Corpus Christi Zoo
On County Road 33, off Weber Street
512-814-8000
Wed.-Sun. 9-6
Adults $5; Children $3
A 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
Admission Adults $4 Children $3
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
Tickets range from $10-$12
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
Adults: $8 12-17 $6.75 Children 4-11 $4.50. Under 4 Free
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
Adults $9 children $4
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
Adults $8 Children $4
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
Adults $17 Children $12
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
Adults $7-$10 Children $4-$5 (Depending on length of trip)
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
$4 per ride
An exciting array of vehicular choices: go carts; bumper boats; bumper cars. In addition there is a playground and a game room.

Pirates of the Gulf Miniature Golf
2901 West Surfside Drive
512-884-4774
Open daily April-August 11-11
Sept.-March on weekends (call to check times)
Adults $13; children $4

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
$4 per vehicle
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 like antique coins, etc. There is a visitor's center; bathhouse and picnic area. There is no access road between North and South Padre Islands.