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Galveston Island: Where Homeschooling and Family Fun Unite for Unforgettable Weekends
Partake in Live Programs at Moody Gardens
SPONSORED BY Visit Galveston
The education department at Moody Gardens features monthly Learn Wild Home School sessions that focus on favorite feline creatures. Each session includes a 3D Theater presentation, an ambassador animal presentation, and an interactive exploration of the Rainforest Pyramid with hands-on stations. These 3-hour programs cater to homeschooled families and/or groups K-8, offering an immersive educational experience.
Participants, both adults and youths aged 3-17, must register in advance. On active days, the program begins at 10 a.m., with check-in starting in the Visitor Center at 9:30 a.m. Families will also receive a digital education guide aligned with the monthly theme, designed for various grade levels and suitable for home classroom curriculum integration.
After Labor Day and prior to Thanksgiving and Christmas, there’s a gruesome stretch where everybody tends to feel the pressure of work and school. If your spouse and kids are falling victim to burnout, it’s time to shut off streaming services for the weekend, pack up the car, and head off for an action-packed weekend of family bonding that also happens to be educational.
Anyone who says learning can’t be fun has never visited Galveston. Why not customize your family’s very own Galveston Island Homeschool Adventure? If you work remotely or continue to homeschool your kids, it’s time to plan a weekend trip to the Island and soak in a rich dose of history beyond just the beach – although you and the kids can definitely get your fill of sand and sun too.
Here are some things you need to be sure to do ASAP!
Experience an Interactive Oil & Gas Museum
Firmly nestled in the Port of Galveston on Wharf Road by The Strand, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum is unlike any other offering in Texas. With neighboring Houston being a focal point for the oil and gas industry, this museum presents families with a unique opportunity to experience what drilling for oil entails. Traverse three full stories of interactive equipment right on the Gulf of Mexico!
In 1978, the Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) embarked on a remarkable project to restore an 1877 square-rigged iron barque named ELISSA, salvaging it from a Greek scrapyard. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of GHF staff and volunteers, ELISSA underwent a complete restoration before settling at its home in the Galveston Historic Seaport.
To this day, the vessel serves as a floating museum that captivates the imaginations of children and adults alike. Drawing more than 40,000 visitors each year, ELISSA stands as one of only three such ships globally to offer an authentic sailing experience.
What can you expect during the tour?
The museum is designed to be a self-guided facility with videos, information, interactive exhibits throughout, and takes most visitors about 1.5 hours to tour completely.
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Thursdays at the Bryan with Keith Neubauer
Lecture by Stephen Fox: Houston & Galveston Architecture
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Halloween Spooktacular
Special Tour Galveston Orphans’ Home
Paul N. Spellman: Gone to Texas – An Old 300 Lecture
October 26 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Every Thursday night from 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy a curated selection of wines, enjoy the music of local Galvestonian talent and shop at the Museum Store.
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October 29 @ 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Trick-or-treat element with six decorated candy stations. In addition, there will be a scavenger hunt, spooky stories in the gazebo, fall crafts, outdoor games, ghost hunt in the garden, a walking costume parade, and several photo opportunities.
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November 4 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Explore The Bryan Museum like never before! This special guided tour takes you on a journey through time to show you the building as it once was, when it served as the Galveston Orphan’s Home for almost a century.
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November 12 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Paul N. Spellman, professor of history and division chair at Wharton Junior College, will speak on his award-winning novel Old 300: Gone to Texas and this history of our Lifetime Members' name sake.
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Step Aboard the 1877 Restored Tall Ship
One of many fascinating historical details about Galveston is its position as The Birthplace of Juneteenth, having consistently upheld the legacy of African-American achievements and cultural heritage. For example, check out the Juneteenth Monument at Ashton Villa, which pays homage to the legislation passed by late Representative Al Edwards to officially declare Juneteenth a holiday in Texas.
In fact, go a step further and take the Freedom Walk, where you can see “The Legislator” statue, along with 4 other historic sites. This self-guided stroll opens eyes to what Union Soldiers experienced on that famous day of June 19, 1865.
The Birthplace of Juneteenth
Nothing offers as vivid a glimpse into the past as historical artifacts. At the heart of The Bryan Museum is an immersive blend of history and art that boldly illuminates the history of Texas and the American West.
By leveraging its extraordinary collections, impressive exhibitions, and fun educational initiatives across 20,000 square feet, learners of every age are granted the opportunity to encounter the tales of yesteryears and also become the authors of the narratives that will shape our future.
The Bryan Museum
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Grand 1894 Opera House on Postoffice Street amazingly survived the storms of 1900 and 1915. With its origin dating back to 1894, Texas Legislature has even labeled The Grand as the “Official Opera House of Texas.”
Performances are still held year-round at The Grand, but if tickets and times for a show aren’t possible, it’s strongly recommended that you and your family schedule a tour during daylight hours to learn more about this gorgeous staple of Galveston Island and witness its beauty firsthand.
The Grand 1894 Opera House
For over a century, Rosenberg Library has been a cornerstone of the Galveston community, proudly holding the title of the oldest continuously operating public library in the entire Lone Star State. Its doors first opened on June 22, 1904, as a repository of knowledge and culture. In 1971, the library expanded significantly with the addition of the Moody Memorial Wing, effectively doubling its floor space. This expansion facilitated the creation of a dedicated children's library, a history center, and multiple galleries to showcase valuable museum collections.
Over the decades, it has continued to amass a diverse and fascinating collection of unique and noteworthy artifacts from across the planet. The library's commitment to community service is exemplified by its issuance of library cards at no cost, a service administered by the Circulation Department on the library's first floor.
