Things to do in Rockport-Fulton with kids to keep everyone 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 Gulf Coast hospitality at its best. The city of Rockport is a great place for a quintessential family getaway with the small-town charm, natural beauty, and gulf coast activities. Below is what to do in Rockport-Fulton with kids.
What To Do In Rockport-Fulton With Kids
Rockport-Fulton is located on the Texas Coast in Aransas County above Corpus Christi and Port Aransas and is a short drive from the Aransas Pass. There are many family attractions in the area for kids, and you’ll never hear the words, “I’m bored.” I can’t promise that, but some of the best places on this coast have made great memories for my family. There are fun activities in this area, plus water sports, and we also saw a skate park if your kids are into that. And, for the adults, you’ll find wineries with wine tasting and snacks.
Related: 12 Best RV Campgrounds In East Texas
Experience Rockport Beach With Your Kids
You’ll find one of the best beach towns here at Rockport beach. So much so that Rockport Beach was named Texas Best Beach in 2018 by USA Today. And for a good reason. 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 a barbecue grill. The mile-long Texas Gulf Coast beach was named the “blue wave beach” because of its cleanliness and well-maintained beach. Rockport Beach is a place you’ll want to spend all day. The serene bay waters are something we’ve only experienced in the Caribbean.
Not in the mood for a swim? No problem! Visit Rockport-Fulton with kids and hike along the beach, piers, and walking trail while enjoying the beauty. But, also check out Copano Bay rentals boats rides on the water.
Related: 10 Amazing Day Hikes in Texas
Fish The Bays In Rockport Texas
Fishing opportunities abound in Rockport-Fulton. Whether you’re a pro with all the equipment, want an experienced guide to take you on your first fishing adventure, or just want some relaxing fishing with your own fishing gear on one of the fishing piers or jetties, Rockport-Fulton offers everything.
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 Downtown
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 love our modern conveniences but equally, enjoy pondering what life used to be like; viva nostalgia!
Girl time in historic downtown Rockport with my daughter while browsing the quaint shops 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 Rockport Cultural Arts District
Coastal Living Magazine has named Rockport a Top 10 Coastal Art Colony in the United States.
Rockport Center for the Arts consists of three art galleries, a gift shop, and a Sculpture Garden that opens 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 On Tule Creek Hike And Bike Trail
I try to go hiking on every trip we take 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 nature trails on the Tule Hike and Bike Trail. We saw beautiful birds, a whooping crane or two, deer, marshlands, and many wildflowers.
If you’re looking for more hiking and biking trails in this area, see Aransas Pathways.
Capture The Bent Oak Trees
The bent oaks are one of my favorite features of Rockport-Fulton. These beautiful trees line the streets and highways. The trees are unique, with the grass below decorated with myriad wildflowers.
Would you believe this above spot was just across from a shopping center? The area is gorgeous!
Do Some Bird Watching
Rockport birding is a big deal here. Many bird species flock to this area every year in the winter months. It’s their natural habitat and where they call home for the winter. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a novice like me, who loves to gaze at beautiful creatures that we might not be seen at home, Rockport is a birder’s paradise.
Rockport is bird heaven and is the ideal spot to get your kids interested in birding. Its skies are full of unique and exciting birds.
These live oak trees facing the bay are called Bent Tree Rookery; some are 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. There was so much action! here Want to further your birding adventure? Take a birding boat tour!
Travel Pro Tip: Bring binoculars
See The Big Tree At Goose Island State Park
The Big Tree is a sight to behold at Goose Island State Park! 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, with its trunk circumference of 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 this humongous tree yourself.
If there’s time on your trip, here are more attractions to consider visiting:
- Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
- Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
- Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary Nature Preserve
- Rockport Fulton Market Days
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 are in the Rockport-Fulton area.
Paradise Key Dockside Bar And Grill
We especially enjoyed Paradise Key Dockside Bar & Grill’s sweeping ceilings and walls lined with windows overlooking the water.
Charlotte Plummer’s Seafare Restaurant
Charlotte Plummer’s Seafare Restaurant, the area’s oldest and much-loved restaurant, also has excellent views and tasty meals.
Do you 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 kids! It’s time to make plans to visit Rockport-Fulton.
Photo Credits: Esther Irish
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