Best Texas Aquariums

An aquarium is a portal to a magical underwater world that fills a child’s heart with wonder and brain with curiosity. The vibrant hues of fish darting through the water, the mesmerizing sway of seaweed, and the gentle bubbling sounds create a living masterpiece that feels almost otherworldly. 

To a child, it’s like stepping into a storybook where mysterious creatures like seahorses, jellyfish, and shimmering angelfish come to life. Each glass pane holds secrets of the deep, sparking endless questions and dreams of faraway oceans. In the glow of the water, the aquarium becomes a place where imagination swims freely, making every visit unforgettable.

If you’re looking for an aquatic voyeur adventure in the Lone Star State, check out our list of the best aquariums in Texas. Featuring a massive selection of aquatic life from around the world, Texas aquariums offer visitors an unforgettable experience that is both educational and entertaining. From huge sharks to noble dolphins, these aquariums provide a unique opportunity to observe creatures rarely seen outside their natural habitats.

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Austin Aquarium

Austin, Texas

The Austin Aquarium is home to 35 exhibits and over 8,000 living animals. There is representation from habitats spanning from the Oregon shores to remote Indonesian islands. There are also a wide variety of special activities and events. You’ll see everything from alligators to zebra fish and the kids will love feeding the birds, stingrays, and sharks.

Austin Aquarium Programs and Events:

Animal Encounters: Meeting our lemurs or feeding our amazing stingrays, sharks, iguanas, tortoises, lorikeets and more. Each encounter requires a specific number of tokens, with prices varying by animal. 

Animal Outreach: The aquarium offers outreach programs where animals visit your location, providing an educational and entertaining experience. Starting at $300 per hour, with additional charges for travel beyond 8 miles or 15 minutes from the aquarium. 

Morning Rounds: Learn how to prepare the aquarium and its animals for the day. $44.95 to $54.95

Mermaids: Enjoy performances by mermaids on weekends, holidays, and during spring and summer breaks. Three shows are scheduled at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Free with aquarium general admission ticket or book a private mermaid party for an additional fee, $95 per hour. 

Princess Makeovers: Bring your little princess to the aquarium for hair and makeup sessions and enhance their visit with a magical experience. The Austin Aquarium’s Princess Makeover Ultimate Package costs $350. This package includes: A princess dress, Hair and makeup, Nail polish, A private room for the makeover, and A tour of the aquarium. The makeover is available every day from 11 a.m. to 5p.m.  

Sleep with Sharks: Experience a unique overnight adventure by spending the night at the aquarium, surrounded by sharks and other marine life. $350 for a group of 10 people, plus $35 for each additional person. A $100 deposit is required, and the remaining balance is due on the night of the event. 

The Austin Aquarium in Austin, Texas, is a captivating destination that offers an immersive experience into the wonders of marine life and beyond. With 35 engaging exhibits and over 8,000 living animals, it presents a fascinating journey through diverse ecosystems, from the rugged shores of Oregon to the vibrant reefs of remote Indonesian islands. 

Visitors are treated to a wide variety of animals, including majestic stingrays, colorful zebra fish, playful otters, exotic birds, and even alligators, ensuring there’s something for everyone to marvel at.One of the most exciting features of the Austin Aquarium is its interactive opportunities. 

Children and adults alike can feed and interact with stingrays, sharks, and even tropical birds in a hands-on experience that brings the natural world up close and personal. Special events and activities, such as birthday parties, educational programs, and behind-the-scenes tours, further enhance the visit, making it not only entertaining but also highly educational.

The Austin Aquarium’s mission goes beyond entertainment — it fosters a sense of wonder and appreciation for aquatic and terrestrial creatures while inspiring conservation efforts. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Austin Aquarium promises a memorable adventure for the whole family. 13530 US-183 #101, Austin.

