Moody Gardens in Galveston, TX 77554

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, an IMAX 3D movie theater, and more.

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 $15.95; Seniors and Children (4-12) $13.95, (3 & under) free.

The 10-story Rainforest Pyramid is temporarily closed until summer, 2010 for an enhancement project.

The IMAX 3D Theater has a movie screen six stories high and eight stories wide. Admission: Adults $9.95; Seniors and Children (4-12) $7.95, (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 $9.95; Seniors and Children (4-12) $7.95, (3 & under) free.

At Palm Beach, families can relax in cool, freshwater lagoons and waterfalls, and play on a splash pad and waterslides. Jacuzzis and regulation sand volleyball are also on site. Palm Beach at Moody Gardens offers a safe and clean place to play, with lifeguards, showers, lockers, a gift shop, and a full-service concession stand. It's open seasonally, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission: $10.95 per person; children (3 & under) free.

Dinner and private cruises are also available aboard an authentic replica of an 1800's paddlewheel boat. Admission: Adults $8.95; Seniors and Children (4-12) $6.95, (3 & under) free.

Day Passes are also available. One-day passes are $39.95, and are good for one admission to each attraction. Two-day passes, for $43.95, are good for unlimited admission to all Moody Garden attractions over the course of two consecutive days.

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.