With more than 20,000 fish, mammals, and reptiles from around the world, a lush jungle environment, and interactive exhibits designed to educate and entertain, there is so much to see and do at the Aquarium. The family-friendly Aquarium is one of Houston’s top attractions. With exhibits like the Amazon Rising Forest, Butterfly Pond, and Tiger Canyon, you can enter a visual world filled with sights and sounds of nature. Throughout your visit, you’ll meet birds, snakes, jellyfish, and more in various habitats that mimic their natural environments. Whether you’re looking for a fun date night with your spouse or an entertaining afternoon with the kids during a break from school – The Downtown Aquarium has something for everyone!
What to Expect at the Downtown Aquarium
The downtown aquarium houses more than 20,000 aquatic animals in a lush tropical environment. You can see sharks, stingrays, and exotic fish swimming above you or feeding a sea lion. The Aquarium also houses an exhibit that allows guests to provide and touch endangered tigers. The Amazon Rising Forest is a simulated rainforest that transports guests into the heart of a verdant jungle. Another popular exhibit is the Tropical Escapades show, a multi-sensory attraction that features music, narration, water effects, and more. Amazon Rising Forest Tropical Escapades
Amazon Rising Forest
This simulated rainforest is filled with lush vegetation, including a 50-foot tall tree where toucans, macaws, and other birds fly above you. An Amazon river runs through the middle of the room, complete with piranha, electric eels, and other fish. Touch a stingray at Stingray Beach, where these creatures glide above the sandy floor. At the exhibit’s end, feed koi and turtles from above in the Water Wheel.
Dolphin Discovery Zone
This area showcases a dolphin named Ray, who performs daily. You can watch from either the upper or lower level. See Ray interact with his trainer in the water and learn about his story.
Tiger Touch Pool
This showcase features rare white Bengal tigers that you can feed and touch. Learn about their dietary needs and the challenges of keeping them in captivity.
Gulf of Mexico exhibit
Explore this exhibit to see coral reefs, a shark tank, and sea turtles swimming above you as you walk across a bridge. Listen to the sounds of the sea and see rays swim below you.
Coastal Shores exhibit
This exhibit houses African penguins, Asian black-footed penguins, Galapagos finches, and more. You can also walk through a green barrier-free path to get close to the animals.
Sea of Giants exhibit
Look out into the Pacific Ocean in this exhibit and see sharks swim below you. Walk across a bridge to feed the sharks from above.
Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary
This exhibit is home to three rare Sumatran rhinoceroses, one of the most endangered species in the world. Learn about the rhinos and the challenges of their species.
Houston Zoo conservation area
See rare species like the Sunda pangolin and the black-and-white Raffles’s frog at the Houston Zoo conservation area. You can also feed a Nile crocodile, who might swim up above you at the splash area.
Bottom line
Visiting the Downtown Aquarium is a unique experience, as it offers a variety of exhibits that are different from those at other aquariums. From the simulated rainforest to the unusual species of rhinoceros, this Aquarium is sure to delight children and adults. The Aquarium also offers a range of special events and activities, including feeding times, special exhibits, behind-the-scenes tours, parties, and more. You can view the full calendar of events online.