Admission and Passes:

• Adult (Ages 12+) Ticket: $24.95
• Child Ticket Ages 3-11: $19.9 5
• Senior (55+) / Military Ticket: $22.95
• College Student Ticket: $22.95
• Children 2 and under: Free
• Tokens: $3.00 Per Token
• Annual Pass: $49.95
  • Free Daily Admission to Austin Aquariums
  • 2 Free Admit-One Day Tickets With Each Membership
  • 50% Off Admission For Member Guests
  • 10% Off All Gift Shop Purchases
  • Discount Specials on Events & More
  • Membership: 1st person 5.95 a  month — Additional members 2.95 a month

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Texas State Aquarium

Corpus Christi, Texas

Sitting on the edge of Corpus Christi Bay, the “Official Aquarium of Texas” is fantastic. There are three levels with educational exhibits teaming with a wide variety of fish. Catch one of the daily shows that are fun and entertaining, touch pools, gift shop, restaurant, and more. The 400,000 gallon saltwater exhibit that is home to the Atlantic Bluenose Dolphin show was one of our favorites.

The Texas State Aquarium offers a diverse array of exhibits that showcase the rich marine and terrestrial life of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.

• Aquatic Nursery: Observe the early life stages and growth of baby seahorses and jellies.
• Blue Hole: Explore the deep underwater caverns of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, revealing unique marine habitats.
• Caribbean Sea: Dive into a Caribbean shipwreck environment to observe the ocean’s most infamous predators.
• Coral Reef: Experience the vibrant colors of fish and coral native to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
• Dolphin Bay: Get up close with dolphins Shadow, Liko, Schooner, and Merlin from both above and below the water.
• Flower Gardens: Enjoy a replica of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary located off the coast of Mexico.
• Islands of Steel: Witness the marine habitat formed around a decommissioned oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Jungle: Discover the wildlife and geography of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve’s lowland rainforest.
• Living Shores: Interact with smaller animals through touch pools, kiosks, and aquariums.
• Nearshore: Meet shorebirds, stingrays, and various fish species in the Nearshore Experience.
• Ocelots: Meet Milla, an ocelot welcomed from the ABQ BioPark in New Mexico as part of the Ocelot Species Survival Plan.
• Otter Creek: Watch river otters splash and play while learning about their natural environment.
• Saving Sharks: Learn about sharks through touch experiences and tracking real sharks.
• Stingray Lagoon: Touch and feed stingrays in this interactive exhibit.
• Swamp Tales: Get an up-close look at young alligators and turtles while learning about wetland species.
• Tentacles: Engage with jellyfish in a touch area and explore the life cycles of cephalopods and jellies.
• Tortuga Cay: Explore the habitat of non-releasable sea turtles that have found sanctuary at the aquarium.

Sitting on the edge of Corpus Christi Bay, the “Official Aquarium of Texas” is fantastic. There are three levels with educational exhibits teaming with a wide variety of fish. Catch one of the daily shows that are fun and entertaining, touch pools, gift shop, restaurant, and more. The 400,000 gallon saltwater exhibit that is home to the Atlantic Bluenose Dolphin show was one of our favorites.

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Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park

Dallas, Texas

Part of what makes the Children’s Aquarium one of the best aquariums in Texas is that it’s designed with young kids in mind. This means there are exhibits at eye level, interactive kiosks, and touch pools.

In 7 different exhibits the kids will get to see a wide variety of aquatic animals. This includes both marine and freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. The kids can actually pet some very friendly sting rays as well touch horseshoe crabs, sea stars, sea urchins, anemones, slipper lobsters.

Animal Ambassadors:

At the Children’s Aquarium Dallas, our animal ambassadors make learning exciting and hands-on! These specially trained animals, along with our knowledgeable staff, offer interactive experiences where children and families can get a closer look at various species. From reptiles to sea creatures, each ambassador helps teach valuable lessons about wildlife and conservation in a fun, engaging way. Be sure to look out for chances to meet our animal ambassadors during your visit!

