Aquariums in Texas are a popular attraction for visitors and residents alike. These facilities showcase a wide variety of marine life, including fish, sharks, stingrays, and other aquatic animals.
Many aquariums in Texas offer interactive experiences, such as touch tanks and behind-the-scenes tours, as well as educational programs for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, visiting an aquarium in Texas is a great way to learn about and appreciate the wonders of the underwater world.
Top 10 Best Aquarium In Texas (2023)
Visit one of the best aquariums in Texas and explore the underwater world. See a diverse range of marine life including fish, sharks, penguins, and birds on display.
These aquariums also offer interactive exhibits and educational programs for an enjoyable and educational experience for all. Your visit to these top aquariums in Texas will be unforgettable.
1. Downtown Aquarium, Houston
The Downtown Aquarium in Houston covers six acres and features a variety of aquatic life, as well as on-site amusement parks rides such as a Ferris wheel, carousel, and 65-foot drop ride.
The aquarium also boasts a 500,000-gallon tank, home to the largest cylindrical tank in the United States.
Visitors can view white tigers, alligators, stingrays, and more before dining at the aquarium’s seafood restaurant, where a large tank is located in the dining area.
2. Dallas World Aquarium
The Dallas World Aquarium offers a variety of exhibits, including a rainforest exhibit, an aquatic exhibit, and a South African exhibit.
Along with a diverse array of fish and undersea creatures, the aquarium also features other animals such as sloths, monkeys, and penguins.
A highlight of the aquarium is the 200,000-gallon tunnel that immerses guests in the underwater world.
The aquarium also features on-site dining options, interactive touch screens, live shows, and a gift shop, making it a perfect destination for visitors of all ages.
3. Children’s Aquarium At Fair Park, Dallas
The Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park in Dallas is a must-see attraction for families. Designed with kids in mind, it offers interactive exhibits, kid-friendly displays, and simple explanations.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy viewing the diverse marine life such as eels, octopuses, stingrays, and various fish.
Not only is the aquarium a fun and educational experience, but it is also conveniently located within Fair Park, where there are always additional festivals and events happening.
4. Austin Aquarium, Austin
The Austin Aquarium, located in Texas’ state capital city, boasts 35 exhibits showcasing a diverse collection of aquatic life.
With over 8,000 animals, including birds and sharks, the aquarium offers an interactive and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Located near other popular family-friendly attractions in Austin, it’s a great destination for both kids and adults to explore and learn about aquatic life.
5. Sea Center Texas, Lake Jackson
Sea Center Texas is a unique aquarium that offers free admission, unlike other aquariums on this list. In addition to being a great budget-friendly option, it is also home to the world’s largest redfish hatchery.
Operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the tours here are both informative and educational.
Visitors can explore indoor exhibits, outdoor ponds, and a wetland exhibit, all located in Lake Jackson, Texas.
6. Texas State Aquarium, Corpus Christi
The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, officially recognized as the “Official Aquarium of Texas,” leads the list.
This highly-rated attraction features a range of marine life from sea creatures to swamp inhabitants on multiple levels.
Touch pools, educational programs, and a splash park make it ideal for young visitors. Adults can also enjoy the on-site restaurant, gift shop, and exotic fish species. To save money, consider visiting during the weekdays for discounted ticket prices.
7. Texas State Aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium is a popular destination for learning about aquatic life, featuring presentations on dolphins, turtles, and sharks.
It is a nonprofit with a focus on protecting Gulf of Mexico wildlife and is home to over 500 species. While the dolphin show is a highlight, the education provided is not as comprehensive as one might hope.
However, the high ticket prices and smaller size of the aquarium can be offset by also visiting nearby attractions such as the Corpus Christi Harbour Bridge, Museum Bear, and the USS Lexington Museum for a well-rounded trip.
8. Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens in Galveston is known for its hotel and the Aquarium Pyramid, which holds 1.5 million gallons of water and features a variety of aquatic animals such as seals, penguins, jellyfish, sharks, and exotic fish.
You can book private animal encounters with the adorable penguins for unique photo opportunities and unforgettable memories. These encounters also make the aquarium an ideal destination for educational school trips.
9. Sea Center Texas
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Sea Center, known for its beautiful aquatic life of the Gulf of Mexico, Coastal Bay, and Salt Marsh, offers free visits.
Educational trips, guided tours, and fishing opportunities for young children are available for students. The center also offers programs and activities for teenagers and toddlers to learn about the sea and its creatures.
The aquarium, although smaller than other options in the area, is a pleasant place to visit for free. It is more geared towards children with its educational programs, but it is still worth visiting even if you are alone.
10. SeaQuest Fort Worth
SeaQuest Fort Worth offers both virtual and in-person experiences. Discover aquatic life through online programs, and explore the kid-friendly aquarium with a variety of animals including stingrays, toucans, caimans, snakes, sharks, and more. Experience close encounters and the chance to feed and interact with the animals.
To plan a birthday party for your child at an aquarium, consider SeaQuest. It allows for up to 40 guests and offers private animal encounters and gifts.
Conclusion
All the above-mentioned aquariums are known for their impressive collection of marine life, interactive exhibits, and educational programs.
They are popular tourist destinations and great places to visit with family and friends. Whether you are interested in marine biology, or conservation, or just enjoy seeing colorful fish, these aquariums have something for everyone.