Moody Gardens Theme Park, Hotel, & Convention Center Galveston tx
Moody Gardens Galveston TX is an educational tourist attraction, hotel and convention center with a golf course in Galveston, TX. Moody Gardens opened in 1986. The non-profit tourist destination educates and excites visitors using nature to teach them about conservation and wildlife.
Three Pyramids at Moody Gardens Galveston TX
Moody Gardens theme park features three main pyramid attractions:
- Aquarium Pyramid, which is one of the largest in the region and holds many species of fish and other marine animals.
- Rainforest Pyramid, which contains tropical plants, animals, birds, butterflies, reptiles, and a variety of other rainforest animals including free-roaming monkeys and two-toed sloths.
- Discovery Pyramid, which focuses on science-oriented exhibits and activities.
Palm Beach at Moody Gardens Galveston TX
Another major attraction at Moody Gardens is Palm Beach, a landscaped white sand beach. Palm Beach is situated adjacent to, but not connected to Galveston Bay. Palm Beach opened in 1988. The water park features Aquarium Adventure, a group of slides with a dump bucket, a wave pool, freshwater lagoons, and a lazy river. Palm Beach also includes Tower Slides (two water slides), and Splashpad, a toddler play area.
3D & 4D Theaters at Moody Gardens Galveston TX
Moody Gardens features a MG 3D Theater with motion-based pod seating and the largest screen in the state of Texas. The complex also has a 4D Special FX Theater. Moody Gardens is home to the Colonel Paddlewheel cruise boat, a hotel, a convention center, and a golf course.
Sky Trail Ropes Course at Moody Gardens Galveston TX
In May 2014, Moody Gardens opened the tallest steel ropes course on the Gulf Coast. The five-tier Sky Trail Ropes Course (or “challenge course”) is five stories tall – standing at 81 feet (25 m) tall – and features 48 obstacles (or “elements”) with the obstacles gradually getting harder with each tier. The Moody Gardens Zip Line is 500 feet (150 m) long and is connected to another steel tower located at the far end of Palm Beach next to the wave pool – suspending visitors 60 feet (18 m) above Palm Beach, allowing them to get a bird’s eye view of the Moody Gardens pyramids and tropical gardens. The ropes course and zip line was manufactured, installed, and is serviced by Ropes Courses Inc. The ropes course and zip line is open year-round during the weekend and the weekdays during school holidays and weekday evening during Festival of Lights.
Sky Tykes Ropes Course at Moody Gardens Galveston TX
Moody Gardens also features the Sky Tykes Ropes Course for those under 48 inches (120 cm) tall. It has 9 obstacles (or “elements”) and is situated on one level. The open course design allows for easy parent participation for any level of assistance needed. Parents can also walk alongside their child. Each participant (adult and child) is outfitted with a full body harness and a safety lanyard or sling line. This unique system also allows participants to choose their path through the course while going at their own pace with the ability to pass other participants at each platform.
Moody Gardens Golf Course
In 2007, the Moody Foundation signed an agreement with the City of Galveston to completely rebuild the city’s municipal golf course. The course reopened in June 2008 under the moniker Moody Gardens Golf Course. The $17 million comprehensive renovation, included new turf grass, green complexes, elevations, irrigation, drainage, cart paths, greens and a full clubhouse renovation.
The new course was designed by Peter Jacobsen of Jacobsen Hardy Golf Course Design and was constructed to keep historical features of the course while improving certain holes and course flow. The par 72 course measures 6,900 yards from the back tees, with 5 sets of tees to accommodate all playing abilities.
Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens Galveston TX
In November and December of each year, Moody Gardens hosts the Festival of Lights. The mile long trail features one million lights themed to holiday music with live entertainment and an outdoor ice rink. Additional attractions include holiday films at the MG3D Theater, 4D Special FX Theater and Ridefilm Theater. The Garden Restaurant features a holiday buffet and the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat offers evening cruises.
General
Hours
- Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM -4:00 PM
Hours are subject to change.
Tickets
ONE DAY VALUE PASS
Ticket offers admission to the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, Discovery Museum, Ropes Course (Zipline requires a separate discounted ticket), Colonel Paddlewheel Boat (sailing selected times only- see schedule), a show in each theater (MG 3D Theater, 4D Special FX Theater and 20,000 Leagues Interactive Adventure). $55-$80. Prices Subject to Change.
ONE DAY VALUE PASS
Child/Senior
Ticket offers admission to the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, Discovery Museum, Ropes Course (Zipline requires a separate discounted ticket), Colonel Paddlewheel Boat (sailing selected times only- see schedule), a show in each theater (MG 3D Theater, 4D Special FX Theater and 20,000 Leagues Interactive Adventure). $55-$70. Prices Subject to Change.
Child ages 4 to 12
Senior age 65+
COMBO TICKETS
There are combo tickets available for the Aquarium, the Rainforest, 3D & 4D theaters, Discovery Pyramid, Audience Recognition Theater, Colonel Paddlewheel, and Dinos Alive + Dino Movie. Prices by attraction.
Take a look at my other blogs on this website, the exciting pleasure Pier, galveston, TX (mygalvestonrealtor.com) and charming rosenberg Library, Galveston, TX (mygalvestonrealtor.com).
Visit GALVESTON.COM: Attractions – Galveston, TX to learn more about other exciting attractions to visit while you’re in Galveston.