The Houston Aquarium, also known as the Houston Zoo’s Texas Wetlands exhibit, is a popular tourist destination in Texas, attracting millions of visitors each year. The aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, sharks, rays, and sea turtles. With its stunning exhibits and interactive experiences, the Houston Aquarium is a must-visit destination for families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in learning about the wonders of the ocean.
However, with the ever-changing schedules and closures, it’s essential to check if the Houston Aquarium is open today before planning your visit. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of checking the aquarium’s operating hours, provide information on its history, exhibits, and attractions, and answer frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your visit.
History of the Houston Aquarium
The Houston Aquarium has a rich history dating back to the 1960s when it was first established as a small aquarium within the Houston Zoo. Over the years, the aquarium has undergone several expansions and renovations, with the current Texas Wetlands exhibit being opened in 2009. The exhibit features a 1.5-acre wetlands area with a 500,000-gallon shark tank, a stingray touch pool, and a variety of other marine animals.
The Houston Aquarium is part of the Houston Zoo, which is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to providing a safe and educational experience for its visitors. The aquarium’s mission is to promote conservation, education, and research while inspiring a love of nature and the ocean in its visitors.
Exhibits and Attractions
The Houston Aquarium features a variety of exhibits and attractions that cater to different ages and interests. Some of the popular exhibits include:
- The Texas Wetlands exhibit, which features a 500,000-gallon shark tank and a stingray touch pool.
- The Shark Encounter exhibit, which allows visitors to get up close and personal with sharks and rays.
- The Sea Turtle exhibit, which features a large tank with a variety of sea turtles.
- The Fishes of the World exhibit, which showcases a wide variety of fish species from around the world.
Interactive Experiences
The Houston Aquarium offers a range of interactive experiences that allow visitors to get hands-on with marine animals. Some of the interactive experiences include:
- The Stingray Touch Pool, where visitors can touch and feed stingrays.
- The Shark Encounter, where visitors can get up close and personal with sharks and rays.
- The Sea Turtle Encounter, where visitors can learn about sea turtles and get a chance to touch one.
Operating Hours and Admission
The Houston Aquarium is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during peak season. Admission prices vary depending on age and residency, with discounts available for students, seniors, and military personnel. The aquarium also offers special packages and discounts for groups and schools. (See Also: How to Work out Aquarium Volume? Calculating The Perfect Size)
Before planning your visit, it’s essential to check the aquarium’s operating hours and admission prices to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information. You can check the aquarium’s website or contact them directly for more information.
Special Events and Programs
The Houston Aquarium offers a range of special events and programs throughout the year, including:
- Behind-the-Scenes tours, which allow visitors to get a closer look at the aquarium’s operations.
- Animal encounters, which allow visitors to get up close and personal with marine animals.
- Conservation programs, which focus on promoting conservation and sustainability.
Is the Houston Aquarium Open Today?
So, is the Houston Aquarium open today? To check the aquarium’s operating hours, you can:
- Visit the aquarium’s website and check the operating hours section.
- Call the aquarium directly to confirm their hours.
- Check the aquarium’s social media accounts for updates on their operating hours.
It’s essential to check the aquarium’s operating hours before planning your visit to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information. You can also check the aquarium’s website for any special events or closures that may affect their operating hours.
Recap and Key Points
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ve covered the history of the Houston Aquarium, its exhibits and attractions, operating hours and admission, and special events and programs. We’ve also provided information on how to check the aquarium’s operating hours and answered frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your visit. (See Also: Where to Buy Aquarium Near Me? Local Options Available)
Here are the key points to remember:
- The Houston Aquarium is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during peak season.
- Admission prices vary depending on age and residency, with discounts available for students, seniors, and military personnel.
- The aquarium offers a range of special events and programs throughout the year, including behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters.
- It’s essential to check the aquarium’s operating hours before planning your visit to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Houston Aquarium open on holidays?
The Houston Aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, but is open on other holidays. It’s best to check the aquarium’s website or contact them directly to confirm their hours on holidays.
Can I bring my pet to the aquarium?
No, pets are not allowed inside the aquarium, with the exception of service animals. Please leave your pets at home to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes, the Houston Aquarium offers discounts for groups of 10 or more people. Please contact the aquarium directly to inquire about group discounts and to make a reservation.
Can I get a refund if I miss my visit?
Do you offer wheelchair accessibility?
Yes, the Houston Aquarium is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators providing access to all exhibits and attractions. Please contact the aquarium directly to inquire about wheelchair accessibility and to make arrangements for special needs. (See Also: Why Use Co2 in Aquarium? – Unlock Lush Plant Growth)
Can I take photos and videos inside the aquarium?
Yes, you are allowed to take photos and videos inside the aquarium for personal use. However, please refrain from using flash photography or tripods, and do not touch or feed the animals. Commercial photography and videography require prior permission from the aquarium.
Do you offer food and drink options?
Yes, the Houston Aquarium has a café and a snack bar offering a variety of food and drink options, including snacks, meals, and beverages. You can also bring your own food and drinks into the aquarium, but please do not consume them in the exhibit areas.