doors, and the H-E-B Science Center provides hours of fun learning for all. Designed for children ages three and older, activities in the 5,000 sq. ft. area include touch tables, a shadow wall, a giant set of imagination blocks, and more. Kids can also play outside on the shaded playground while parents relax nearby in areas set up with benches and picnic tables.
Evening
After an adventurous day, get your tickets to a local sporting event. Catching a Corpus Christi Hooks game at Whataburger Field is our next stop. Friday night games are illuminated with a dazzling fireworks show that you don’t want to miss. An Islanders Basketball Game is also an option. Cheer on the NCAA Division 1 Team from the only university in the nation located on an island.
If sports isn’t your family's thing, end the day at In The Game Fun Trackers! Take a ride on the go-carts, play in the game room, and grub on classic burgers, pizzas, and shakes. This spot is sure to entertain families of all ages.
After all the exciting activities from the day, everyone in tow is sure to be both tired and happy as this perfect day on the Family Fun Getaway comes to a close.