Education at Moody Gardens
We provide learning experiences for our guests that instill enthusiasm, appreciation and stewardship for the natural world and its inhabitants.
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, and documentary movies 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!
October 3, 2023: Helping Hands: Obscure Octopuses
November 7, 2023: Curious Cats: Observing Ocelots
December 5, 2023: Great Bear: Canada's Rainforest
January 2, 2024: Swinging Sakis: Magnificent Monkeys
February 6, 2024: Marvelous Mammals: Swimming Seals
March 5, 2024: Rainforest Rivers: Amazing Amazon
April 2, 2024: Graceful Gliders: Soaring Stingrays
May 7, 2024: Hanging On: Slow Sloths
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.
Call 409-683-4290 or email teaching@moodygardens.org for more information.
Learn Wild! 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.
Maximum of 36 attendees per session (adults and children included in count).
All Pre-K Expeditions Check In: Visitor’s Center Circle
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.
Scout Programs
Booking for Private Workshops for all Ages and Ranks in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Girl Scouts, and American Heritage Girls.
Visit Moody Gardens and work towards earning a badge at the same time! At Moody Gardens you can see environments from around the world, try your skills on our ropes course and zip-line and so much more. Discounted tickets and tours for scouting units are available through Attraction Sales at 409-683-4558
Call 409-683-4231 or email workshops@moodygardens.org for more information and reservations.
Ask us about combining a private workshop with a sleepover to create a SCOUTING OVERNIGHT ADVENTURE!
Scouts BSA Merit Badge Workshops
Don't just earn it, learn it! Scouts ages 11-17 can complete most or all requirements in a single day. Workshops may include exhibits or animal presentations dependent on badge.
October 1, 2023 – Oceanography
October 15, 2023 – Environmental Science
November 5, 2023 – Bird Study
November 12, 2023 – Insect Study
December 3, 2023 – Nature Study
December 17, 2023 – Reptile & Amphibian Study
Pricing: $30/Scout
Maximum of 36 participants for each workshop.
Private Scout Workshops
Don’t just earn it, Learn it!
We offer private workshops and Sleepover Adventure add-ons for youth participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Girl Scouts and American Heritage Girls. Each program is formatted to help scouts complete the requirements for an Adventure, Badge or Conservation Award.
Call 409-683-4231 or email workshops@moodygardens.org for more information on your personal development of a private Workshop.
Overnight Adventures
NOW BOOKING!
Moody Gardens offers two adventurous sleepovers which allow guests to spend the night exploring one of our exciting attractions. Each program includes a late-night pizza snack and a light breakfast. Chaperones required.
Time: 6:30PM - 8AM
Cost: $1,100 for up to 20 people, $60 for each additional guest
Reservations are required and must be made at least two weeks in advance. A deposit is required to reserve your overnight adventure, with the balance payable prior to your event.
Extend your adventure to the next day. Add-on attractions are available at group rates.
Call 409-683-4558 or email AttractionSales@moodygardens.org for more information and reservations.
Creatures of the Night
Explore the rainforest after dark to discover how nocturnal creatures live! The evening includes a variety of activities and a tour of the Rainforest Pyramid. Participants spend the night in the Rainforest Entrance.
Night Under the Sea
Spend the night in the Aquarium and discover a world much different from your own! Make discoveries of ocean habitats, creatures that live within them and relationships they share during your night expedition. The evening includes a variety of activities and a tour of the Aquarium Pyramid.
Already participated in a sleepover? Fill out a sleepover evaluation.
Educator Programs
Educator Open House
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Moody Gardens will be connecting you with nature through access to open attractions and various interactive IDEA stations on your own self-guided visit! Complete a scavenger hunt to earn CPE hours, and learn about educational resources Moody Gardens and local Galveston Island exhibitors can provide!
Moody Gardens Attractions: 10am - 5pm
Educator Activities: IDEA Stations & Exhibitors 10:30am – 3:30pm
Pre-Registration Required - No Walk-in
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.
Curriculum Guides
Help make the most of your visit by downloading a copy of the curriculum:
Tropical Rainforest Curriculum
Aquarium Treasure Hunts
Scavenger Hunts
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