School is out which – for many of us – means summer is officially here.  For our friends vacationing in Port Aransas this summer, we’d like to share the five family friendly activities at the top of our bucket list.  Mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss!

1.  Watch hatchling sea turtles take their first steps into the Gulf of Mexico.

Each year, the Padre Island National Seashore hosts 15-20 releases of hatchlings that emerge from eggs cared for at the Padre Island National Seashore incubation facility. The releasing of the sea turtle hatchlings is open and free for the public and is considered one the most anticipated events of the summer.  It gathers an enthusiastic audience each year with thousands of local and out of town guests in attendance.  Held at the northern end of the National Seashore, typically in front of the Malaquite Beach Visitor Center.  Releases begin at about 6:30-6:45 am.  Visit the Padre Island National Seashore website for more information about projected release dates.

2.  Stargaze and spot the constellations.

Don’t know much about astronomy?  Fret not, you don’t need to be an astronomer to stargaze with your kids.  There is beauty in learning alongside with them!  What better way to teach your kids the value of looking up and appreciate a night’s sky than through a night of stargazing?  Our favorite spot to stargaze is near the Malaquite Beach Visitor Center at the Padre Island National Seashore.

3.  Catch some ZZZ’s under the seas.

That’s no typo.  You can actually spend the night at the South Texas Aquarium with sharks, tarpon, and many other creatures of the Gulf of Mexico!  ZZZs Under the Seas is an exciting camp-in program which includes a discovery tour and behind-the-scenes tours, and games.  (Dive show or creature feature optional.)  The program includes a pizza dinner and a continental breakfast and should be booked at least two weeks in advance.  The kids won’t want to miss!  Visit the South Texas Aquarium website for more information.

4.  Get hooked on a Hook’s game.

Hit a parental home run by taking the kids out to see a ballgame.  Teach the kids (and yourself) how to keep score, indulge in a hot dog, and last but not least, stick around for the fireworks.  There’s nothing quite like creating memories of being at summer ballgames with your folks.  Hook’s team schedule available here.

5.  Help a furry friend in need.

The Gulf Coast Humane Society is the largest no-kill facility in South Texas.  Adopting is a long term, financial commitment.  Luckily, volunteering is free!  Volunteers have many opportunities to help, learn and enrich the lives of the animals in need.  Why not make a furry friend for the summer?  Volunteers get to walk, play, bathe/groom, help out at events among the many other ways to help lend a hand.  Visit their website for more info.

Be a summer vacation hero!  Call Port Royal Ocean Resort today at 800.242.1034 and let us help you plan a super vacation for you and the kids.  Remember to like us on Facebook and subscribe to our email list to receive special members only deals to save on your next stay!