Who doesn’t love summertime in the Coastal Bend? With longer, sunnier days and the kids out of school, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat and tons of summer activities to spend time with the family. Though it can be stressful coming up with ideas to fill all the extra downtime, we’ve compiled a list of activities that are sure to get everyone out of the house and having fun.
Hurricane Alley
What to Expect: You can never go wrong with a day at the waterpark in the heat of our Texas summers! Hurricane Alley’s full-time summer schedule kicked off in May and lasts until August. Attractions here include a thrilling 6-story slide, the original surf simulator, Flowrider Double®, a kids’ area with mini slides and more.
Pro Tip: The weekly Dive-in Movie nights offer family-friendly movies every Tuesday night paired with extended hours, at no extra cost. For info on their movie lineup and other special events, visit the park’s website.
City Pools and Splash Pads
What to Expect: All Corpus Christi public pools offer free admission throughout the summer. Options like Collier and West Guth pools provide fun for all ages, with special features like splash pads, diving boards and lane pools for grown-ups! Check out specific hours and locations in our comprehensive guide.
Pro Tip: City splash pads are open until 10 p.m. all summer! Stop by during the evening hours to avoid the scorching sun.
Summer Bay Jammin’ Concert and Cinema Series
What to Expect: Get your picnic blanket ready, Parks and Recreation’s annual Summer Bay Jammin’ Concert and Cinema Series has officially begun! The fest took over Cole Park Amphitheatre earlier this month to bring residents a summer full of free live music and family-friendly blockbusters. The open-air stage features local and Texas-wide musicians every Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., while Friday sunsets welcome closed-captioned movies for all ages to enjoy with a beachfront view. Visit Parks and Rec’s website for the full performance and film lineup.
Pro Tip: Get there early to reserve a good viewing spot and don’t forget the mosquito spray.
Public Libraries
What to Expect: Now that school’s out, local librarians put the FUN in “reading is FUNdamental!” Storytime events, hands-on activities and the annual Summer Reading program incentivize kids and adults to read all the way ‘til the August birds start chirping. With each location offering unique reading-based programs, check out your local library’s online calendar for their lists of summer specials.
Pro Tip: Each library offers child, teen and adult challenge booklets allowing readers to track their reading progress and complete challenges for a chance to win a multitude of incredible prizes! Pick yours up at any location.
Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve
What to Expect: Prepare to embark on an adventure full of beautiful Coastal Bend wildlife! The Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve not only maintains a variety of nature trails and a large kids playground, but guests are also treated to a Visitors Center with a small reptile exhibit, hands-on activities and a staff member excited to share their knowledge on our local fauna.
Pro Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars and see how many local birds you can spot on your hike! The park opens daily from dawn to dusk, with parking and restrooms available to the public. For more information on events and Visitor Center hours, visit the park’s website.
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Malaquite Beach
What to Expect: Out of all of the Coastal Bend’s wonderful beach fronts, making the drive out to the National Seashore always pays off. In addition to its near-clear waters, Malaquite Beach hosts a variety of educational programs in the summer, like ranger-led educational walks on the beach, junior ranger activities for the kids and sea turtle hatchling releases! Keep an eye on the Seashores’ website for special events and the updated release schedule.
Pro Tip: The best seashells and sand dollars are always found lining the shore of Malaquite. Bring a bucket to collect shells for a simple summer craft project!
Alamo Drafthouse
What to Expect: Movie theaters transport us to magical worlds beyond our imagination, and nobody does immersion like Alamo Drafthouse. Special events are often paired with a side of extra fun, like unique props, games and activities. Plus, you’ll beat the heat by staying indoors.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on their online calendar for themed nights and reruns of everyone’s favorite classic kid flicks!
Local Museums
What to Expect: Did you know we have enough museums lining the heart of the city to make a whole day out of them? Take the family on a day of museum hopping across Corpus Christi’s downtown through such treasures like the Asian Cultures and Education Center, the Instituto De Cultura Hispanica, the Tejano Civil Rights Museum and, of course, the Art Musem of South Texas and Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History.
Pro Tip: These museums offer admission specials throughout the year and often host special events, so keep an eye on their websites for show announcements.
S.P.A.R.K camps
What to Expect: S.P.A.R.K. (Summer Program and Recreation for Kids) camp, hosted by the city’s Parks and Recreation department, takes full advantage of local recreation centers to keep kids entertained all summer long. With activities ranging from arts and crafts to outdoor sports for only $25 a week, S.P.A.R.K. is perfect for busy parents looking for an alternative option to hiring a babysitter.
Pro Tip: The camp is available for ages six to 16 and snacks are provided daily for both morning and afternoon sessions. For more information, visit the camp’s website.
Art Center
What to Expect: Kids can indulge in the art of creating during the Art Center’s Family Art Time events, taking place every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All craft materials are provided free of charge to encourage families to unwind together through finger paints and markers!
Pro Tip: The Art Center also hosts the weekly Farmer’s Market! Stop by every Wednesday to purchase local handmade goods and take a peek at the Center’s current gallery while you’re there.
