As the weather warms up, Galveston becomes home to a number of amazing events. For locals and visitors alike there are many great attractions for family fun, some of which are even free.
Movie Nite on The Strand
Movie Nite on The Strand is at Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand. Moviegoers are encouraged to stop for a bite to eat at one of the variety of downtown restaurants before setting up a blanket or chair for a free movie under the stars.
It takes place the first Saturday of each month through October from 6 to 9 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own seating. Next up is “Goonies” starring Sean Astin and Cory Feldman on May 2nd.
Music Nite On The Strand
The second Saturday of each month through October is Music Nite, with additional dates in May and October. Music enthusiasts looking for a great live music scene will enjoy Music Nite on The Strand. A dance floor and limited seating are provided so crowds can dance to the beat and rest between songs. Bands perform at Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Movie and Music Nites are sponsored by Mitchell Historic Properties and the Galveston Park Board of Trustees. For more information on both Movie and Music Nite on The Strand and weekly event updates, visit www.facebook.com/saengerfestpark.
One of the newer family fun attractions is the Galveston Children’s Museum on the first loor of he Moody Mansion at 2618 Broadway. For $6 a person, it’s a great value because, trust me, the kids who go just don’t want to leave!
I heard a great story about a young boy being taken to the museum by his grandparents. At the door he was loudly complaining, “Not another children’s museum. Boring. I don’t want to go in.” His grandparents literally had to pull him in the front door. A couple of hours later the staf heard him complaining again. This time it was because he didn’t want to go home. His grandparents ended up buying an annual pass so they could visit again the next day.
One of the reasons the Galveston Children’s Museum is so attractive to kids is because it is a hands-on place where kids can explore, investigate, create and discover. They have a lot of fun playing but as they do it they are really learning about arts, music, science and technology.
Like so many other Galveston success stories, this place was created by a bunch of amazing people who saw a need and went out and made it happen. The museum has been supported by Island ETC East End Theater, Texas A&M Galveston, The Galveston Restaurant Group and UTMB. It was also made possible by donations from individuals and the Mary Moody Northern Endowment Fund.
There’s been an increasing trend for families to move back to Galveston, and it’s facilities such as the Galveston Children’s Museum that help convince them this is a great place to live. These community places are so vital to our future. Having great community involvement from all parts of the community makes these great events possible.
It’s worth remembering that the members of the Galveston Association of Realtors® provide more than 250 volunteer hours each month or 3,000 hours annually to a range of wonderful community organizations. Community accomplishments makes those of us lucky enough to live by the sea are lucky enough!