Moody Gardens
Description
Moody Gardens is an exceptionally delightful experience on Galveston Island that should not be missed. It is a family-friendly destination with so many entertainment and educational opportunities at every turn. A wonderful place to explore, learn, and gain knowledge to share with others. Their dedication to education through interaction is unmatched. They could not do it without your help, and Volunteering is a wonderful way to say thank you. Or just purchase a ticket and enjoy your Rainforest and Aquarium adventure.
Location Highlights
- 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
- 51 miles from Houston, TX
Contact Information
- (409) 683-4200
- Send an Email
- Buy tickets
How it Began
Moody Gardens started in the 1980s with a vision to help and educate others. From humble beginnings and a pure desire, education has been their guiding light. Because of this unwavering thirst to help others, Moody Gardens has lead by example. Showing the world that helping others through care, compassion, and education can bring about lasting change. Seaside Safari would become the new home of their educational program, The Learning Place. And after sustaining substantial damage from hurricane Ike, both Rainforest Pyramid and Palm Beach reopened with extensive enhancement projects and help from the Moody Foundation. Ever expanding, Moody Gardens is not done yet. New generations come visit Galveston every year, and they will leave with an education that will last a lifetime.
How We Grew
Striving to provide an exceptional educational experience, Moody Gardens has continuously added and updated attractions throughout the years. In 1986 they expanded their 35,000sqft Convention Center to a massive 60,000sqft. From 1990 to 1993 they added two greenhouses to propagate most of the plants on the grounds as well as for their Medical Plant Program, and the Rainforest Pyramid and MG 3D Theater Complex came to life. In 2017 the renovation of the Aquarium Pyramid was completed and it invites visitors to awe-inspiring experiences. New exhibits like the tropical Humboldt Penguins and touch tanks with jellies, stingrays, and other crustaceans will keep you sharing memories of your visit for generations to come.
Aquarium Pyramid
Aquarium Pyramid: Experience the ocean in this 1.5 million-gallon aquarium housing marine life from around the world, including penguins, sharks, and tropical fish.
Rainforest Pyramid
Rainforest Pyramid: Take a hike through the jungle and explore the flora and fauna of the rainforest, featuring monkeys, sloths, toucans, and Giant River Otters.
Discovery Museum
Discovery Museum: Here you can learn through interactive exhibits that explore science, technology, and space. Sharks In Depth is now open and you can learn all about the facts and myths of sharks.
3D and 4D Theatres
3D and 4D theaters: Showing one of the best 3D and 4D experiences in the world. With special effects like motion seats and environmental effects, there is no better way to experience a show than on the largest screen in Texas.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach: Sit under an umbrella in a beach chair and relax with white sand beaches, freshwater lagoons, and a lazy river for guests to relax and enjoy.
Moody Gardens Golf Course
Moody Gardens Golf Course: Par 72 18-hole seaside links golf course situated on Sydnor Bayou and is open 7 days a week. Reserve your tee time today.
Volunteer Opportunities
At the heart of Moody Garden’s success is the help they get from volunteers. If you are 18 or older and would like to volunteer, Moody Gardens has several areas on the property that you can volunteer for. You can interact with guests about the animals and conservation efforts through their volunteer education program.
Volunteer for the opportunity to assist the biologists with cleaning, preparing food, and other animal husbandry duties throughout Moody Gardens.
Have you ever wanted to know what it is like to swim in the Aquarium Exhibits? This volunteer opportunity will give you the chance to do just that. You get to dive into the Moody Gardens Exhibits and assist with the exhibit upkeep, keeping them clean and beautiful for both the animals and visitors.
With so many events held at Moody Gardens there is plenty of work they need volunteers for. You can help assist with the many special events hosted at Moody Gardens.
Put together a team of friends or work companions and boost team building and morale while volunteering with your group.
Moody Gardens has a Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youth Program specifically for you. Email them at avolunteer@moodygardens.org or give them a call at 409-683-4281.
Pyramid Kids Camp
- May 29-June 2
- June 12-16
- June 26-30
- July 10-14
- July 24-28
- August 7-11
- November 20
- November 21
- November 22
- December 19
- December 20
- December 21
- December 27
- December 28
- December 29
- Members: $275/week
- Non-Members: $300/week
- Week Long Camps | 9:30am-4:30pm
- All Camps Have Before and After Care Options for Working Families
- Fall and Winter Camps are Available for Individual Day Sign Up 9:30am-4:30pm
Education Department Programs
- Overnight Adventures – Aquarium and Rainforest
- Learn Wild! – Home School
- Private Tours
- Birthday Parties
- Off-Property Education Programs
- Pre-K Expeditions
- Scout Workshops – BSA Merit Badges | Cub Scout | Girl Scout | American Heritage Girls
Scouts 2023 BSA Merit Badge Workshops
- January 8th – Fish & Wildlife Management
- January 22nd – Mammal Study
- February 5th – Sustainability
- February 19th – Oceanography
- March 5th – Reptile & Amphibian Study
- March 19th – Environmental Science
- April 30th – Bird Study
- May 7th – Insect Study
- May 21st – Fish & Wildlife Management
- June 4th – Emergency Preparedness
- July 16th – Nature Study
- August 20th – Sustainability
- September 3rd – Mammal Study
- September 17th – Emergency Preparedness
- October 1st – Oceanography
- October 15th – Environmental Science
- November 5th – Bird Study
- November 12th – Insect Study
- December 3rd – Nature Study
- December 17th – Reptile & Amphibian Study
Email Scouts@moodygardens.org or 409-683-4231 for more information. Private Workshops and Overnight Adventures are available for all groups.
Learn Live Pre-K Expeditions 2023
Join other early learners for fun filled Pre-K Expeditions at Moody Gardens with theme-related educational activities and a guided tour through the corresponding attraction!
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.
Come learn about your favorite barking buddies with story time, a fun experiment, and craft. Then we will go explore the Aquarium and see silly seals and sea lions up close!
Come learn about your favorite napping champions with story time, a fun game, and craft. Then we will go explore the Rainforest and see these sleepy sloths up close!
Come learn about your favorite underwater school with story time, a fun experiment, and craft. Then we will go explore the Aquarium and see those friendly fish cup close!
Come learn about your favorite majestic giants with story time, a fun game, and craft. Then we will go explore the Rainforest and see these king komodos up close!
Come learn about your favorite fast swimmers with story time, a fun game, and craft. Then we will go explore the Aquarium and see the penguin partners up close!
Come learn about your favorite sleepover buddies with story time, a fun game, and craft. Then we will go explore the Rainforest and see these nocturnal night-owls up close!
Come learn about your favorite toothy pals with story time, a fun game, and craft. Then we will go explore the Aquarium and see these nifty nurse sharks up close!
Come learn about your favorite squawkers with story time, a fun game, and craft. Then we will go explore the Rainforest and see these beautiful birds take flight!
Come learn about your favorite sea flappers with story time, a fun game, and craft. Then we will go explore the Aquarium and see these soaring stingrays up close!
Hours of operation
- Tuesday 10AM-7PM
- Wednesday 10AM-7PM
- Thursday 10AM-7PM
- Friday 10AM-7PM
- Saturday 10AM-7PM
- Sunday 10AM-7PM
- Monday 10AM-7PM