Freshwater Animals:

Lakes, rivers, and ponds around us are home to fascinating creatures. Our Freshwater Animals exhibit showcases species found in these bodies of water. Here, you can discover Australian rainbow fish, blind cavefish, axolotls, and spot Caiman lizards among other unique species.

Saltwater Animals:

Some of the most intriguing creatures live in the ocean’s deepest regions. Explore our Saltwater Animals exhibit to meet these wonders. Visit the Indo-Pacific Reef, discover fish with teeth, and observe zebra sharks as they relax in their habitat.

The Shark Habitat:

Prepare for an exciting experience in our Shark Habitat! Watch as sharks glide effortlessly through the water, demonstrating their sleek moves. Their swift turns and powerful fins will surely impress both kids and families with their underwater agility.

Stingray Bay:

Head to our outdoor pavilion to visit Stingray Bay, where you can feed and interact with cownose rays in a touch pool. Nearby, observe black-tip reef sharks and other fish friends in their expansive outdoor habitat.

Touch Tank:

Bring the family to the Touch Tank for a fun, hands-on experience with creatures like horseshoe crabs, sea urchins, and starfish. Both kids and adults will enjoy feeling their unique textures and learning about these fascinating sea creatures. 1462 1st Ave, Dallas. 

Admission: $0.00 – $15.10

• General Passes: Adult – 13 and older: $13.95
• Child 3 to 12: $9.95
• Child 2 and under: Free
• Annual Passes:
  • Single Passholder – 3 and older: $32 + tax
  • Children 2 and under are admitted free and do not require annual passes.
• Membership: Receive unlimited visits for a year.
  • 1 Person Annual Membership: $32.00
  • 2 Person Membership:    $30.00
  • 3 Person Annual Membership: $26.67
  • 4 Person Annual Membership: $25.00
• Open 9:00 am –to 5:00 pm. Our last ticketing is 4:30 pm. Open 7 days a week.

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Sea Center Texas

Lake Jackson

The Sea Center opened in 1996, and includes a visitor center with aquaria and exhibits of Texas marine life. See the largest redfish hatchery in the world, 36 one-acre fish culture ponds, an outdoor wetland exhibit and a youth fishing pond. The Center offers tours, such as a wetlands tour, Visitor Center tour, fish hatchery tour, story time, fishing, special events, and educational programs.

Experiences

An exclusive behind-the-scenes experience! During this one-hour tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about, interact with, and even feed some of our remarkable animal ambassadors.Each tour accommodates up to six guests and is open to participants aged 6 and older. Children aged 6 to 12 must be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian. Before the tour begins, all participants must sign a waiver, with minors requiring a parent or guardian’s signature as well.

The cost for this unique experience is $49.95 per person, plus aquarium admission. Members enjoy a 10% discount on Exclusive Encounters and receive free admission to the aquarium. To redeem your discount, log in with your Membership ID before purchasing tickets.

Snorkel with a Shark

Experience the thrill of getting up close to our six resident sandbar sharks in our Caribbean Sea exhibit while learning about their biology and how we can protect them in the wild. Enjoy a snorkel-like adventure alongside multiple species of fish, including stingrays, barracudas, eels, and of course, our sandbar sharks! This experience gives guests a unique VIP aquatic adventure that they will never forget! 

Maximum of 4 guests per tour; ages 8 years and up. Children 8 – 12 years may participate only when accompanied by a parent or guardian that is also participating in the experience. A signed waiver is required from all participants before the tour begins. All participants under the age of 18 years will need waivers to include a Parent or Guardian’s signature. 

This tour is $109.95 per person, plus admission. Members receive 10% off Exclusive Encounters and enjoy free aquarium admission! To apply your discount, log in with your Membership ID before purchasing your encounter tickets. 

