July 7, 2025
Jared Schaller:
Welcome to Behind the Pyramids, a Moody Gardens podcast. I'm your host, Jared Schaller, and I'm very excited for today’s guest. If I’m talking with him, it means summer is almost officially here.
Joining me now is Jeremy Lockett, manager of Palm Beach at Moody Gardens. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me.
Jeremy Lockett:
Thank you for letting me be here, man. I’m excited to give everyone some info about Palm Beach — it’s go time. Summer is here!
Jared Schaller:
Summer is definitely here. Since this is our first summer-focused episode, we want to highlight what’s coming up. At the time of this recording, Palm Beach is about to officially open on Saturday, May 3. Jeremy, what preparations are happening right now to make sure Palm Beach is ready for some fun?
Jeremy Lockett:
Right now we’re handling regular maintenance — checking pumps, filtering sand, clearing drains, painting cabanas and bamboo. We’ve got a lot of shaded seating at Palm Beach, so we’re digging in umbrellas and sprucing things up.
We’re also hiring lifeguards, front gate staff, and cabana staff. Lifeguard training is underway, getting everyone prepped to start the summer.
And we’ve got some new additions this year. Everyone remembers Hurricane Beryl — it did some damage to Palm Beach. So now we’re renovating the Aquarium Adventure kids’ section, which was closed last year. That’s a big focus for us.
We’re also renovating the bar at the entrance — it’ll look a bit different, more enhanced. Guests who’ve been here before will definitely notice the upgrade.
Jared Schaller:
You can never go wrong with a bar upgrade. I’m guessing there’s a bit of a silver lining — Beryl affected a lot of people, but it also opened the door for some needed upgrades.
Jeremy Lockett:
Exactly — something new for the guests to enjoy.
Jared Schaller:
Now, I went to Palm Beach as a kid, and I’m planning to go back as an adult. But for those who’ve never been, what makes Palm Beach so unique?
Jeremy Lockett:
Palm Beach is a smaller water park, but it has something for all ages — a wave pool, lazy river, tower slides for the thrill-seekers (with height requirements), a splash pad, and the renovated Aquarium Adventure for little kids.
But what really makes it unique is the location. We’re right off Offatts Bayou, so even in that Texas heat, you get a great breeze. And we’re part of Moody Gardens — it’s rare to enjoy a water park and then step into a rainforest pyramid or an aquarium. There’s just a lot to explore in one place.
Jared Schaller:
Is it true that the sand is brought in from Palm Beach, Florida?
Jeremy Lockett:
Yes — that’s where we get the name. It’s like bringing a bit of Florida to Texas. Not a lot of guests know that, but it’s a fun fact.
Jared Schaller:
I forgot how different the weather can feel here. It could be 100 degrees in Houston, but in Galveston, you’ve got that nice beach breeze.
Palm Beach really does have something for everyone — adults, kids, families. You mentioned the wave pool and all that, but what are your favorite things to do?
Jeremy Lockett:
I’m the relaxer. I love floating the lazy river. Before we open each day, my staff and I swim laps to stay conditioned — we need to be ready to jump in if needed. After that, I like to hit the hot tub. I know it’s already hot outside, but it’s great for relaxing the muscles.
Jared Schaller:
I’m with you on the lazy river. Maybe not the laps, though. I remember once I got in and lost track of time — three hours went by before I realized I should probably get out.
I recently saw you at lifeguard tryouts. Safety is a big deal at Moody Gardens and Palm Beach, right?
Jeremy Lockett:
Yes sir. We hold our lifeguards to a high standard. I’m not just the manager — I’m also a certified instructor.
Right now, we’re training and hiring. Lifeguards learn essential techniques, proper protocols, and how to use equipment in specific situations. One thing I always share — we test our lifeguards every single day with real-life scenarios. It keeps them sharp and ready.
My goal is to make sure they understand their responsibility, and we give them the tools to succeed.
Jared Schaller:
I’m sure that’s great for parents to hear. It’s all about fun, but safety comes first.
So let’s switch gears. We’re in the guest services industry — what are some of the most common questions you get about Palm Beach?
Jeremy Lockett:
Top three questions?
First: Are chairs and umbrellas free? Yes — we have free seating throughout Palm Beach. There are some designated rental areas, but they’re clearly marked.
Second: Can you bring food and drinks in? You can bring food and drinks that were purchased on Moody Gardens property — like if you grabbed a Starbucks from the hotel or a snack from the Rainforest Pyramid Café, that’s fine. Outside food and drink aren’t allowed, except for bottled water or food needed for medical reasons.
Third: What’s our rain policy? We call it our liquid sunshine policy. If there’s lightning within 10 miles, we have to clear the water, even if it’s sunny. I’ve got apps that track it. Guests might say, “But it’s clear outside!” But safety is the priority — we follow the policy no matter what.
Jared Schaller:
That makes sense. I know some Moody Gardens attractions don’t allow any outside food or drinks, so that’s good to know. And the weather — being on the Bayou, lightning can show up even when skies look clear.
Alright, let’s talk about Beats on the Beach. That’s a separate event happening Saturday nights, June 14 through August 9. I’ve never been. What can I expect?
Jeremy Lockett:
Beats on the Beach is a nighttime water park experience. It’s a totally different vibe.
You can come out, dance, enjoy live bands, eat, drink, and swim — all under the stars.
We get boats and yachts pulling up to the Bayou, and they can hear the music. It’s a great spot for photos and social media — TikToks, Instagram, you name it.
There’s a live band every week and fireworks at 9:15 PM every Saturday during that time. It’s a fun, festive atmosphere.
Jared Schaller:
That sounds awesome. Last year, I remember there were some special deals on select days. Are there any this year?
Jeremy Lockett:
Yes!
Jared Schaller:
You had me at Taco Tuesday. Are the tacos any good?
Jeremy Lockett:
They’re awesome. I eat them every day, to be honest.
Jared Schaller:
I’m there. And Wednesdays — half-price tickets? That’s hard to beat, especially if you can get away midweek.
Jeremy Lockett:
Exactly. Fridays and Saturdays are our busiest days. Coming midweek means you’ll have a little more space to relax.
Jared Schaller:
Sounds like a great time. Alright, last question — I don’t want to put you on the spot, but I’m going to. Give me your best pitch: why should someone spend a day at Palm Beach this summer?
Jeremy Lockett:
It’s all about good vibes — great ambiance, beautiful location, and something for everyone.
It’s hot in Texas, but we’ve got the water, the breeze, and plenty to do — from the Lazy River and wave pool to the hot tub and shore bar.
You can see the zip line flying right overhead, enjoy live bands and fireworks on Beats on the Beach nights, and grab special drinks on special days.
It’s a smaller water park, but it packs in a lot of fun and relaxation.
Jared Schaller:
One last thing — what’s the capacity at Palm Beach?
Jeremy Lockett:
We can accommodate around 3,000 to 4,000 guests, depending on seating and water area usage.
Jared Schaller:
That’s a good size!
Jeremy, thank you so much for speaking with me.
Jeremy Lockett:
Yes sir, thank you for having me.