Moody Gardens559

Visiting Galveston's Moody Gardens is like taking a trip to several different worlds, as the area includes white sand beaches, themed "pyramids," an aquarium, the MG 3D movie theater, and more. Dining options include a snack bar outside the MG 3D Theater (pizza, hot dogs, etc.), as well as the Garden Restaurant, a more formal, sit-down establishment.

The Aquarium Pyramid features over 130,000 square feet of building space and 1.5 million gallons of water, making it one of the largest aquariums in the region. The pyramid houses thousands of colorful fish, sharks, penguins, and more, in addition to education programming. Admission: Adults $20.95; Seniors and Children (4-12) $17.95, (3 & under) free.

The 10-story Rainforest Pyramid features more than 1,000 species of colorful plants, birds, fish, butterflies, and other animals from the rainforests of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Also, several times a day, tropical thunder and misty showers give visitors the sound and feel of being in a real rainforest as they walk the pathways through the different levels of the Pyramid. Admission: Adults $20.95; Seniors and Children (4-12) $17.95, (3 & under) free.

The MG 3D Theater has a movie screen six stories high and eight stories wide. Admission: Adults $10.95; Seniors and Children (4-12) $8.95, (3 & under) free.

The mysteries of science are on view in the Discovery Museum, which hosts live interactive demonstrations of remarkable science experiments. Spectacular traveling exhibits from around the country offer insights into the world of science. Admission: Adults $8.95; Seniors and Children (4-12) $6.95, (3 & under) free.

One of America's first Ridefilm Theaters boasts three specially designed screening rooms, featuring 18-seat, motion-based pods and 180-degree, wrap-around screens. You're not just watching a spectacular film - you're in it! Admission: Adults $8.95; Seniors and Children (4-12) $6.95, (3 & under) free.

The 4D Special FX Theater caters to all the senses. Smell, touch, hearing, and sight are all involved as hi-definition digital 3D projection, audio, and show control systems put the audience in the middle of the action! Admission: Adults $10.95; Seniors and Children (4-12) $8.95, (3 & under) free.

Palm Beach is open seasonally, from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends. Families can relax in freshwater lagoons, the lazy river, the wave pool, or the white sand beach - or get active and wet playing in the interactive splash pad or shooting down two 18-foot tower slides. The beach area also includes a sand volleyball court, waterfalls, and tropical landscaping. Palm Beach at Moody Gardens offers a safe and clean place to play, with lifeguards, showers, lockers, a gift shop, and a concession stand. Admission: Adults $18.95; Seniors and Children $15.95.

Dinner and private cruises are also available aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, an authentic replica of an 1800's paddlewheel boat. Admission: Adults $9.95; Seniors and Children (4-12) $7.95, (3 & under) free.

Day Passes are also available. One-day passes ($46.95 online; $49.95 at the gate) and are good for one admission to each attraction. Two-day passes ($61.95 online; $64.95 at the gate) are good for unlimited admission to all Moody Garden attractions over the course of two consecutive days. Discounted passes are available online.

Birthday parties are available for children ages one to 12, with a variety of possible themes - including a Beach Bash or an Aquarium Adventure. Guests can even meet a real rainforest animal or penguin. Call for reservations or more information.

To make a family vacation out of your visit, stay at the Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa, and Convention Center, nestled among the lush tropical surroundings and majestic pyramids of Moody Gardens.

Moody Gardens also offers summer camps for kids ages seven to 14.