Get up close with Bengal tigers in Houston’s Downtown Aquarium. Feed these magnificent cats and learn from expert caretakers in a unique 30-minute wildlife experience you won’t forget.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
25–30 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels with minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
Downtown Aquarium Houston opened in 2003, transforming a former waterworks facility into a unique entertainment and conservation venue.
Conservation
The aquarium participates in wildlife conservation programs focused on big cats, promoting awareness and educational outreach in urban areas.
Downtown Aquarium Houston, TX
Get up close with Bengal tigers in Houston’s Downtown Aquarium. Feed these magnificent cats and learn from expert caretakers in a unique 30-minute wildlife experience you won’t forget.
Downtown Aquarium Houston, TX is a public aquarium and family entertainment complex located in Houston, Texas. The facility showcases over 500 animal species across immersive exhibits including the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit and Stingray Reef. Downtown Aquarium offers a range of educational programs, hands-on encounters, and special events tailored for families, schools, scouts, and teens.
Educational offerings include TEKS-aligned field trip programs, outreach presentations for K–8 classrooms, Home School Day options with discounted All Day Adventure Passes, and unique programs such as Working on the Wild Side for teens. School groups can choose tax-exempt or non-exempt field trip registration and add restaurant lunch reservations for a full-day experience.
Animal encounters and special experiences include the Tiger Meet & Feed, live animal ambassador presentations in the Built for Survival outreach, stingray feedings, and behind-the-scenes learning led by trained caretakers and educators. Birthday parties like the Bottom of the Sea package provide guided tours, reserved dining, themed cakes, and all-day access to rides and exhibits.
Programs emphasize wildlife conservation, animal care, and habitat education through demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and interactive activities. Downtown Aquarium partners with experienced staff to deliver safe, informative experiences designed to meet learning objectives while creating memorable visits. An All Day Adventure Pass provides unlimited access to exhibits and rides, enabling visitors to combine education, hands-on encounters, and family entertainment seamlessly year-round.
Location
Houston, TX
Central Houston destination
Experiences
11 Experiences
Encounters, tours, parties
Species
500+ Species
Diverse marine and terrestrial animals
All Day Pass
Unlimited Access
Exhibits & rides included
Reserve a field trip, book a Tiger Meet & Feed, or schedule a birthday party with All Day Adventure Pass access at Downtown Aquarium Houston, TX.
Book in Advance
Secure your spot ahead of time as the Tiger Meet & Feed is a popular private session with limited availability.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Dress comfortably and appropriately for indoor settings, avoiding loose items that could interfere during feeding.
Follow Caretaker Instructions
Always listen carefully and follow all instructions from the caretakers to ensure your safety and the tigers’ wellbeing.
Bring a Camera
Capture unforgettable moments but avoid using flash photography to prevent startling the animals.
Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the aquarium and exhibit areas.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture memories of your close encounter, without using flash photography.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Bring a layer for cooler indoor temperatures during the fall season.
fall
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated, especially when exploring outdoor parts of the aquarium in the summer heat.
summer