Downtown Aquarium

The Basics

This 500,000-gallon (1.89-million-liter) complex takes you through a network of tanks all organized with a different theme. You might enjoy seeing a replica of a 17th-century shipwreck reef teeming with fish or riding through the Shark Voyage tunnel. Another add-on ticket option includes petting stingrays in the aquarium’s touch tanks. End your visit with a peek at the two resident white tigers housed in a replica Maharaja’s temple and a spin on some of the amusement rides. If you’ve worked up an appetite, consider a meal in the aquarium restaurant—and dine next to colorful fish swimming in floor-to-ceiling tanks.

You can get single tickets for individual attractions in the complex, or make a day of it with an All-Day Adventure Pass, which includes admission to the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit and Stingray Reef plus unlimited amusement rides. Combination tickets are available that provide entry to the Downtown Aquarium along with other Houston area attractions.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Houston aquarium is a great activity for families with young kids.

• If you plan to enjoy the outdoor attractions, remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses.

• Skip the line with a Houston CityPASS—cardholders enter through a dedicated line.

• The Downtown Aquarium is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

The Downtown Aquarium is located on Bagby Street between Preston Street and Memorial Drive, just east of US 45 (Gulf Freeway) in downtown Houston. The city’s bus service stops at Preston and Bagby. If driving, paid parking is available in the downtown lot next to the aquarium complex.

When to Get There

Houston’s aquarium is open every day of the year from 10am; it closes at 8:30pm Sunday through Thursday and 10pm on Friday and Saturday. To beat the crowds, visit early or late in the day, even an hour or two before closing—you can get through the main aquarium fairly quickly. Expect throngs on weekends, holidays, and school breaks.

Ride the Train Under the Sharks

For added fun, spring for a train ticket that takes you through the Downtown Aquarium’s Shark Voyage, a tunnel through a 200,000-gallon (757,000-liter) tank filled with sharks swimming overhead. There are several outdoor attractions worth exploring, too, plus amusement rides including a 100-foot (30.5-meter) Ferris wheel and an aquatic carousel.

Ways to explore

It’s easy to purchase Downtown Aquarium tickets online or on-site. All-day admission covers all the exhibits, including the touch tank and Shark Voyage train ride, plus animal presentations and unlimited amusement rides. Some experiences, such as tiger encounters, require extra tickets.

The Downtown Aquarium is close to Market Square Park and Houston City Hall, which makes it easy to pair with a guided sightseeing tour of the downtown area. If you plan to visit Space Center Houston in addition to the aquarium, you can get discounted admission to both attractions—and three more of your choice—with the Houston CityPASS®.

Accessibility

The Downtown Aquarium is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

All ages are welcome at the aquarium, though some rides have minimum height requirements.

What to pack

Some attractions and activities are outdoors, so bring sunscreen in addition to your camera for snapping photos of marine life.

What to wear

Dress for Houston’s weather, which is often warm and humid, and wear comfortable shoes for exploring the exhibits on foot.

Not allowed

Smoking, outside food and drink, non-service animals

Amenities

Restrooms, gift shop, dining options, valet parking

Address 

You can walk to the Downtown Aquarium from nearby attractions, such as Market Square Park, and many guided tours and downtown hotels provide drop-off at the aquarium upon request. Otherwise, get there by car, rideshare, or public transportation.

Driving

The aquarium is just off I-45 and within a 30-minute drive of most Houston attractions. You can find the entrance on Bagby Street; paid parking and valet are available on-site.

Public transportation

The METRORail, Houston’s light-rail system, makes getting around downtown Houston a breeze. The Red, Green, and Purple Lines intersect at Central Station, located about a 10-minute walk from the aquarium.

Best times to visit

The aquarium is busiest at midday. Explore the exhibits during the quieter morning hours, then stop by the restaurant for lunch.

Best days to visit

Weekdays—as opposed to weekends, holidays, and school breaks—mean shorter lines for the aquarium’s rides, games, and activities.

Best months to visit

The aquarium is a year-round attraction, but you’ll most enjoy its Ferris wheel and other outdoor attractions in the milder months of February–April and September–November.