Corpus
Christi Zoo
On County Road 33, off Weber Street
512-814-8000
Wed.-Sun. 9-6
145 acre park featuring a vast collection of primates, exotic birds and other
animals. It also contains the Kidz Zoo which is the largest petting area in the
US with two acres of barnyard animals to meet and pet.
Bayfront Arts
and Science Park
1900 Shoreline Drive
512-882-5603
This plaza offers indoor and outdoor attractions that are family oriented. All
of these are listed below because of their geographic proximity: some will be of
particular interest to adults; others to children.
The Water Garden is a cooling circle of over 100 fountains that are lighted at
night. In June it hosts the Fiesta de Corpus Christi, a celebration of the
city's Hispanic heritage. In September this is the site of Bayfest, an expansive
arts and crafts show with fireworks, parades and a sailboat regatta.
The Art
Museum of South Texas
512-884-3844
Tues.-Sat. 10-5 Sunday 1-5
Rotating exhibits featuring the work of many area artists.
Bayfront
Plaza Auditorium
512-882-2717
Site of concerts, musicals and other shows. Call for times and prices.
Corpus
Christi Museum of Science and History
512-88-2862
Mon.-Sat. 10-5 Sunday 1-5
Houses the natural history of the area including artifacts from 16th century
shipwrecks, a live reptile exhibit and interactive hurricane displays.
Harbor
Playhouse
512-888-7469
Features children's shows and other theater productions throughout the year.
Call for details.
Heritage Park
512-883-0639
Free
Features 8 restored turn of the century homes and a multicultural center with
rotating exhibits focusing on the city's heritage.
Texas State
Aquarium
2710 North Shoreline Drive (across from the Bayfront Center)
512-881-1200 or 1-800-477-GULF
Mon-Sat 10-6 Sunday noon-6
More than 250 species of marine life are displayed as well as a coral reef. Also
featured are a river otter family, and a new shark "touch tank".
USS Lexington
Museum
2914 Shoreline Drive
1-800-LADY-LEX
9-8 Summer 9-5 rest of year
A fascinating tour for the whole family. The old aircraft carrier is steeped in
history. It served longer than any other US Navy carrier. Tours take visitors
all around the ship including the engine room, the bridge and the flight deck
full of vintage planes. Multimedia programs and maritime exhibits are also on
display.
Columbus
Fleet
Cargo Dock One
Port of Corpus Christi
512-882-1232
Mon-Sat 10-5 Sunday noon-5
Admission charged. Recreations of the three ships of Christopher Columbus.
The ships were built in Spain and are precise duplicates of the Niņa, Pinta and
Santa Maria. There are also historical exhibits from Spain.
Dolphin Connection
5151 East Causeway Blvd.
512-882-4126
Admission charged.
Reservations in advance required.
Children and adults will enjoy taking a boat trip into the bay to watch dolphins
in their natural habitat. Children are allowed to feed the dolphins during each
of the two trips made every morning from March - October.
Flagship
Paddlewheeler
Peoples Street Pier, Slip 49
512-884-8306
Hour long narrated cruises of the bay and harbor. (1 1/2 hours at night) This
trip into the past on a paddlewheeler will be more interesting to older
children.
Playland at
the Beach
3001 Seagull Blvd.
512-884-7251
Open as weather permits March-November
An exciting array of vehicular choices: go carts; bumper boats; bumper cars. In
addition there is a playground and a game room.
International
Kite Museum
3200 Surfside Drive
512-883-7456
Daily 10-6
Free
The history of kites as far back as 2000 years told in exhibits and videos.
Padre Island
National Seashore
South of Corpus Christi at the end of Park Road 22
512-949-8068
9-6 daily
This 110 mile long island is one of the last natural seashores in the United
States. Most of it is a preserve accessible only by four wheel drive vehicles or
long hikes. The National Park Service has a parking area and developed parkland
for visitors.
The Park Service allows visitors to collect shells, driftwood and glass floats,
but not artifacts such as antique coins, etc. There is a visitor's center;
bathhouse and picnic area. There is no access road between North and South Padre
Islands.