Rosenberg Library
With a diverse array of dining experiences to satisfy your cravings, ranging from fresh seafood at waterfront eateries to delectable burgers and sweet treats, you and the family should definitely arrive at The Island hungry. As for lodging, whether you’re seeking a luxurious resort for a pampered stay, a beachside vacation home for the family, or a more rustic camping experience, Galveston provides a variety of accommodations to suit your travel preferences.
Choosing from an abundance of hotels and being able to eat at so many great restaurants to fuel you throughout your adventure, it’s nearly impossible to avoid a warm welcome. Visit Galveston is your ultimate resource for deciding Where to Stay and what Food and Drink to enjoy while in town.
Hotels & Restaurants
For more information, head on over to Visit Galveston and start booking the many stops on your next trip to The Island!
Plan Your Next Adventure
October 26 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Texas contains a remarkable array of buildings and landscapes that document and preserve the state’s historical experiences. Architectural historian Stephen Fox will illustrate buildings dating from the eighteenth century to the twenty-first that tell this vivid story.
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Trains are something timeless that continue to fascinate kids of all age groups. When you find yourself in Galveston with the family, don’t miss out on the captivating Galveston Railroad Museum. Step back in time to explore the museum’s permanent displays, which showcase a collection of locomotives and model train layouts. Inside this museum, there are also multiple interactive exhibits being swapped out year-round, ensuring plenty of new educational experiences can be discovered with every trip.
Galveston Railroad Museum
Musem Hours
Wednesday through Sunday: 10 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Thursdays: Open until 7 P.M.
Closed: Monday & Tuesday
Holiday Closures: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
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The Birthplace of Juneteenth
One of many fascinating historical details about Galveston is its position as The Birthplace of Juneteenth, having consistently upheld the legacy of African-American achievements and cultural heritage. For example, check out the Juneteenth Monument at Ashton Villa, which pays homage to the legislation passed by late Representative Al Edwards to officially declare Juneteenth a holiday in Texas.
In fact, go a step further and take the Freedom Walk, where you can see “The Legislator” statue, along with 4 other historic sites. This self-guided stroll opens eyes to what Union Soldiers experienced on that famous day of June 19, 1965.
Galveston Railroad Museum
Trains are something timeless that continue to fascinate kids of all age groups. When you find yourself in Galveston with the family, don’t miss out on the captivating Galveston Railroad Museum. Step back in time to explore the museum’s permanent displays, which showcase a collection of locomotives and model train layouts. Inside this museum, there are also multiple interactive exhibits being swapped out year-round, ensuring plenty of new educational experiences can be discovered with every trip.
Experience an Interactive Oil & Gas Museum
Firmly nestled in the Port of Galveston on Wharf Road by The Strand, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum is unlike any other offering in Texas. With neighboring Houston being a focal point for the oil and gas industry, this museum presents families with a unique opportunity to experience what drilling for oil entails. Traverse three full stories of interactive equipment right on the Gulf of Mexico!
What can you expect during the tour?
The museum is designed to be a self-guided facility with videos, information, interactive exhibits throughout, and takes most visitors about 1.5 hours to tour completely.
Step Aboard the 1877 Restored Tall Ship
In 1978, the Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) embarked on a remarkable project to restore an 1877 square-rigged iron barque named ELISSA, salvaging it from a Greek scrapyard. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of GHF staff and volunteers, ELISSA underwent a complete restoration before settling at its home in the Galveston Historic Seaport.
To this day, the vessel serves as a floating museum that captivates the imaginations of children and adults alike. Drawing more than 40,000 visitors each year, ELISSA stands as one of only three such ships globally to offer an authentic sailing experience.
The Grand 1894 Opera House
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Grand 1894 Opera House on Postoffice Street amazingly survived the storms of 1900 and 1915. With its origin dating back to 1894, Texas Legislature has even labeled The Grand as the “Official Opera House of Texas.”
Performances are still held year-round at The Grand, but if tickets and times for a show aren’t possible, it’s strongly recommended that you and your family schedule a tour during daylight hours to learn more about this gorgeous staple of Galveston Island and witness its beauty firsthand.
Rosenberg Library
For over a century, Rosenberg Library has been a cornerstone of the Galveston community, proudly holding the title of the oldest continuously operating public library in the entire Lone Star State. Its doors first opened on June 22, 1904, as a repository of knowledge and culture. In 1971, the library expanded significantly with the addition of the Moody Memorial Wing, effectively doubling its floor space. This expansion facilitated the creation of a dedicated children's library, a history center, and multiple galleries to showcase valuable museum collections.
Over the decades, it has continued to amass a diverse and fascinating collection of unique and noteworthy artifacts from across the planet. The library's commitment to community service is exemplified by its issuance of library cards at no cost, a service administered by the Circulation Department on the library's first floor.
Rosenberg Library
With a diverse array of dining experiences to satisfy your cravings, ranging from fresh seafood at waterfront eateries to delectable burgers and sweet treats, you and the family should definitely arrive at The Island hungry. As for lodging, whether you’re seeking a luxurious resort for a pampered stay, a beachside vacation home for the family, or a more rustic camping experience, Galveston provides a variety of accommodations to suit your travel preferences.
Choosing from an abundance of hotels and being able to eat at so many great restaurants to fuel you throughout your adventure, it’s nearly impossible to avoid a warm welcome. Visit Galveston is your ultimate resource for deciding Where to Stay and what Food and Drink to enjoy while in town.