Here is what to do in Rockport-Fulton with kids to keep them happy!
We were asked repeatedly, “Hi! Where are you all from?” as we explored the Rockport-Fulton area. Every local we came across nodded, waved, shook our hand, or became our newest friend. It was Texas hospitality at its best. Rockport-Fulton is the quintessential family getaway with the small-town charm, natural beauty, and gulf coast activities. Below is what to do in Rockport-Fulton with kids. I hope you like it all!
This partnership included lodging, food & beverage, and compensation for the trip. The opinions reflected are honest and based upon the individual blogger’s experience.
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Experience Rockport Beach With Your Kids
Have you ever taken the family to a beach and worried the whole time about their safety in the pounding waves and undertows? I sure have! Rockport beach is perfect for families! The serene bay waters are something we’ve only experienced in the Caribbean.
Not in the mood for a swim? No problem! Hike along the beach, piers, and walking trail while taking in the beauty.
Related: 10 Amazing Day Hikes in Texas(Opens in a new browser tab)
Rockport Beach was named Texas Best Beach in 2018 by USA Today, and we can see why. As Texas’ first “blue wave” beach, it is nationally certified by the Washington DC Clean Beaches Council. Featuring three playgrounds, two sand volleyball courts, and 71 cabanas, each with its barbecue grill, Rockport Beach is a place you’ll want to spend all day.
Fish The Bays
Fishing opportunities abound in Rockport-Fulton. Whether you’re a pro with all your equipment, would like an experienced guide to take you for your first fishing adventure, or would just like some relaxing fishing on one of the piers or jetties, Rockport-Fulton has much to offer. For more information on fishing in the Rockport area, click Rockport-Fulton Fishing.
Explore The Texas Maritime Museum
The Texas Maritime Museum exists to excite and educate the public about Texas Maritime history and artifacts by preserving artifacts, documents, photographs, and books that further illuminate Texas’ maritime history.
Kids can stand at the helm and imagine life on the sea, learn how to tie knots, and visit the many interactive stations of the three-level museum. Don’t miss the opportunity to go all the way to the top for the best views of Rockport.
Shop Rockport Heritage District
Enjoy the old-time feeling as you take a stroll and breathe in the salty bay air while browsing the shops at Rockport Heritage District. Stop by the Sorenson-Stair building, registered as a Historic Texas Landmark dating back to 1886 when it was a mercantile! I so love our modern conveniences but equally enjoy pondering what life used to be like, viva nostalgia!
The girl time with my daughter while browsing the quaint shops of Rockport will be forever cherished. I loved walking and talking as we looked for souvenirs, laughed at oddities in the shops, and pictured ourselves wearing beautiful satin attire or floppy beach hats.
Visit The Cultural Arts District
Rockport has been named a Top 10 Coastal Art Colony in the United States by Coastal Living Magazine. Rockport Center for the Arts consists of three art galleries, a gift shop, and a Sculpture Garden that opens up right on Aransas Bay. Many a little art gallery filled with wildlife art, contemporary abstract artwork, and select Texas Modernist art will sneak up on you while you shop the Heritage District.
Take A Scenic Hike
Hiking is something I try to do on every trip with the kids. Getting out in nature to see the beauty while getting those endorphins going keeps us healthy and happy. I loved the easy two-mile round trip hike on the Tule Hike and Bike Trail. We saw beautiful birds, deer, marshlands, and many wildflowers. If you’re looking for more hiking opportunities in Rockport-Fulton, see Aransas Pathways.
Capture The Bent Oak Trees
The bent oaks are one of my favorite features of Rockport-Fulton. The beautiful trees line the streets and highways. They are unique; with the grass below decorated with a myriad of wildflowers, they are indeed something to behold.
Would you believe this particular spot photographed above was just across the street from a shopping center? The area is gorgeous!
Do Some Bird Watching
Birds flock to Rockport-Fulton! Whether you’re an experienced birder or a novice like me, who loves to gaze at beautiful creatures that we might not see at home, Rockport is a birder’s paradise.
Rockport is bird heaven and the ideal spot to get your young ones interested in birding. Whereas some birding areas require much quiet, patience, and binoculars for the best views, Rockport’s skies are full of unique and exciting birds.
These live oak trees facing the bay, called Bent Tree Rookery by some, were full of blue heron, great white heron, and black crow night heron. The birds nest in the trees, and you can watch them fly back and forth from a distance. There was so much action! Want to further your birding adventure? Take a birding boat tour!
See The Big Tree
Located at Goose Island State Park, the Big Tree is a sight to behold! Estimated to be almost 1,000 years old, the Big Tree is one of Texas’s giant live oak trees and the nation’s!
The Big Tree is impressive! The trunk circumference is over 35 feet and over 11 feet. The crown spread is 89 feet, and it’s 44 feet high. Even looking at the numbers, it’s tough to imagine its expanse. You’ll want to see the Big Tree yourself.
Dine By The Water
There’s something about dining, given the water, that is so welcoming and relaxing. Some of my best conversations with my daughter happened as we feasted on delicious food while gazing out at the water and watching the birds dart back and forth and boats come and go.
Many eateries with great views and the freshest seafood in the Rockport-Fulton area. We especially enjoyed Paradise Key’s sweeping ceilings and walls lined with windows overlooking the water. Charlotte Plummer, the area’s oldest and much-loved restaurant, also has excellent views and tasty meals.
Want to eat your fresh-caught fish but don’t want to clean and cook them? No problem! Many of the area restaurants will cook your catch for you!
There are so many great reasons to visit Rockport-Fulton with the family! This small coastal area was hit hard by the hurricanes of 2017. Through it all, the townspeople came together, and the area’s attractions are better than ever. They are waiting for you! It’s time to make plans to visit Rockport-Fulton.
Photo Credits: Esther Irish
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