Adventure Collective
Wildlife & Animal Care Tour at Downtown Aquarium Houston - Houston

Wildlife & Animal Care Tour at Downtown Aquarium Houston

Houstonmoderate

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.

Overview

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.

Houston, Texas

Working on the Wild Side

Ages 12-17

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Join the Downtown Aquarium's Working on the Wild Side program for an unforgettable day of animal adventures! Teens will engage in hands-on activities, explore behind-the-scenes, and participate in live animal encounters. From squid dissections to feeding stingrays, this immersive experience fosters a passion for animal care and conservation.

About

If you have a teen aspiring to work with animals, sign them up for Working on the Wild Side at the Downtown Aquarium! This all-day program includes hands-on activities, tours, and live animal encounters as we take teens behind-the-scenes to learn more about animal care, training, conservation, and the zoo/aquarium industry.

Included:

  • Guided Tour
  • Behind the Scenes Tour
  • Squid Dissection
  • Stingray Reef Food Prep and Feeding
  • Scavenger Hunt & Games
  • Shark Voyage Train Ride
  • Lunch in the Aquarium Restaurant
  • T-Shirt

Special Needs

If your teen has any special needs, allergies, or health concerns, please note this when registering. Participants must be able to administer their own medication (i.e. inhalers, epi-pens) if needed, as Aquarium Staff are not permitted to administer medications. Medications will not be provided by the Aquarium (ex. Tylenol, Benedryl, etc.). If you have any additional concerns or questions please contact the Education Department at AquariumHouston@Ldry.com or (713) 315-5112.

Liability

Downtown Aquarium, Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., and its employees are not liable for any injury or loss suffered by you or attending minors during the program. Additionally, you are waiving your right to make demand upon Downtown Aquarium, Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., and its employees for payment of any damages suffered by you or the minor child during the program, whether such damages are caused by physical injury, loss of property, or acts of a third party.

Program Availability:

Working on the Wild Side requires a minimum of 5 registered participants in order for the program to proceed. If this attendance minimum is not met two weeks prior to the program date, you will be contacted to reschedule or be fully refunded.

The Downtown Aquarium also reserves the right to cancel any program at any time for the health and safety of our employees, animals, and visitors, in which case full refunds will be issued.

Adventure Tips

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.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • stingrays
  • squid

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.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Houston

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Closed-toe shoes

Essential

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

Essential

Wear adaptable clothing suitable for indoor activities and varied temperatures.