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.

Teen Volunteers as part of the Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youth SAVY in a group photo
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Education at Moody Gardens

We provide learning experiences for our guests that instill enthusiasm, appreciation and stewardship for the natural world and its inhabitants.

Educator Programs

Educator Workshops

Moody Gardens Educator Workshops provide the opportunity to enhance your curriculum. All workshops are TEKS aligned and offer a multitude of hands on activities and educational materials to inspire your students.

October 19, 2024 - Tropical Treasures

November 9, 2024 - Wild for Literacy

December 7, 2024 - Inquiry in Action

January 4, 2025 – TOADally Frogs

March 15, 2025 – Beautiful Butterflies

April 5, 2025 – Creative Corals

May 3, 2025 – Tropical Treasures

Pricing: $35/EducatorMaximum of 36 participants for each workshop.Advanced registration required.

June 7, 2025 – Inquiry in Action

July 12, 2025 – Sharks in Depth

August 2, 2025 – Wild for Literacy

September 6, 2025 – The Power of Plastics

October 11, 2025 – Medicinal Plants and Animals

November 8, 2025 – Flying Wild

December 6, 2025 – Engaging Through Storytelling

3D Movie Curriculum Guides

Make the most of your visit by watching the 3D Movie at Moody Gardens and using the corresponding curriculum for impactful learning within your classroom.

(Moody Gardens does not provide printed materials.)

Cephalopods 2D

Cephalopods Educational Guide

Fungi: Web of Life 3D

​Fungi Educational Guide

A child participating in the Learn Wild! Home School program looks through a microscope

Learn Wild! Home School Program

Join us for our all-new Learn Wild Home School, taking place each month here at Moody Gardens! These 3-hour long programs have been created for home school families/groups of all grade levels. Enjoy a focused educational experience each month with different combinations of elements to explore a featured attraction, ambassador animal presentations, documentary movie and engage with our Educators in walk-up hands-on activities.

Check-in will be 9:30 am in the Visitor Center. Programs start promptly at 10 am. Each family will receive a digital education guide for all grade levels to download at check-in that corresponds to the monthly focus topic to use as part of your home classroom curriculum.

Come to Moody Gardens for exciting mornings of various theme-related educational activities with a corresponding attraction!

  • November 5, 2024: Amazing Anatomy: Super Skeletons
  • December 3, 2024: Cool Climates: Polar Opposites
  • January 7, 2025: Exploring Ecosystems: Mariana’s Trench
  • February 4, 2025: Building Biomes: Creative Corals
  • March 4, 2025: Migrating Monarchs: Beautiful Butterflies
  • April 1, 2025: Living Artwork: Melodious Music
  • May 6, 2025: Treasure Island: Borneo’s Rainforest

NON-Member: $18 (per person adult & youth 3-17; accompanying siblings 2 and under are free but must be registered.)

Member: $10 (per person adult & youth 3-17; accompanying siblings 2 and under are free but must be registered.)

Advanced registration is required for all attendees to the program regardless of age. Children must be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times. Children not in K-12  may attend ONLY with older school age sibling(s) in the program. A portion of the fee from Learn Wild Home School goes to Moody Gardens’ Conservation Fund.

Learn Wild! SCIENCE DAYS

Join us for our all-new Learn Wild Science Days, taking place each month here at Moody Gardens! Home School students will participate in STEM-focused hands-on learning experiences. These 3.5-hour long programs are designed for students in an interactive classroom setting. Program participation spots are limited, and registration is required.

  • November 5, 2024: Amazing Anatomy: Super Skeletons
  • December 3, 2024: Cool Climates: Polar Opposites
The program fee is $30 per person for non-members and $20 per person for members (Pre-K3 through 1st grade must be accompanied by an adult guardian at no charge. Only one guardian per each paid student). Check-in will be at 11:45 am in the Visitor Center. Programs start promptly at 12 pm.

Call 409-683-4290 or email teaching@moodygardens.org​ for more information.

A Moody Gardens Education biologist holds an iguana while speaking to a home school class
A young boy participating in the Pyramid Kids program smiles broadly

Learn Live! Tours and Programs

Topic-focused guided tours & educational programs available to book for schools, home school groups, clubs or private families. Call 409-683-4558 or email attractionsales@moodygardens.org for more information.

NEW! Learn Live! Pre-K Expeditions - For Learners Ages 3-5

Join other early learners for fun filled Pre-K Expeditions at Moody Gardens on the second Wednesday of every month (with the exception of June-August on the third Wednesday). Enjoy a fun-themed program which could include: games, crafts, experiments, story time, and admission into the corresponding attraction. Our education staff will even send you home with more “at home activity ideas” to keep the learning connections going. Morning sessions available to fit into your little one’s routine.

Call 409-683-4290 or email teaching@moodygardens.org for more information.

Pre-K Expeditions are designed for children 3-5 years old with an adult participating. Older siblings and additional adults may attend as a participant with a ticket purchase. Babies up to 2 years old are free, but will not be considered a participant.

  • Non-members: $15 per person for adult and children 3 years old and up. Tickets are required for all adults and youth.
  • Members: $10 per person for adult and children 3 years old and up. Tickets are required for all adults and youth.
  • Morning Session: 10:30am-12:30 pm (Online pre-registration closes at 5 pm the day before the program)
  • *Day of Tickets may be purchased at the Visitors Center Membership Ticket Counter if occupancy is available. *

Maximum of 36 attendees per session (adults and children included in count).

All Pre-K Expeditions Check In: Visitor’s Center Circle

A young girl participate in the Pre-K expeditions smiles broadly
A biofacts table setup that includes a variety of objects, visual displays, and artificats used for visual and tactile learning

NEW! Learn Live! - On or Off Property Beyond Biofacts Programs

These multi-sensory and interdisciplinary lessons include elements of history, geography, culture and conservation. The lessons are geared toward learners of all ages and not only provide an engaging discussion about the topics at hand, but also a presentation of real biofacts.

Available to book for schools, clubs or private families.
Call 409-683-4290 or email teaching@moodygardens.org​ for more information.

Two Blue Macaws standing beak to beak in the Rainforest Pyramid

Adult Continuing Education Classes:

Connect with our different attractions in exciting new ways
through our all-new Adult Continuing Education Classes,
taking place each month here at Moody Gardens. These
2-hour classes are for adults ages 18 and older to gain a
hands-on learning experience on a variety of topics
including nature and conservation.

Thursday, August 15, 2024 – Jellies Biology
Sunday, October 13, 2024 – Coastal Plant Identification
Saturday, October 19, 2024 – Medicinal Plant Program
Thursday, November 21, 2024 – Mesoamerican Culture
Thursday, December 12, 2024 – Program Development

Non-Member: $10 (Per Person)

Members: $5 (Per Person)

Pre-registration is required for all attendees.
Registration closes at 4:00 PM the day before each class.

Get Tickets

Scavenger Hunts

Moody Gardens does not provide printed materials

Three guest children stand in front of the Humboldt penguin exhibit

Aquarium Pyramid

Download Worksheet
A Saki Monkey from the Rainforest Pyramid looks directly at the camera

Rainforest Pyramid

Download Worksheet
Educator Programs Email Signup

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