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.
Explore Moody Gardens Attractions
Aquarium Pyramid
Explore the oceans' depths in the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific and Caribbean. Dive into the oceans of the world in a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium teeming with creatures from tuxedo-clad penguins to seals, stingrays, sharks and more!
Rainforest Pyramid
Visit the rainforests of Asia, Africa and the Americas in a rare, up-close and interactive experience with endangered plants and animals ranging from Giant Amazon River Otters to Saki Monkeys, sloths and an array of birds!
Discovery Pyramid
The Discovery Pyramid features the Audience Recognition Theater on the ground floor, showing 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: An Interactive Adventure, where guests help steer the Nautilus and interact with sea creatures alongside Deep, Echo, and Torque. Upstairs, the exhibit gallery is being transformed into the new home of the Galveston Children's Museum, opening November 2026.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach at Moody Gardens is Galveston's only private white sand beach, featuring a 650-foot lazy river, a wave pool, two 18-foot tower slides, an interactive splash pad, shaded cabanas, dining options, and more! Open seasonally through summer, it's also home to Beats on the Beach, a Saturday-evening summer concert series with live music and fireworks over Offatts Bayou.
3D & 4D Theaters
Immerse yourself with giant screens, state-of-the-art surround sound and the largest screens in Texas.
Audience Recognition Theater
Now Playing:
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: an interactive submarine adventure where guests help steer the ship and meet Deep, Echo, and Torque.
Ropes Course & Zip Line
Climb the Gulf Coast's tallest ropes course, then zip 500 feet above Palm Beach. Weather permitting; tickets sold on-site only.
Animal Encounters
Go behind the scenes for guided, up-close visits with stingrays, penguins, seals, and river otters.
Special Notice: Food, drinks and pets are not allowed in our attractions. This is for your safety and the safety of our animals.
Attractions
What attractions are there at Moody Gardens?
Moody Gardens is home to a wide variety of attractions designed for all ages. Guests can explore the Aquarium Pyramid, which features a 1.5-million-gallon marine exhibit with penguins, seals, stingrays, sharks, and more. The Rainforest Pyramid offers a lush, multi-level environment simulating rainforests from Asia, Africa, and the Americas, where visitors encounter free-roaming monkeys, sloths, giant river otters, and exotic birds. The Discovery Pyramid hosts rotating, interactive exhibits such as 20,000 Leagues: An Interactive Adventure and special rotating exhibits.
For cinematic fun, the MG 3D Theater boasts Texas's largest screen with state-of-the-art projection, while the 4D Special FX Theater immerses guests with sensory effects like wind, water, and snow.
Seasonal highlights include Palm Beach, a water park with white sand, a wave pool, a lazy river, and splash zones. Adventure seekers can take on the Sky Trail Ropes Course and Zip Line.
Unique animal encounters, such as behind-the-scenes penguin experiences, are also available. Rounding out the offerings, Moody Gardens features an award-winning public golf course redesigned by Peter Jacobsen, making it a destination with something for everyone.
Does Moody Gardens offer educational programs for children?
Yes. Moody Gardens provides a variety of educational programs for kids of all ages, including Pyramid Kids Camps, Learn Wild Home School days, Preschool Expeditions, STEM Science Days, and hands-on workshops designed to make learning fun and engaging. Programs are also available for educators who want to enhance their classroom curriculum with science, conservation, and interactive experiences.
Can I bring my own food or drinks into the attractions?
Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, Palm Beach, or other paid attractions. However, visitors are welcome to bring their own meals and enjoy them in the picnic areas located around the grounds. For those who prefer on-site options, Moody Gardens offers a variety of dining venues ranging from casual bites to sit-down meals.
What are the ticketing options and pricing?
Moody Gardens offers several ticketing options to fit different preferences:
- General Admission: Perfect for first-time guests who want flexibility. General Admission provides entry to one individual attraction of your choice, such as the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, Discovery Museum, or one of our theaters. It's a great way to experience a single attraction while getting a feel for everything else Moody Gardens has to offer, helping you plan your next visit.
- Value Pass: Our most popular ticket, the Value Pass grants admission to all major attractions, including the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, Discovery Museum, theaters, ropes course and zip line (when available), plus seasonal favorites like Palm Beach and Holiday in the Gardens.
Kids 3 and under are free with purchase of a regular priced ticket. Discounted tickets are available for kids ages 4 to 12, seniors 65 and older, and military families. Moody Gardens also offers promotional deals throughout the year, including discounts for first responders and weekday specials.
Is parking free at Moody Gardens?
Yes. Self-parking is free at all Moody Gardens attractions and at the Moody Gardens Hotel, so you can spend the whole day on site without an added parking cost. If you want to park closer or skip the walk, premium covered self-parking is $30.00, temporary day parking is $15.00, and valet is $40.00.
How much time should I allot for a full visit?
Visitors can often see most of what Moody Gardens has to offer in one full day. Holiday events or seasonal attractions might extend that time.
To make the most of your experience, consider staying at the Moody Gardens Hotel, which allows you to extend your vacation and enjoy the attractions at a more relaxed pace while also taking advantage of the resort's spa, dining, and pool amenities.
Are pets allowed in Moody Gardens attractions?
For the comfort and safety of all guests and animals at Moody Gardens, pets are not permitted inside our attractions.
However, service animals trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities are always welcome in accordance with ADA guidelines. Note: service animals are not permitted in the Rainforest Pyramid due to free roaming animals.
We kindly ask that visitors not leave pets unattended in vehicles, as Texas heat can be dangerous. If you are traveling with pets, please make arrangements in advance to ensure their safety and comfort while you enjoy your visit.
