Vacationing with kids allows you and your family to reconnect away from busy work weeks and constant school activities. Still, that doesn’t mean that planning a family vacation is easy. When deciding where to go, you’re likely looking for a safe, not too crowded place that offers plenty to do that the kids and adults will enjoy. Consider coming down to South Padre Island, Texas, for all this and more.
There are countless kid-friendly things to do in South Padre Island, so many groups have made SPI their annual vacation spot. Whether you’re coming to the area for the first time or this is a repeat visit for you, there’s always something new to discover!
While you and your family enjoy your stay in one of our South Padre Island rentals, be sure to get involved in at least a couple of these fun, kid-friendly activities.
Take a Sandcastle Lesson
South Padre Island, unbeknownst to many, is an excellent spot for building sandcastles. Multiple sandcastle building competitions are held here every year, and we are also home to the world’s largest outdoor sandcastle! While you’re more than welcome to head to the beach on your own and begin making your sandcastle, you also have the option of taking a sandcastle lesson!
During your sandcastle lesson, you’ll be working with an expert sandcastle builder who can teach you all the ins and outs of constructing your masterpiece. They’ll show you how to manipulate the sand right, whether you want to make a simple sandcastle or a massive structure. The sky’s the limit to your creation; you can learn how to build an animal, a castle, a cartoon character, a throne, whatever your heart desires. Before your lesson, you might want to head to Sandcastle Village to see some creations and get some inspiration for your build!
Go Fishing
When you’re looking for things to do in South Padre Island that kids of all ages can enjoy, fishing is a great option. The waters here are perfect for everyone from first-time anglers to experienced pros. Plus, you have multiple options as far as where you can fish, so you can truly customize your experience. Choose to spend a couple of hours casting your line or take the whole day to master the waters.
You and your crew might want to head to the fishing pier to try for that big catch. There are plenty of equipment rental facilities around South Padre Island, so you won’t need to worry about bringing your fishing gear with you or trying to buy it when you get into town. Most of the fishing rental companies you’ll find will also sell fishing licenses if you need them.
Alternatively, you might enjoy getting on board a fishing charter. You’ll be taken out on the waters by an experienced captain who knows all the best places to give you the ideal chance of fishing the day with a catch. You can opt for near-shore options or spend the entire day enjoying a deep-sea fishing charter. Some charters will even prepare your fish if you want to take it back to your rental and cook it up for dinner that night!
Hunt for Shells
The beach isn’t just great for relaxing in the sunshine or building your perfect sandcastle. It’s also a great place to go hunting for seashells! Kids love digging around in the sand and going on a bit of a treasure hunt to channel their inner pirate. You can take to the shores at your own pace, picking out a unique (and free!) souvenir to remember your travels by.
If there happens to be a storm coming your way while you’re on vacation, wait until the storm has passed to go collect your seashells. The rainy weather conditions tend to bring the best shells up to the shoreline for the taking! As you explore the island and travel further south, you’ll find an even greater variety of shells. You can choose to hunt for shells for just a few minutes or the entire day!
Beach Sports
The summer days of South Padre Island can get hot pretty quickly, and there’s no better way to cool off than by enjoying some water sports. Of course, swimming is a great option, but you can also experience the waters by paddle boarding, kayaking, parasailing, and more!
Equipment rental facilities make it easy to gather all the gear you need to spend your day on the water and take the waves at your own pace. You can also find tour guides all over the island who will accompany you on your excursion, always making sure you’re entirely comfortable with your equipment. Plus, when you take a tour, you’ll get the inside scoop on the history and nature of the area. You can enjoy some great views and learn something new simultaneously!
But South Padre beach activities don’t stop there. Soccer and beach volleyball are popular, too! These sports require little to no setup and barely more than a ball and a net. Stick to the rules and get competitive or make up your version of the game for a fun, one-of-a-kind experience. Either way, beach sports are excellent for spending time together away from the electronics and getting some exercise in at the same time.
Plan Your Visit
Our condos are ideally situated near all the activities listed here and other popular SPI attractions like Sea Turtle, Inc., Beach Park at Isla Blanca, and the Port Isabel Lighthouse. If you’re wondering what you should do next or if you have a question about your rental, our team is only a phone call away.
Book Your SPI Rental
This list is truly the tip of the iceberg for things to do on South Padre Island. You and your family can make your vacation as relaxing or as exciting as possible, helping you create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. At the end of a busy day, taking in the sights and sounds of SPI, one of our South Padre Island beachfront rentals will be waiting for you!
Padre Getaways proudly welcomes travelers from around the country to enjoy our South Padre Island condos. We work hard to offer the cleanest, most well-equipped condo rentals on the island, offering a simply unparalleled customer experience. Your condo will have everything you need to feel right at home, from fully stocked kitchens to flat-screen TVs to spacious living rooms. But we also never let you forget you’re on vacation, thanks to unique features like beach-themed décor and amazing views of the water!
South Padre Island should undoubtedly be your next family vacation destination. Start planning your trip by contacting Padre Getaways today!
