Austin Aquarium

There's something fishy going on at the Austin Aquarium. Aside from marine life, this family-friendly attraction has reptiles, mammals, and birds.

The Austin Aquarium is a vibrant hub of sea life, exotic animals, and interactive experiences. With thousands of animals, it's a must-do Austin attraction for animal lovers, marine enthusiasts, and curious minds alike.

Since opening, the Austin Aquarium has been a beacon of adventure and learning. Its mission is to educate and inspire the conservation of our oceans and to provide an entertaining experience for everyone. 

Visitors can wander through corridors of continuously flowing water, where glass walls reveal the ocean's mysteries. It's a world filled with seahorses, majestic stingrays, colorful fish, and sharks. 

The aquarium's central location makes visiting other landmarks, like the Paramount Theatre easy. You can also grab a meal at any of the nearby eateries, like Perla's, which is known for seafood and oysters.

The Austin Aquarium also has lemurs that guests can interact with. Picture holding one of these curious mammals in your lap! It's a memory-making moment you and your family will cherish long after your Austin vacation.

The aquarium's dedication to immersive experiences doesn't stop there. It hosts a variety of hands-on encounters that allow guests to truly connect with the aquatic life, whether feeding a stingray or getting up close with a shark.

Austin Aquarium: Fun Facts & Cool Features

One of the most mesmerizing features of the Austin Aquarium is its interactive touch tanks. Imagine the thrill of touching a live starfish or sea urchin under the guidance of knowledgeable staff. These experiences leave lasting impressions and foster a deeper appreciation for marine life.

Another highlight is the rainforest exhibit, a carefully curated environment replicating the lush, humid jungles. This exhibit doesn't just showcase fish but introduces visitors to various reptiles and tropical birds, creating a comprehensive ecosystem experience.

But the ultimate reason to add the Austin Aquarium to your vacation itinerary is the hands-on experiences available. You and your family can feed a stingray, shark, or aviary bird. What about the chance to interact with a sloth, a Kinkajou, or a baby kangaroo? While these require extra costs, free interactions are available with snakes, toucans, ducks, and tortoises, to list a few. 

Toss in special events like Sleep with the Sharks, Princess Makeovers, birthday parties, and private events, and it's easy to see why the Austin Aquarium is a hotspot in Texas. 

Exploring the Austin Aquarium is a captivating adventure that enriches the mind and soul. It offers a rare blend of education, interaction, and conservation efforts wrapped in endless fun. For those looking to add a splash of wonder to their Texas vacation, the Austin Aquarium promises an unforgettable voyage into the depths of our planet's most fascinating habitats.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to the Austin Aquarium:

• Start from downtown Austin, heading west on 6th St toward Lavaca St.
• Take Mopac Expressway (Loop 1) north for about 5 miles.
• Exit toward US-183 N/Research Blvd and merge onto US-183 N.
• Continue on US-183 N. Take the exit toward Anderson Mill Road.
• Merge onto Research Blvd, then turn right onto Anderson Mill Rd.
• Turn left onto N FM 620/Ranch Rd 620 N.
• Address: 13530 N Hwy 183 #101, Austin, TX 78750

Cost

Here are the current costs of visiting the Austin Aquarium:

• Adults (12+): $17.95
• Children (3-11): $13.95
• Seniors (55+), Military, and Educators: $14.95
• Children under 2: Free

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.