Things to Do in Galveston at Moody Gardens
Three pyramids, three theaters, a ropes course and zip line and a hotel steps away, all at 1 Hope Blvd. in Galveston.
Galveston Guide Things to Do in Galveston A full day at Moody Gardens, rain or shine
Your Day of Things to Do in Galveston
Three glass pyramids rise over Offatts Bayou at 1 Hope Blvd., in Galveston, Texas, and each one opens to a different corner of the world. Explore the ocean and its marine life in the Aquarium Pyramid, adventure through the rainforests of the world at the Rainforest Pyramid, then help steer a submarine in the Discovery Pyramid. Add a film on the largest screens in Texas, a climb up the Gulf Coast's tallest ropes course and a night at Moody Gardens Hotel, and one stop covers a full Galveston day. Self-parking is free.
A Moody Gardens Day
Start early and work your way through the pyramids, then save the theaters and the zip line for the afternoon. Hours change with the season, and we post them every Friday on the Daily Hours page. One One-Day Value Pass covers the pyramids, the theaters and the ropes course and zip line.
Aquarium Pyramid
Walk through the oceans of the world in a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium. Exhibits cover the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific and Caribbean, with penguins, seals, stingrays and sharks along the way. It is a good first stop when the doors open.
AQUARIUM PYRAMID
Rainforest Pyramid
Step into the rainforests of Asia, Africa and the Americas. Giant Amazon river otters, saki monkeys, sloths and tropical birds share the paths with you, so keep looking up into the canopy.
RAINFOREST PYRAMID
Discovery Pyramid
On the ground floor, the Audience Recognition Theater runs 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: An Interactive Adventure, where guests help steer the Nautilus alongside Deep, Echo and Torque. Upstairs, the Galveston Children's Museum is open daily, and admission is included with your Moody Gardens ticket.
DISCOVERY PYRAMID
MG3D Theater and 4D Special FX Theater
Settle in for a film on the largest screens in Texas at the MG3D Theater, then feel the wind, snow and water of the 4D Special FX Theater. The final show begins at the listed closing time, so check the schedule before you plan your afternoon.
THEATER SCHEDULES
Ropes Course and Zip Line
Climb the Gulf Coast's tallest ropes course, then zip 500 feet above Palm Beach. It runs weather permitting with limited capacity. It is included with the One-Day Value Pass, and individual tickets are sold on-site only.
ROPES AND ZIP LINE
Animal Encounters
Go behind the scenes for guided, up-close visits with stingrays, penguins, seals and river otters.
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Palm Beach in Summer
Galveston's only private white sand beach has a 650-foot lazy river, a wave pool, two 18-foot tower slides and a splash pad. Palm Beach is closed for the season and reopens in Summer 2027.
PALM BEACHThings to Do in Galveston With Kids, Rain or Shine
With Kids
Kids ages 3 and under get in free with the purchase of a regular priced ticket, and child tickets cover ages 4 to 12. Upstairs in the Discovery Pyramid, the Galveston Children's Museum is open daily. Strollers rent for $15 at the Visitors Center, and wheelchairs are free, both first come, first served. On Wednesdays, ask at the ticket counter about Mommy Wednesday, a Value Pass for moms or dads and their child at $45 per child.
TICKET OPTIONSOn a Rainy Day
The Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid and Discovery Pyramid are all indoors under glass, and so are the MG3D Theater, the 4D Special FX Theater and the Audience Recognition Theater. When rain rolls in off the Gulf, you can still fill a day without leaving Moody Gardens. The ropes course and zip line run weather permitting.
ALL ATTRACTIONSHoliday in the Gardens
From Nov. 21, 2026 to Jan. 2, 2027, walk the mile-long Holiday Lights Trail, with more than two million lights set to holiday music. Step inside ICE LAND, kept at 9 degrees with parkas provided, then lace up at the ice skating rink. Parking is free throughout the festival.
HOLIDAY IN THE GARDENSStay the Night
Moody Gardens Hotel sits steps from the pyramids, so you can stay the night and catch the attractions you missed tomorrow. Your stay includes self-parking, Wi-Fi, indoor and outdoor pool access and the 24-hour fitness center.
Galveston Visit FAQ
How much time do I need at Moody Gardens?
Most guests see most of Moody Gardens in one full day. Holiday events and seasonal attractions can add time, so a night at Moody Gardens Hotel lets you split the attractions across two days at a relaxed pace.
Is parking free at Moody Gardens?
Yes. Self-parking is free at the attractions and at Moody Gardens Hotel. Premium covered self-parking is $30, temporary day parking is $15 and valet is $40.
What is there to do in Galveston on a rainy day?
The Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, Discovery Pyramid and all three theaters at Moody Gardens are indoors, so a rainy day can still be a full day.
Which ticket covers the most?
The One-Day Value Pass includes the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, Discovery Museum, the Ropes Course and Zip Line (limited capacity), the MG3D Theater, the 4D Special FX Theater and 20,000 Leagues Interactive Adventure, plus Holiday in the Gardens and Palm Beach in season. Individual attraction tickets are also available.
Can I bring food into Moody Gardens?
Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the attractions. You are welcome to bring your own food to enjoy outdoors at the benches and tables around Moody Gardens.
Are pets allowed?
For the safety of guests and animals, pets are not allowed inside the attractions.