The Sea Center opened in 1996, and includes a visitor center with aquaria and exhibits of Texas marine life. See the largest redfish hatchery in the world, 36 one-acre fish culture ponds, an outdoor wetland exhibit and a youth fishing pond. The Center offers tours, such as a wetlands tour, Visitor Center tour, fish hatchery tour, story time, fishing, special events, and educational programs.

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Dallas World Aquarium

Dallas, Texas

The Dallas World Aquarium is much more than a typical aquarium. It’s an interesting and very well done mixture of coral reefs and kelp forests from around the Pacific, for starters. There is also a diverse ecosystem in the seven story South American rainforest, penguins and Shoebill storks in the South Africa exhibit. In addition, you can see unusual reptiles and amphibians from Madagascar, and lots more.

Check out live feedings, interactive touch screens to enhance your education and understanding of what you’re looking at, live shows, a gift shop, and three restaurants.

Aquarium

• Diverse Marine Life: The exhibit is home to numerous species, including colorful tropical fish, coral reef inhabitants, sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Visitors can observe these creatures in carefully recreated environments that mimic their natural habitats.
• Large Tanks: The aquarium features several large tanks, including a massive 500,000-gallon exhibit where guests can view larger species such as sharks and rays swimming in an open water environment.
• Exotic Species: The exhibit includes a variety of fish from regions like the Indo-Pacific, the Amazon River, and the Caribbean, providing a diverse display of marine biodiversity.
• Interactive Learning: The aquarium offers educational displays and information about the importance of ocean ecosystems, the species living within them, and conservation efforts aimed at protecting these fragile environments.
• Shark and Ray Habitats: One of the main attractions is the shark and ray exhibits, where visitors can see these fascinating creatures up close and even participate in feeding experiences.

Borneo

• Wildlife: The exhibit highlights a variety of species native to South Africa, including penguins, African birds, crocodiles, and various fish species. One of the most notable features is the African penguin colony, which allows visitors to observe these charismatic birds up close in a specially designed environment that mimics their coastal habitat.
• Aquatic Life: The exhibit also showcases aquatic species native to South Africa, including fish from its rivers and coastal areas. Visitors can learn about the region’s rich marine ecosystems, including the species found in the famous Cape of Good Hope.
• Educational Displays: Informational panels and displays provide insights into the biodiversity of South Africa, emphasizing conservation efforts, the region’s unique ecosystems, and the animals that call it home.
• Habitat Replication: The exhibit is designed to replicate the environments of South Africa’s coasts, rivers, and wetlands, offering a realistic and immersive experience. This includes landscapes with rocky shores, sandy beaches, and freshwater tanks that mimic the country’s natural habitats.
• Conservation Focus: The South Africa exhibit underscores the importance of protecting these unique ecosystems, with a focus on species that are endangered or threatened due to habitat loss and climate change.

Cloud Forest Trek

• Biodiversity: The exhibit showcases the rich variety of life found in cloud forests, including exotic birds (such as toucans and parrots), primates, reptiles, and a variety of insects and amphibians.
• Flora and Fauna: The exhibit features lush, dense plant life typical of cloud forests, including ferns, orchids, and mosses. This environment is designed to simulate the cool, misty atmosphere found in the high-altitude forests of Central and South America.
• Animals: Visitors can observe species such as sloths, monkeys, jaguars, toucan, macaques, and various reptiles, all of which are adapted to living in the dense, mist-covered forests.
• Immersive Experience: The exhibit is designed to allow visitors to feel like they’re walking through a tropical cloud forest, complete with high trees, hanging vines, and cascading waterfalls. The careful replication of the cloud forest environment provides a sensory-rich experience.
• Educational Focus: The Cloud Forest Trek also emphasizes the importance of cloud forests in global ecosystems and the conservation efforts needed to protect these endangered habitats. Information on how these ecosystems support biodiversity and how climate change affects cloud forests is often included in the exhibit.

