The Best Things to Do with Kids on South Padre Island

— By Kate Loweth —

Before I visited South Padre Island (SPI), I pictured nothing but wild spring break parties and college kids everywhere. But surprise! This sunny barrier island off the southern coast of Texas has way more to offer — think sea turtle rescues, sunset horseback rides, and endless beach time that’s perfect for the whole family. Here’s where to stay and all the fun things you can do when visiting: 

Things to Do on South Padre Island

Visit Sea Turtle Inc.

This sea turtle rehabilitation center should be at the top of your activity list when visiting SPI. Families will learn all about the organization’s conservation and rehabilitation efforts through a self-guided tour that includes plenty of time peeping at the resident Kemp’s Ridley and loggerhead turtles who were injured and unable to be returned to the wild. Join a “Turtle Talk” to learn some of the history of these animals, and then swing by the turtle hospital to see the work being done to rehabilitate injured turtles.

Good to know: Thirteen sea turtle sculptures can be found along SPI’s Sea Turtle Art Trail. 

Check Out the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary

 

SPI is a stopover point for migratory birds, making it a favorite spot for bird-watching. You can learn all about the birds that you might see on the island by stopping by this nature center just up the road from Sea Turtle Inc. Join a guided birding tour to walk along the boardwalk and spot winged creatures in Laguna Madre Bay using the provided binoculars. 

Then, visit Big Padre and Lady Laguna at the alligator sanctuary, an experience that will delight visitors of all ages. The alligator-feeding show is full of humor and excitement as the alligator handler entices these giant creatures out of the murky swamp to feed. You’ll learn what to do if you spot an alligator in the wild (the correct answer: don’t feed it) and how the nature center is rehabilitating these animals. 

Satisfy Your Need for Speed at Sand Monsters

Families looking for some friendly competition and an afternoon zipping around on an off-road vehicle should plan a stop at Sand Monsters. Here, riders of every age can tackle the twists and turns of the sand track, or head out on a guided sunset dune tour to see the area as the sun descends below the horizon. 

Even More Things to Do: 

• Go for a sunset horseback ride at South Padre Island Adventures. 
• Visit the Port Isabel Lighthouse. 
• Have a beach day at Isla Blanca Park. 
• Stock up on sweets at Sugar Kingdom. 
• Enjoy a meal and a sunset at Viva SPI. 
• Follow the Sandcastle Trail.
• Shop for paper art at Paper Caper Co.  

Where to Stay on South Padre Island

Families looking to spend a few days enjoying the sand and seafood of South Padre Island should book a room at the Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island. You’ll be less than 30 minutes from the Brownsville airport, an easy journey from luggage pickup to sandcastle building. 

Located right on the beach, the Margaritaville Beach Resort is the perfect option when all the kids want to do is spend time in the sand. Pick an ocean-view room on a high floor and you’ll have front-row seats for any SpaceX launches happening during your stay. Spacious rooms have balconies and bathtubs, and you’ll have your choice of heated pools to choose from when you need a break from the salt water. You can even book a condo room with a full kitchen if you want a bit more space to spread out. 

While South Padre Island has plenty of kid-friendly restaurants to choose from, sometimes it’s just easier to eat at your resort, and Margaritaville does it right. Follow the Jimmy Buffet tunes to the LandShark Bar & Grill, located just off the lobby. Here, you’ll find Tex-Mex tacos, burgers, and all the fresh-caught seafood you are craving. 

The swim-up Salty Rim Bar & Grill serves up poolside umbrella drinks and snacks for families who just can’t tear themselves away from the cabana life. And, when the kids wake you up way too early for a vacation day, head to Joe Merchant’s Coffee and Provisions for all those iced coffee beverages. 

South Padre Island: Fun in the Sun

Families looking for an easy vacation full of animal encounters and plenty of beach time will enjoy South Padre Island. 

Photos courtesy Kate Loweth

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About the Author: Kate Loweth is a writer and editor living in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three teenagers. Her writing focuses on family travel, parenting, solo travel, and travel for ages 50+. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, AAA, AARP, Business Insider, FamilyVacationist, Success Magazine, and Viator. Read more of her work on kateloweth.com or find her on Instagram @k8loweth.