I really value my time with my kids and wanted to make the most of my weekends with the kids.  Keeping kids entertained and happy takes some planning to make it feel like it all happened organically.  Here're some of our lessons learned from last summer as we prepare to go back to Port A.


We stayed at the 

Hampton Inn & Suites Port Aransas

As you can see from the kids, the beds were soft.  They immediately plopped face down on the beds.  Clean and reasonable with a great breakfast.  Very happy with them.  Oh and the loveseat you see on the right of the first picture folds out to an extra bed.

Let me say that renting one of these Beach Buggies is one of the best decisions we ever made.  Why?

• You can take everything back and forth to the beach and not get sand all over your vehicle.
• If you need to go #2 you don't have to use a port-a-potty.  That in itself makes it worth it.
• So easy to drive that everyone in your group doesn't have to stay or leave if they get tired and need that awesome, gotta get break from the heat, nap.
• When you go to get ice cream and/or food you don't have to worry about it getting all over the car.  etc. etc.
• Scores major cool points with the kids.

We parked the truck at the hotel and didn't use it until we left Port A.  Need I say more?  

*Helpful hint:  If you stay at the Hampton Inn you'll need to ask the Beach Buggy rental place how to avoid the highway (there's a back way).  You can only drive buggies on the other side of the main intersection in town.  If this is confusing just ask me.

Next, we'll talk about getting ready for going to the beach.  After all, that's why we made the trip.