Mundo Maya

• Rainforest Environment: The exhibit simulates the lush tropical rainforest, featuring a variety of plants and animals native to the Maya region.
• Wildlife: Visitors can encounter a range of species such as exotic birds, primates, reptiles, and amphibians that inhabit the forests of the Yucatán Peninsula and Central America.
• Interactive Displays: The exhibit often includes educational materials that explain the history and culture of the Maya civilization, including their connection to the natural environment.

Orinoco

• Rainforest Environment: The exhibit simulates the lush tropical rainforest, 
• Wildlife: Visitors can encounter a range of species such as exotic birds, primates, reptiles, and amphibians that inhabit the forests of the Yucatán Peninsula and Central America.
• Interactive Displays: The exhibit often includes educational materials that explain the history and culture of the Maya civilization, including their connection to the natural environment.

Photo Ark by Joel Sartore

Stunning Animal Portraits: The exhibit features a collection of breathtaking portraits of animals from around the world, including some of the rarest and most endangered species. These images highlight the beauty, uniqueness, and fragility of the animals, showcasing them in striking, high-quality photographs.

Focus on Conservation: Each photograph is paired with information about the species, the threats they face, and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting them. The exhibit serves as a reminder of the urgent need to preserve biodiversity and support wildlife conservation initiatives.

Educational Impact: The Photo Ark is more than just a photography exhibit—it’s a call to action for conservation. Visitors can learn about the efforts being made to protect endangered species and the critical role that zoos, aquariums, and wildlife reserves play in conservation efforts.

Global Reach: The exhibit features animals from a wide range of ecosystems, including marine life, birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians, many of which are part of the Dallas World Aquarium’s own collection.

The Dallas World Aquarium is much more than a typical aquarium. It’s an interesting and very well done mixture of coral reefs and kelp forests from around the Pacific, for starters. There is also a diverse ecosystem in the seven story South American rainforest, penguins and Shoebill storks in the South Africa exhibit. In addition, you can see unusual reptiles and amphibians from Madagascar, and lots more.

Check out live feedings, interactive touch screens to enhance your education and understanding of what you’re looking at, live shows, a gift shop, and three restaurants. 1801 N Griffin St, Dallas.

• Admission
  • Adult: $31.95 + tax
  • Child: $21.95 + tax (3 thru 12)
  • Child: Free (2 and under)
  • Senior: $26.95 + tax (65+)
  • Military Admission – active duty and retired military personnel, plus one guest, can each purchase admission for $26.95 + tax (photo ID required)
    • Groups of 20 or more paying guests, please e-mail groups@dwazoo.com for additional information and restrictions.
• Operating Hours
  • Monday – Sunday: 8:30am to 5:00pm, Last Entry: 4:00pm
  • Tickets can be purchased upon arrival or online.

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Moody Gardens Aquarium

Galveston, Texas

Moody Gardens is home to a 10 story Aquarium Pyramid that showcases the beauty of the ocean in four exhibits. Explore the North and South Pacific, South Atlantic, and Caribbean with 1.5 million gallons of water and more than 10,000 marine animals. You’ll also get to enjoy tide pools, Penguin Encounters, touch tanks, and unique viewing opportunities. 

There are also underwater classrooms and learning experiences for guests of all ages. There is also a Rainforest Pyramid that is home to a thousand species of plants and animals, a 4D movie theater, a lazy river, restaurant, paddleboat tour, and more.

Admissions:

• One-Day Value Pass:
  • Individual Attractions Tickets and One Day Value Pass
  • Adult Ages 13-64: $60.00 – $80.00
• Scout Workshops: Public Scout Workshops are for youth ages 11-17 in Scouting America, seeking to earn a merit badge. Each monthly public workshop is $35 per scout. No adults or younger siblings allowed.
• Military Discount: 20% Off Value Pass with Valid Military ID – For Active-Duty Military Personnel & Veterans, Spouse and Children Under 18
• First Responder Discount: 20% Off Value Pass with Valid ID – For First Responders, Police, Fire, EMS.
• Mommy Wednesday: $35 Value Pass every Wednesday for moms or dads and their child aged 4-5. $35 for child and $35 for one parent.
• Good Grades: A parent or guardian of the student should present a report card within 30 days with nothing less than a B and receive free admission into one educational attraction.Only Students K through 12 are eligible for the Good Grades Program. Groups are not applicable for this discount.

