Texas is home to some of the largest aquariums in the United States. These aquatic centers celebrate a wide variety of marine life, including fish, sharks, and even penguins and birds. These aquariums house hands-on exhibits and educational programs in addition to tanks containing marine life, making learning enjoyable and accessible to all. One of these top aquariums in Texas will live long in your memory, as a trip to one of them is an experience like no other.
To learn more about the largest aquariums in Texas, continue reading this article.
Texas State Aquarium
This popular Corpus Christi attraction, known as the “Official Aquarium of Texas,” is a multi-level center that houses a wide variety of marine life, from sea creatures to swampland inhabitants. It is the largest aquarium in Texas and one of the largest aquaria in the United States. Its exhibits also include a wide variety of marine habitats and experiences, ranging from touch pools and tide pools to open-ocean exhibits that feature hammerhead sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and other species. This aquarium is ideal for young visitors thanks to its touch pools, educational programs, and splash park. The Texas State Aquarium also has a restaurant, a gift shop, and a variety of exotic fish species, so adults will also enjoy going there. Visit this Texas aquarium on a weekday to take advantage of lower admission prices.
Dallas World Aquarium
At Dallas World Aquarium, five distinctive exhibits are awaiting you, including a South African exhibit and a rainforest exhibit. There are many fish and underwater creatures to see in this aquarium, but there are also many other animals to see, including three-toed sloths, monkeys, and penguins. This Texas aquarium is known for its enormous tunnel, which is enclosed in 200,000 gallons of water and immerses visitors in the fantastic underwater world. Visitors of all ages will find plenty to interest them at the Dallas World Aquarium, which offers three on-site dining options, interactive touch screens, live shows, and a gift shop. With its wide variety of exhibits, interactive elements, and dining options, the Dallas World Aquarium is a great destination for family trips and school outings.
Downtown Aquarium, Houston
Six acres of aquatic life can be found inside this aquarium in the heart of Houston, along with a ferris wheel, a carousel, and a 65-foot drop ride. The largest cylindrical tank in the United States is housed in the 500,000-gallon Downtown Aquarium. The Dallas World Aquarium also features a variety of exhibits for visitors, ranging from the mysteries of the Amazon rainforest to the coral reefs of Belize. The Downtown Aquarium’s exhibits are also full of vibrant and diverse sea creatures, from sharks and stingrays to octopus and eels. Not only does the Downtown Aquarium house a multitude of aquatic life, but it also features several exciting rides and attractions. Visitors of all ages can experience the interactive Stingray Reef Touch Pool, Pirate’s Plunge log flume ride, Aquatic Carousel and Shark Voyage submarine.
Grapevine Sea Life Aquarium
Located inside Grapevine Mills, you can see all forms of sea life, from starfish to seahorses and sharks to jellyfish, inside Sea Life Grapevine’s 45,000-square-foot aquarium. It offers a unique and captivating experience that is sure to please visitors of all ages. You will be mesmerized by the incredible sights beneath the waves because there are over 5,000 creatures there, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. In addition to these amazing creatures, the aquarium offers live performances and educational programs about marine life. While learning about the fascinating marine life, some of these animals will allow you to get up close and personal with them in interactive touch tanks.
Moody Gardens Aquarium
An aquarium with multiple stories and 1.5 million gallons of water can be found in this enormous entertainment complex in Galveston, Texas. Aside from an aquarium, Moody Gardens also has a hotel, a rainforest exhibit, an IMAX theater, a ropes course, and a water park. In one of the recognizable pyramids at Moody Gardens, the aquarium is located. At this aquarium, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, the South Atlantic, the North Pacific, and the South Pacific Oceans are just a few of the five environments represented by the exhibits. With more than 10,000 aquatic creatures from more than 200 species, the Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid is a fun and educational experience you wouldn’t want to miss.
Sea Center Texas
The Sea Center Texas is open to all visitors, young and old, for free. A great choice for those on a tight budget, Sea Center Texas is more than just an aquarium; it is also the location of the biggest redfish hatchery in the entire world. The tours that are provided here are educational and informative and are run by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. This aquarium in Lake Jackson, Texas, has a lot to see, including indoor exhibits, outdoor ponds, and a wetland exhibit. The indoor exhibits feature a wide variety of marine life, ranging from reptiles and amphibians to corals and anemones.
Austin Aquarium
The Austin Aquarium, which opened on December 12, 2013, is a fantastic aquarium located in the state capital of Texas. This aquarium in Texas has 35 unique exhibits with a wide variety of aquatic life. The Austin Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 creatures, from birds to sharks. Here, you can get more hands-on experience learning about animals and aquatic life through the interactive exhibits. This Texas aquarium, which is close to many other family-friendly Austin attractions, will be fun for both kids and adults. In addition to the regular tours, Austin Aquarium also offers special tours of its facility.
