Tour of Texas with Kids: Palm Beach at Moody Gardens

Hanging in the toddler area.

For Summer 2011, we purchased season passes for Moody Gardens in Galveston for my son and I with my daughter getting in free through the "Under 3 Free" admission policy.  Our season passes include access to Palm Beach Water Park, which has been a heavenly place to visit this summer because of the drought conditions and extreme heat of the Houston area.

The splash pad helps to beat the heat. 

The kids enjoy every aspect of the park, except that they can't go on the biggest slide until they are 54" tall.   Beyond that, they stay entertained, since it is specifically suited to very young children.  There is a toddler play area with a splash pad, two small water slides, and a dumping bucket, with attached water guns for a fun way to douse friends and family.  We always manage to find lounge chairs and umbrellas near this area so the kids can play in the water, then take a break and play in the sand.  The rest of the park consists of the Tower Slide, a small wave pool with jet ski statues to sit on and a Lazy River.

Love that Florida sand. 

Palm Beach is open June 4th through August 21st, August 27th and 28th and September 3rd - 5th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Admission prices are $18.95 for adults, $15.95 for children, and free for children under 3.  Inside the park, visitors can rent cabanas, lockers, and purchase snacks and lunch at the concession stand or from the ice cream vendor.  Life jackets and tubes are free and visitors may bring one water bottle per person (not in a cooler) into the park.  


Trip Tip:  If season passes aren't an option, most area McDonald's have a $2 off admission coupon for Palm Beach and coolers are allowed  as long as they are left just outside the entry gate.  Again, this park is best for families with small children or those who want to get wet, but may be afraid of the water.  Nearby Schlitterbahn is better for older children or younger ones that are confident swimmers.