Why stay at a resort in the Caribbean when you can spend your summers on an island in the U.S.? Looking for relaxation, adult and family entertainment, live music, fireworks, a gorgeous beach, fantastic restaurants, fun attractions, and plenty of activities for the kids?  We've got you covered!

This resort is only 2 hours away and is a one-stop family oasis, with kid and adult-oriented events nearly every day. Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa, and Convention Center is a public non-profit and an exceptional educational destination for kids and students. They are all about preservation, nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research. Starting with Spring Break the resort offers unique ticket combos and packages. Every year, they offer new attractions, events, and exhibits.

When it comes to attractions, this place is loaded! Save big on tickets and packages all summer long. You are going to need a few days to see everything, so make plans to stay a while. Here are 10 Reasons Why Staying At This Family Resort Is A Great Idea:

1.) Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa, and Convention Center have a 4.5-star rating (based on a scale of 1-5.)

The resort at 7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554 in Galveston, Texas, was reviewed by Tripadvisor and is the place to be! It is ranked for location, cleanliness, services, and value. Moody offers relaxing rooms, free Wi-Fi, a fun learning environment for kids, romance for adults, on-site restaurants, a private beach, zip-lines, and ropes course, 3 and 4D theaters, and a host of other great amenities designed to enhance your stay.

2.) The Rainforest Pyramid

Experience the rainforest up close, with loose Saki Monkeys, Cotton Top Tamarins, Sloths, Parrots, and Macaws. Check out all of the beautiful birds that call this particular forest home. See other animals like Komodo Dragons, hundreds of ancient plants and trees, fish, turtles, wild species growing from the rainforest floor, and so much more. Book a particular birthday party and group tours.

3.) Discovery Museum

It's all about discovering new things and exploring and being exposed to the evolution of human beings, music, culture, and animals. There is always something exciting and interesting to see and learn at the Discovery Museum. Check out world-famous exhibits like Bodies, Titanic, Dinosaurs, The Sound of Music, and more new exhibits to come.

4.) Palm Beach (open every day from Memorial Day through August 13)

Beats on the Beach takes place every Saturday from 6 pm to 10 pm with a DJ and live bands. Enjoy fireworks every Saturday from June 17 through August 5 beginning at 9:15 pm. Celebrate summertime and cool off along the Lazy River. Chow down at the Shoreline Grill, which has delicious food and cocktails. It's certainly my favorite place!

5.) Colonel Paddlewheel Boat

Set sail like a Dinner Cruise on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat on June 10, June 24, July 8, July 22, August 5, and August 19: Enjoy beautiful views of Offatts Bayou, plus a dinner buffet and cash bar with dinner cruises aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat. Themed cruise menus including an Aloha, BBQ, and French buffets are a few that guests can take advantage of this summer.

6.) Moody Aquarium Pyramid

Guests are taken on a delightful tour under the sea from The Gulf Of Mexico, the South Atlantic, the North Pacific, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean! See penguins, otters, stingrays, sharks big and small, jellyfish, and thousands of fish, octopuses, starfish, and turtles, and learn about their habitats and more. Enjoy special Penguin and River Otter Encounters when available and pet the stingrays!

7.) Kids Events

The fun and learning never end for kids at Moody Gardens with Exploration and Funday Programs, Field Trips, Summer Camp, and Educational Activities. Create memorable birthday experiences for 12 or up to 60 guests! Moody Gardens offers exciting party packages like Party Times: Wild Things Aquarium or Rainforest and Winter Holiday Festival of Lights. For additional party packages and info, call (409)683-4558 or email AttractionSales@moodygardens.org​

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8.) The Spa

They have a spectacular spa day you deserve it! Select from a wide variety of services that you can book like body or facial exfoliation, manicures, and pedicures. Reserve couples 50 Minute Swedish Couples Massage with Back Scrub & Hot Stone Foot Massage. Better yet, take a little 'me time' and try a spa package or special! Reserve your treatment today by calling (409) 683-4440 to schedule your next appointment.

9.) Ranked #4 Golf Course In Texas (Golf Advisor)

Enjoy the Gulf breeze, stunning views, and the greenest fairways you've ever seen at Moody Gardens Golf Course. The 18-hole golf course is one of the most popular in the Lone Star State. It features five tee boxes for players of all levels and great food and drinks at the Pelican Grille, which overlooks the range. For more information call (409) 744-4673 or visit www.moodygardens.org.

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