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Houston Downtown Aquarium

Houston, Texas

Don’t miss out on this six acre entertainment and dining complex billed as an “Underwater Adventure”. Houston Downtown Aquarium has it all: 500,000 gallons of tanks filled with over 200 species of aquatic life from around the globe, an amusement park, and plenty of food. It even has a full service restaurant and bar where you dine with a huge aquarium in the center of the restaurant. There are 8 different exhibits ranging from white tigers to petting stingrays.

Louisiana Swamp: Tour the marsh and bayous of the Gulf Coast in the Louisiana Swamp. Enjoy wild encounters with American alligators, alligator snapping turtles, spotted gar, crayfish, catfish, and bullfrogs.

Shipwreck: Step inside the sunken hull of a 17th century Spanish galleon in the Shipwreck exhibit and look out at the beautifully diverse species the ocean has to offer. View coral reefs created by Downtown Aquarium biologists. You’ll also encounter a giant octopus, wolf eel and moray eel, clownfish, tangs and grouper.

Rainforest: Explore the lush environment of the world’s tropical rainforests and the life inside their rivers. Red-bellied piranhas and venomous freshwater stingrays add danger to the waters. The rainforest also features an emerald tree boa, poison dart frogs, and beautiful birds.

Sunken Temple: Ancient legends of “El Dorado” are revealed in the Sunken Temple. Lionfish, tarantulas, scorpions and a 20-foot-long python live among the ruins of this los Mayan civilization.

Gulf of Mexico: Dive into the depths of the nearby Gulf of Mexico and witness the fascinating underwater world, where divers explore offshore rigs. Encounter a variety of sea creatures including barracudas, nurse sharks, snappers, and redfish swimming together in this vibrant habitat.

Discovery Rig: Get hands-on with marine life in the Discovery Rig exhibit, home to stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and other invertebrates. This area also features an incredible nurse shark nursery, where you can see baby bamboo sharks and shark eggs in a safe and nurturing environment.

White Tigers of the Maharaja’s Temple: The first documented sightings of the rare white tiger occurred in central India during the 1940s. Observe these stunning creatures as they relax and play in the ruins of the Maharaja’s temple, while learning about the Downtown Aquarium’s conservation efforts to protect these majestic animals in the wild.

Shark Voyage: Embark on an exciting adventure aboard the CP Huntington Train through the Shark Voyage. As you ride through the tunnel, blacktip sharks, whitetip sharks, sand tigers, zebra sharks, and sawfish swim around you, offering a thrilling close-up experience of these incredible predators.

Don’t miss out on this six acre entertainment and dining complex billed as an “Underwater Adventure”. Houston Downtown Aquarium has it all: 500,000 gallons of tanks filled with over 200 species of aquatic life from around the globe, an amusement park, and plenty of food. It even has a full service restaurant and bar where you dine with a huge aquarium in the center of the restaurant. There are 8 different exhibits ranging from white tigers to petting stingrays. 410 Bagby Street  at Memorial Drive, Houston.

Admission:

• All-Day Adventure Pass
  • Adults: $24.99
  • Children under 42″: $22.99
  • Children 2 & under: Free
• Aquarium Adventure Exhibit:
  • Adult: $15.99
  • Seniors 65+: $13.99
  • Children under 42″: $13.99
  • Children 2 & under: Free
• Rides:
  • Shark Voyage: $6.50
  • Diving Bell Ferris Wheel: $5.50
  • Aquatic Carousel: $4.50
  • Lighthouse Dive: $5.50
  • Frog Hopper: $4.50
  • Aqua Wheel: $4.50
• Stingray Reef: –  Price for single use tickets. Entry: $3.95
  • Food: $2.99
  • Value Pass: $6.25

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San Antonio Aquarium

San Antonio 

Animal Encounters: Animal Encounters: Meeting our lemurs or feeding our amazing stingrays, sharks, iguanas, tortoises, lorikeets and more. Each encounter requires a specific number of tokens, with prices varying by animal. 

