Disclosure: My family attended a media preview of the new SpongeBob SubPants Adventure at Moody Gardens including one night hotel and attraction tickets.  I was not asked to post about Moody Gardens’ other attractions but we had so much fun I wanted to share.

Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas has so much to offer the entire family that you could easily spend a couple days just exploring their attractions.  They are the perfect break from the beach or when you need to spend time inside during your trip.  At the bottom of my post is a coupon code for discounted tickets to Moody Gardens!

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is the entrance to the Rain Forest and Discovery Pyramid, it houses the 3D and 4D movies, has a restaurant, concession stand and ticket booth.  We ate lunch at the Garden Restaurant which has a selection of seafood, hamburgers, salads and sandwiches.  The day we visited also had a lunch buffet set up.  When I return I will be eating off the buffet it looked delicious!  We enjoyed our lunch, the service was great and fairly fast for a sit down restaurant.

A new humpback whale 3D movie and Disney’s Big Hero 6 (along with a variety of other movies started over Memorial Day weekend.  I know that S would have loved to see either of those movies.  Be sure to check out the movie schedule prior to your visit to see what new movies will be playing during your trip and what times they start.

The 4D movie was a 15 minute condensed version of Rio.  The movie was in 3D with the added effects of wind, seat sensors, leg ticklers, scents and misters.  My mom and I really enjoyed the film, S is still getting use to 3D movies and choose to watch without her glasses on. 🙂

Tip: I would recommend scheduling your day around the 3D movie schedule.  The 3D movies are approximately 20-40 minute long and you do not want to barely miss one and have to wait around to see the next show.

 

Rainforest Pyramid

The Rainforest Pyramid may have been my favorite attraction at Moody Gardens.  Be sure to check out the Giant Amazon River Otters before climbing the stairs to enter the pyramid at the top.  You will then work your way down through the pyramid to the bottom.  

The pyramid is filled with plants and tropical flowers along with endangered animals.  The Saki Monkeys were out in the walkway with a trainer.  We stood for a long time watching them move about and climb the walls.  One of my favorite animals we saw was the beautiful Ocelot; as soon as she saw S she climbed down from the back of the enclosure and walked straight to her.  The pyramid was a wonderful replica of a real rainforest.

Tip: It will be humid in the Rainforest Pyramid.  You may want to dress in layers.

Aquarium Pyramid

The Aquarium Pyramid has a 1.5 million gallon aquarium filled with a variety of sea life including sharks, stingrays and turtles.  The three different types of penguins are fun to watch and to spot the differences.  The aquarium also has seals, sea lions and sea horses.  When you enter the aquarium, each child will be given a booklet to help learn about different sharks.  As you move around the aquarium keep an eye out for the stamp stations.

Tip: Pay attention to the numbers on the walls to help guide you through the aquarium.  You will be going up and down the ramps.

Discovery Pyramid

The Discovery Pyramid features a rotating exhibit and the newly opened SpongeBob SubPants Adventure, a 4D attraction for the whole family.  Check out my full review of the attraction here.

The current rotating exhibit is Speed: Science in Motion, unfortunately it was not yet open during our visit.  It sounds like a fun, interactive look at Formula One racing from physics and engineering to human endurance and biology.  This exhibit is open until January 10, 2016.

Tip: When visiting with young children, I suggest alternating between a the 3D and 4D movies and the pyramids where they can move around.

Additional Attractions

The Colonel Paddlewheel Boat is an hour long cruise on a replica 1800s paddlewheel boat.  The Ropes Course looked awesome with it’s five-tiers plus you can’t go wrong with Zip Lining.  Moody Gardens even offers a Tykes Rope Course for children under 48″.  Cool off at Palm Beach, Moody Gardens waterpark with a lazy river, wave pool, splash pad and slides.  Open until August 16th, Dinos Alive Exhibit is back at Moody Gardens with life-like animatronic dinosaurs including a full size Tyrannosaurus. *Not all attractions/exhibits are included in the One-Day Value Pass.

Discount/Coupon Code

Use the following online discount code for $5 off the price of a Moody Gardens One-Day Value Pass (actual price: $59.95, discounted price: $54.95) just for my readers.  *Please note that this discount code expires on June 30, 2015, and is limited to up to 6 one-day passes for one transaction*  

DISCOUNT/COUPON  CODE: MGBLOG07

Have you visited Moody Gardens before?  What attraction do you think your family would enjoy the most?