Moody Gardens Tours and Activities

Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens
Photo by George Zimzores


More than just a theme park: an aquarium, zoo, museums and rides on beautiful Galveston Bay.

Moody Gardens theme park, about an hour’s drive from Houston, is a zoo, museum and amusement park — all in one. The complex is made up of three striking pyramids: an aquarium, a tropical rainforest and a discovery center for traveling museum exhibits. These are spread out among hotels, restaurants and gardens on the waterfront at Galveston Bay.

The Rainforest Pyramid is a 10-story building that houses a climate-controlled rainforest. Monkeys, sloths, birds and butterflies move freely through the trees. A waterway system running through the ground floor is home to Chinese alligators and Amazon otters. There are mock Mayan ruins, waterfalls and even a bat cave. Stroll along walkways that wind through the pyramid’s ground floor and on elevated platforms amongst the trees.

The Aquarium Pyramid is the largest of the three pyramids with four separate ocean displays. You’ll find coral reef and tropical fish in the South Pacific exhibit, five different types of penguins in the icy South Atlantic and seals in the North Pacific. Walk beneath sharks, turtles and eels in an underwater tunnel through the Caribbean.

The Discovery Pyramid, located in the middle of the gardens, is constantly changing. A roster of exhibits from around the world, usually involving science and nature, feature informative, interactive activities.

In addition to the pyramids, there’s a host of activities. During summer enjoy the water park with its man-made sandy beach, water slides and wave pool. Play a round of golf at the newly renovated Moody Gardens Golf Course year-round, or go for an idyllic boat ride on the bay. There are 3-D and 4-D cinemas, as well as a RideFilm theater that features an 18-seat ride with a 180-degree wraparound screen.

Buy tickets separately for individual attractions, or purchase a one- or two-day Value Pass. Moody Gardens is a non-profit attraction, so proceeds of ticket sales go to the park’s conservation and research activities.

Moody Gardens is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of downtown Houston by car and there’s plenty of free parking.

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Best Lodging Options Near Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

4 out of 5
7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

4 out of 5
5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston

Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston

3 out of 5
5914 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston
Inn at The Waterpark

Inn at The Waterpark

2 out of 5
2525 Jones Dr, Galveston, TX
Inn at The Waterpark
Galveston Beach Hotel

Galveston Beach Hotel

2.5 out of 5
8710 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Galveston Beach Hotel
Quality Inn & Suites Galveston - Beachfront

Quality Inn & Suites Galveston - Beachfront

2.5 out of 5
5924 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Quality Inn & Suites Galveston - Beachfront
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston West Seawall

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston West Seawall

3 out of 5
2901 63RD STREET, Galveston, TX
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston West Seawall
Holiday Inn Galveston Island by IHG

Holiday Inn Galveston Island by IHG

2.5 out of 5
7220 Broadway, Galveston, TX
Holiday Inn Galveston Island by IHG
Beachy Vibe - 2 Decks - Huge Bunk Room for Kids - Near Moody Gardens & Beach

Beachy Vibe - 2 Decks - Huge Bunk Room for Kids - Near Moody Gardens & Beach

Galveston
Beachy Vibe - 2 Decks - Huge Bunk Room for Kids - Near Moody Gardens & Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens offers a variety of exciting activities, including exploring the theme park, indulging in virtual tours, and enjoying area sightseeing. You can also take a scenic walk to Moody Gardens and play a round of golf at the nearby course. Don’t miss the opportunity for birdwatching in this beautiful setting, making your visit truly memorable.

Shopping

Moody Gardens offers delightful shopping experiences nearby. Visit the Tanger Outlets, 25.7km away, for great deals. If you're up for a drive, explore Mall of the Mainland, 22.5km away, and the Outlet Shops at La Marque, 20.9km away, both with a vibrant family-friendly atmosphere.

Recreation

Moody Gardens Golf Course offers an immersive outdoor experience with lush greens and challenging holes, perfect for golf enthusiasts. For family fun, delight in the whimsical Magic Carpet Golf, where adventure awaits. The Galveston Country Club provides a luxurious retreat, featuring upscale amenities and a tranquil atmosphere.

Adventure

Experience the thrills of Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark, located 483m from Moody Gardens, offering family-friendly water slides and attractions. For karting enthusiasts, the Galveston Go Kart and Fun Center, 3.2km away, promises adrenaline-pumping races. Don't miss LagoonFest, 24.1km away, featuring exciting water activities for all ages.

Nightlife

At Moody Gardens, the nightlife buzzes with excitement. The Strand Theatre offers cultural and romantic experiences, while the Haunted Mayfield Manor provides thrilling family adventures. For a cinematic escape, visit Pier 21 Theater, perfect for family entertainment and intimate moments.

Find the best attractions near Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, offers a variety of attractions including the jetty pier, stunning beaches, and a vibrant event conference venue. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying a beach and city experience. Must-see spots include the iconic Moody Gardens pyramids, making it a perfect destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and exploration in this beautiful coastal city.

  • Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: Enjoy a delightful mix of amusement rides and games at this charming pier. With its friendly atmosphere and historical significance, it's perfect for families seeking fun and nostalgia.
  • Galveston Island Convention Center: This modern venue hosts various events and conferences. Its business-oriented vibe makes it ideal for networking and professional gatherings while offering stunning views of the Gulf.
  • Seawall Beach: Relax on the sandy shores of Seawall Beach, where you can soak up the sun, swim, or take a leisurely stroll along the scenic seawall. The beach vibe creates a perfect getaway atmosphere.

Best time to go to Moody Gardens

Visitor numbers around Moody Gardens is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Moody Gardens is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April70.0°F (21.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.4°F (28.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July83.8°F (28.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August84.2°F (29.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September81.0°F (27.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Moody Gardens

For a budget-friendly visit to Moody Gardens, consider exploring free attractions like Galveston Island Beaches and the Seawall. Travel during the off-peak months of December to February for lower accommodation rates, and aim to book your stay on a Tuesday for the best prices. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates and filter for eco-friendly options, and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Keep an eye out for special hotel deals and discounts to make the most of your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Moody Gardens are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Moody Gardens is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Moody Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable accommodations first. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel category; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save on costs by combining your Moody Gardens hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.