Game Room: Designed to enhance the visitor experience with a variety of entertainment options. This arcade-style area offers the latest video games, providing fun for guests of all ages. Players can win credits and redeem them for a selection of prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to their visit.

I-Guana Jump Bounce House: For children 11 and under. Socks are required. Socks available for purchase for $3.00 at the aquarium. Sessions will be supervised by our staff.

Morning Rounds: Learn how to prepare the aquarium and its animals for the day. $44.95 to $54.95

Mermaids: Enjoy performances by mermaids on weekends, holidays, and during spring and summer breaks. Three shows are scheduled at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. 

The San Antonio Aquarium is a vibrant, family-friendly destination in the heart of San Antonio, Texas, offering an immersive and interactive experience with marine life and other fascinating creatures. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring a diverse collection of aquatic animals, including jellyfish, stingrays, sharks, and colorful tropical fish. 

Beyond marine life, the aquarium also features unique opportunities to interact with exotic birds, reptiles, and even furry animals in its petting zoo area, making it a well-rounded experience for animal lovers of all ages. Guests can feed stingrays, touch starfish, and get up close with sharks in designated safe environments. 

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Texas Aquarium Q&A

Texas is home to excellent aquariums in Austin, Dallas, Corpus Christi, Houston, Grapevine, Galveston, and several other cities. The best aquariums in Texas offer interactive displays, educational programs, and stunning exhibits that will leave you with a newfound appreciation of the importance of aquatic life conservation. 

Which Is the Biggest Aquarium in Texas?

The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi holds the title of the biggest aquarium in Texas. It is a sprawling facility designed to showcase marine life from the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. The aquarium features over 20 exhibits, including habitats for dolphins, sharks, jellyfish, and a variety of colorful reef species. Highlights include the H-E-B Caribbean Journey, where visitors can explore vibrant coral reefs, jungle habitats, a Mayan temple exhibit, and the Aquatic Nursery, where young animals are raised.

What Is the #1 Aquarium in the US?

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is widely regarded as the #1 aquarium in the United States. It’s the largest aquarium in the country and one of the largest in the world, housing over 11 million gallons of water and tens of thousands of animals from diverse marine and freshwater habitats.

One of its most iconic features is the Ocean Voyager exhibit, which houses giant manta rays, sea turtles, and whale sharks—it is the only aquarium in the U.S. where you can see these gentle giants.

Is the Dallas Aquarium Good?

Absolutely! Visitors to the Dallas World Aquarium praise this aquarium for its variety of animals, unique exhibit design, with a combination of an aquarium, rainforest exhibit, and zoo,. its dedication to wildlife preservation. While ticket prices can be on the higher side, the experience is usually well worth it for families and animal lovers. It is worth visiting for its diverse exhibits, family-friendly atmosphere, and an interactive and immersive experience.

What Aquariums Are in Texas?

This list covers the publicly accessible aquariums in Texas. There may be smaller aquariums in educational institutions or private facilities, but these are the main aquatic attractions for visitors in Texas. 

• Austin Aquarium Austin
• Aquarium Restaurant – Houston, Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah  
• Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park Dallas
• Dallas World Aquarium – Dallas
• Downtown Aquarium – Houston
• Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid – Galveston
• San Antonio Aquarium – San Antonio
• Sea Center Texas – Lake Jackson
• Texas State Aquarium – Corpus Christi

Explore our map of Texas aquariums to find more places to have underwater fun!