Play Ocean-Themed Mini Golf, Then Cool Off With Frozen Custard For A Fun, Family-Friendly Summer Day Trip In Texas

When it's the heat of the summer and the kids are out of school, nothing beats a trip to Galveston. It may not be a Caribbean paradise, but its laid-back vibe and plethora of family-friendly attractions more than make up for that. Two of the best things to do in Galveston also happen to be fun for all ages: Magic Carpet Golf and Rita's Italian Ice. Play ocean-themed mini golf, then cool off with a refreshing Italian ice or frozen custard (or a combo of both!) for the ultimate Texas summer day trip - after soaking up some rays at the beach, of course!

Your fun-filled day begins at none other than Magic Carpet Golf. Conveniently located on Seawall Boulevard, this ocean-themed miniature golf course has been an island favorite for years.

There are two 18-hole courses to choose from; one faces the beach, while the other is in the back of the facility. My suggestion is to tackle them both for the full Magic Carpet experience!

Most of the ocean-themed obstacles are in the beachfront course, including a giant seashell, pirate ships, a waterfall, and more.

You will be amazed at how colorful and ornately designed the holes are. There's a reason it's called "Magic Carpet" Golf...it really makes you feel like you're in a whimsical storybook when you putt here.

Not only are the obstacles incredibly intricate, but they're also interactive. For example, the pirate ship hole actually takes you onto the ship!

The back course is just as fun, with a giant dragon, a snail, and lots of other fun features that kids (and kids at heart) absolutely adore. What's more, the course is brimming with lush, tropical vegetation, so you get to marvel at beautiful palm trees and vibrant flowers as you play.

Although you get to enjoy the Gulf breeze on the golf course, summer days on the island are still quite hot. The solution? A refreshing Italian ice or frozen custard from Rita's.

Also located on Seawall Boulevard, Rita's is a charming blast from the past. As soon as you step inside, you'll think you've entered a retro ice cream parlor - but you won't see any traditional shakes or malts on the menu here.

What Rita's offers is something even better than your everyday ice cream shop. The Italian ice is made fresh daily, and it comes in all sorts of delicious flavors like piña colada, strawberry watermelon, and even gummy bear.

Please note: exact flavors vary by location.

In addition to Italian ice, Rita's also makes the creamiest frozen custard you'll ever try. You can get it either hand-scooped or swirled like soft serve, and every bite is a mouthful of heaven.

Can't decide between Italian ice and frozen custard? Get both! The Gelati is Rita's signature creation, featuring alternating layers of custard and Italian ice.

You can also get your ice and custard blended together for an innovative take on the classic milkshake. Rita's also offers custard-only milkshakes, blended Italian ice drinks, and more.

Magic Carpet Golf does not have a website, so Google is your best bet for finding their current hours and pricing information.

Would you take this day trip to two of the best things to do in Galveston? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more of the top attractions in Galveston if you’re looking for more fun things to do on the island.