Schools out and summer is here. If your kids are already complaining about being bored or can’t get their faces away from the screens, it might be time to shake things up. Cypress Lifestyle is ready to deliver the adventure! We took a short roadtrip to Lake Conroe in search of some family-friendly adventures your kids will be talking about for the rest of the summer.
Sail the high seas of Lake Conroe on the Jolly Pirate Ship
A single mast stands out against the sky when you make the turn off Highway 105 and peer down the road toward the water. This is the moment your kids will point and yell that they can see it. A pirate ship awaits, moored in the harbor, its flapping skull and bones flag promising a day of adventure.
Inside the shop where passage may be purchased, pirate goodies hang upon the wall. If you’ve come dressed for your voyage like foolish land lovers, then eye patches, hooks, pointed hats, swords (of the foam variety), coin purses, beards, and even full costumes are available to buy and make your own.
Once you have secured passage, your party of adventures will make their way across the floating dock to board the Jolly Pirate Ship itself. Be sure to point out all the piratical details to the younger sailors: rope ladders, crow’s nest, bright yellow port holes, rifles lining the ship’s upper deck, and, of course, the captain’s wheel.
After your cruise is underway, you’ll be off on a search for the treasure hidden by Isaac Conroe, the town and lake’s namesake. While I don’t want to spoil too much of what awaits you on the seas, you can expect a rambunctious pirate crew, cannon fire, mermaids, a duel, and perhaps even someone walking the plank.
The Jolly Pirate Ship Adventure, created by 1097 Watersports, is located at 14970 Hwy 105 W Montgomery, TX 77356. During the summer months, the ship sails every day except Monday. Tickets are $47 for children, $37 for adults, and children under two years of age are free. For those voyagers over the age of 21, two drinks are included. All other sailors have access to unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. 1097Watersports.com/JollyPirate
Take a Trip to Margaritaville
Margaritaville might not be the first place you think of when brainstorming locations where the whole family can enjoy themselves, but Lake Conroe’s recreational resort has just as much fun to offer kids as it does adults.
When you enter the lobby, don’t forget to look up. A chandelier constructed from Margarita glasses hangs from the ceiling. The bright Key West colors, enormous flip-flop sculpture, and tropical plants immediately spark the anticipation of the fun to come. Word of warning, your kids will see the water slides and giant splash bucket on your way in, so that will probably be your first stop after you check in or purchase your day pass.
With the hotel to your back, head left, and you’ll find three pool areas where the whole family can have a blast together. A splash zone boasts two water slides perfect for smaller kiddos, and a giant bucket that pours heaps of water down on those lucky enough to be standing underneath. The next pool over features two large water slides for those families looking for a thrill. Don’t worry. There are chairs and cabanas available at this pool for parents to watch over their kid’s twentieth time down the slides. Once your family is ready for a break, between these two pools, you’ll find a lazy river perfect for whiling away the day.
Insider tip: If you need a break from the afternoon sun, there is an arcade located inside that has excellent air conditioning.
Margaritaville also offers plenty of opportunities for you to get beyond its shores and out onto the lake. Kayaks, paddle boats shaped like flamingos or pelicans, and boats are available for rental. You can also take a sunset cruise on their party barge.
Margaritaville Lake Resort is located at 600 Margaritaville Parkway, Montgomery, Texas 77356. Day Passes can be purchased for $59 a person (children under five are complimentary). The day pass includes access to water parks, pools, a private beach, an arcade, mini golf, and sporting courts. For more information on the resort, visit: MargaritavilleResorts.com
Hit the Water with Lake Conroe Boat Rentals
Having a blast on the water takes the lead in Lake Conroe's list of activities, and there's something for everyone, even if you don't have your own boat! Numerous boat rental services in the area cater to weekenders and vacationers alike.
Check out these options:
- Freedom Boat Club Lake Conroe and Nautical Boat Club: These membership-based boating clubs grant you reservation privileges to a diverse range of boats, minus the hassles of ownership.
- Nauti-Dayz and Jet-Ski Lake Conroe: Rent various types of boats and jet skis on a daily basis.
- North Lake Conroe Paddling Co.: Offers kayak rentals and guided tours, including wildlife-spotting trips along the serene northern shores of Lake Conroe.