Discover the behind-the-scenes magic of marine life at Houston’s Downtown Aquarium with the 'Working on the Wild Side' program. Hands-on activities and close animal encounters make it a memorable, educational adventure for teens.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable standing and moving around for extended periods but no strenuous activity is required.
Wildlife
History
Houston’s Downtown Aquarium was established in 2003, combining a public aquarium with amusement rides and dining, making it a popular family destination.
Conservation
The Aquarium actively participates in marine conservation initiatives, and the ‘Working on the Wild Side’ program encourages young people to contribute to ongoing wildlife preservation efforts.
Downtown Aquarium Houston, TX
Discover the behind-the-scenes magic of marine life at Houston’s Downtown Aquarium with the 'Working on the Wild Side' program. Hands-on activities and close animal encounters make it a memorable, educational adventure for teens.
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.
Arrive early for your session
Getting there early ensures you have plenty of time to gear up and settle in before activities start.
Wear closed-toe shoes
Participating in animal handling and dissections requires secure footwear for safety.
Bring a notebook and camera
Capture your favorite moments and jot down interesting facts learned during the experience.
Follow all safety instructions
Adhere to the aquarium staff’s guidance to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone.
Closed-toe shoes
Necessary for safety during animal handling and behind-the-scenes activities.
Notebook and pen
Useful for taking notes and capturing information during the tour.
Camera or smartphone
Great for documenting your experience and interesting animals.
Comfortable clothing
Wear adaptable clothing suitable for indoor activities and varied temperatures.