Family Friendly Attractions & Events

Nestled amidst breathtaking natural surroundings, Moody Gardens offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for guests of all ages for work or play. From tropical rainforests to the oceans of the world, a wide range of attractions, educational activities, kid's events, dining options, and exciting entertainment await. This island resort uniquely accommodates large conferences, weddings and social events as well as being the romantic escape and family destination where special memories are created.

Moody Gardens 3D, 4D, and Audience Recognition Theaters
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MG 3D Theater

Rows of red theater seats fill the frame, with the dim lighting creating a sense of anticipation in the darkened auditorium.

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4D Special FX Theater

The image depicts a large blue and red banner advertising the "Octopus: Blue Planet" exhibit, with a giant octopus illustration in the center. In the foreground, there are several stanchions and barriers, suggesting this is a public exhibition or event space.

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Audience Recognition Theater

A group of people, mostly children, wearing 3D glasses and sitting in a dark theater, with a large screen in the background.

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MG 3D Theater

Enjoy any of the films below on the world's first giant-screen 4K 6-Primary Laser Projection System in the MG 3D Theater. Already featuring the largest screen in Texas and top-of-the-line surround sound system, this state-of-the-art 3D viewing experience gives guests the best viewing experience in the world.

Hours, Showtimes & Pricing
*Films and showtimes subject to change.

Light Before Christmas 3D

This holiday season, dive into a heartwarming 3D adventure filled with magic, wonder, and timeless holiday cheer! Join two siblings on a snowy Christmas Eve as they discover the true meaning of kindness, family, and giving. A holiday must-see for the whole family!

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Great White Shark 3D, Now Showing at the MG3D Theater

Rocky Mountain Express 2D

Climb aboard a restored steam locomotive for an unforgettable giant-screen journey through the Canadian Rockies. Rocky Mountain Express combines sweeping aerial vistas, thrilling onboard views, and rare archival images to tell the story of the Canadian Pacific Railway, one of the most ambitious engineering projects in history. As the train winds past towering peaks, deep river gorges, and dramatic mountain passes, the film highlights the ingenuity, danger, and determination it took to build the nation’s first transcontinental rail line, bringing Canada together from coast to coast.

Great White Shark 3D, Now Showing at the MG3D Theater

Jerusalem 3D

Experience the wonder of Jerusalem in breathtaking 3D on the giant screen. Explore this sacred city through the stories of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim families, guided by archaeologist Dr. Jodi Magness as she uncovers its ancient mysteries. With stunning aerial views and unprecedented access to its holiest sites, this film reveals why Jerusalem continues to inspire billions worldwide.

Discover the Heart of the World with Jerusalem 3D presented by National Geographic Entertainment.

Butterfly Journey 3D

Beautiful, delicate yet unbelievably resilient, the butterfly is one of nature’s most enigmatic creatures. A story of adaptation and survival, we follow the vast migrations of the Blue Tigers of Australia and the Monarchs of North America and Mexico.

BBC Earth presents Wild Africa in 3D at the Moody Gardens 3D Theater

Ocean Paradise 3D

Ocean Paradise transports viewers to the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean, showcasing untouched marine national monuments like Palmyra Atoll, Midway Atoll, and Rose Atoll. Through breathtaking footage, the film highlights their critical role in combating environmental threats like climate change, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, overfishing, and plastic pollution. It also delves into the storied histories of these atolls, from their significance in WWII to their ongoing environmental recovery and scientific research.

Tiny Giants 3D Now Showing at the MG3D Theater

Secret Ocean 3D

Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of ocean pioneer Jacques Cousteau, takes viewers on a breathtaking journey into the hidden world of the ocean’s smallest yet most powerful life forms. Alongside marine biologist Holly Lohuis, he reveals the beauty and diversity of the sea, inspiring a deeper appreciation and urgency to protect our planet’s vital waters in Jean-Michel Cousteau's Secret Ocean 3D. Coming March 8 to the 3D Theater.

An underwater scene filled with colorful coral, eels, squid, clown fish and a group of other assorted sealife in the background and text with The Ocean As Never Seen Before, Jean-Michel Cousteau's Secret Ocean 3D.

4D Special FX Theater

Hours, Showtimes & Pricing

The Moody Gardens 4D Theater is a cinematic experience with special effects for a family audience. All Ages. Any Height. This experience is not recommended for those with medical sensitivity to loud noises and strobe lights. Films and showtimes subject to change

Rudolph 4D

This 4D retelling of the beloved story invites audiences to join Rudolph and his friends as they embark on their journey to save Christmas. The experience blends the charm of the original characters with lively 4D effects, including motion, bursts of air, and atmospheric enhancements that place viewers right in the middle of the adventure. With its cheerful music and uplifting message, Rudolph 4D offers a nostalgic and spirited holiday experience ideal for families.

Show Duration:

(This show lasts approx. 11 minutes)

Octopus Blue Planet II a 4D Experience presented by BBC Earth

Scrooge 4D: A Christmas Carol

This dynamic 4D adaptation of the classic holiday tale follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Enhanced with immersive effects such as seat movement, environmental sensations, and vivid visuals, the experience brings the transformation of Scrooge to life in an engaging and family-friendly format. The shortened 4D presentation captures the heart of the story while delivering an energetic seasonal attraction for all ages.

Show Duration:

(This show lasts approx. 15 minutes)

Shark: A 4D Experience presented by BBC Earth

Audience Recognition Theater

Hours, Showtimes & Pricing

Step into the groundbreaking Audience Recognition Theater, where cutting-edge technology creates a one-of-a-kind, personalized experience. This innovative venue uses motion detection and audience interaction to tailor the show in real-time—making every performance unique.

Located on the bottom level of the Discovery Pyramid

20,000 Leagues An Interactive Adventure Appearing on the first floor of the Discovery Pyramid

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: An Interactive Adventure

Captain Nemo and his famous Nautilus submarine are embarking on their next voyage, and for this dive, YOU will be a part of the crew! You will help operate the ship,choose which direction it travels, activate the on-board camera, and interact with the fascinating sea creatures you'll encounter: a sting ray, an anglerfish, a leatherback sea turtle, a killer whale, even a colossal squid. Leading the dive is Deep, a robotically enhanced pufferfish that can – and will– have one-on-one conversations with you! Along with his helper robots, Echo and Torque, Deep will escort The Nautilus to a spectacular coral reef, ice caves in the Antarctic, an ancient lost city, undersea volcanoes, and more! Anchors away and full steam ahead! 

Show Duration:

(This show lasts approx. 25 minutes)

Experience is not recommended for guests with:
A heart condition; Medical sensitivity to strobe lights; laser-like lighting effects, or fog effects; Back, neck, or similar physical conditions; Sensitivity to loud sounds

Advisories:
A warning to parents, the experience may be frightening for small children. Please supervise children at all times.

Accessibility:
May Remain in Wheelchair
Closed Captioning


NOTE: This experience could aggravate certain medical conditions. It involves special effects all coordinated with an action-packed film experience.

BBC logo © and TM BBC 1996. BBC Earth logo © and TM BBC 2008. Licensed by BBCS.