As you are approaching the island of Galveston, the tops of the Pyramids for Moody Gardens can be seen. However, to get to the Gardens takes more than a straight drive down main street, as it is located at the other end of the island from much of the shopping, public beaches, hotels and tourist centers.
Moody Gardens, in Galveston, Texas began in the 1980’s as a therapy center for individuals with head injuries. The facilities were only a horse barn and riding area. Over the past twenty-five years they have grown to one of the United States most popular and educational facilities with over 2 million visitors a year. The Gardens also provide therapy, education and employment for individuals with a wide range of physical and/or emotional disabilities.
The facilities at Moody Gardens have grown to include nine major attractions. When you arrive, you are able to purchase tickets for individual exhibits, for all attractions and multiple day passes. A one day pass to all attractions and exhibits is $44.95 and a two day pass is $49.95. Annual memberships are available: family membership is $320.00, Individual membership is $85.00 and the Palm Beach membership is $25.00. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as there is a great deal of walking in this garden area, as well as through the exhibits.
The first exhibit available is the Aquarium Pyramid. This building’s unique structure allows it to have four different exhibits with over 1 million gallons of water. Each exhibit is divided into areas of the world and as you tour through the pyramid you can enjoy natural aquatic wonders from the Caribbean, South Atlantic, North Pacific and South Pacific. The muted music and lights as well as the majesty of each of the ocean creatures are on full display. Visitors walk through tunnels of water, where they are surrounded by ocean creatures, with a view almost as good as that of scuba diving. The aquarium is home to: sharks, sea turtles, eels, and thousands of beautiful tropical fish. The South Atlantic exhibits penguins frolicking in their natural frigid habitat and is designed to closely resemble the beaches of the South. In the North Pacific section of the aquarium visitors may observe harbor seals, fur seals and sea lions as they play and dive. Sea urchins and anemones may be viewed in a slightly swirling tide pool. The natural habitat from Northern California to the Gulf of Alaska with a kelp forest exhibits much of the diversity of ocean life indigenous to this coastline. The Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea are featured in the South Pacific exhibit. This exhibit allows visitors to walk through a lower level of the pyramid taking you into an underwater environment to view more than 200 species of fish, stingrays and small sharks.
My children were most fascinated by the Rainforest Pyramid. This exhibit is a real life interactive Rainforest housed in a 10-story pyramid. No cages or wire are anywhere to be seen. The top of the pyramid keeps the birds, tropical fish, reptiles and other animals from escaping but allows you to observe them in their natural habitat. Birds will light upon a branch directly over your head. Lizards and other creatures can be observed by careful observation in a true replica of the environment of the rainforests of the Americas, Africa and Asia. Seating areas are scattered throughout the exhibit and you may share your bench with a colorful bird or drink in the abundant array of exotic plants and animals.
After all that walking, you may want to visit the air conditioned IMAX 3D Theater, where you can enjoy films which will appeal to both the eyes and ears. The sound system is superb, the 3D glasses enable you to truly experience the realistic images projected on the six story high movie screen. The theater experience changes with the seasons, but currently they are featuring dinosaurs, sea monsters and the deep sea. In anticipation of the holiday season, they are adding Nutcracker, Polar Express and Nutcracker 3D movies.
Ridefilm and the 4D Special Effects Theatre also allow you to continue your cool and comfortable experience with more excitement. Adventure lovers will enjoy Ridefilm, an 18-passenger simulation ride surrounded by a seamless 180° wraparound screen. The 4D Special FX Theater takes the three dimensional experience to a whole new level. You will not only see, but hear, feel and smell the action. The system includes special effects of wind, smoke, mist, leg ticklers, seat buzzers and SFX lighting and DTS surround sound system, however, it is appropriate for almost all ages.
While you are there, take a relaxing cruise on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat. It cruises around the bay, setting sail at 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. However, note that there must be twenty-five passengers for the cruise to take place. Dinner cruises are available by reservation. Also available is the Discovery Museum. This museum exhibit changes from time to time, the current matter of scientific interest is music and waves – sound waves that is. It features interactive demonstrations.
At the end of the day, or when it is too warm to do anything else, take a trip to Palm Beach . . .at Moody Gardens that is. This area provides enjoyment and relaxation to the whole family. The softy sandy beach provides for a relaxing atmosphere along with oversized spas. A family or group can have a game of beach volleyball and everyone can enjoy water rides such as “the Yellow Submarine, the Octopus Slide, periscopes, water guns,” and other water activities.
There is also a splash pad for the younger children. water lagoons and waterfalls surrounded by lush, exotic landscaping. Relax in Texas-sized spas or enjoy a game of beach volleyball on the regulation courts. The kids will enjoy the Yellow Submarine and Octopus Slide with a periscope, dive horn, control panels, water gun and more. The Splash pad automated aquatic water feature offers interactive dump buckets; spray arches and fountains for a day of fun at the beach.
One not to be missed upcoming special event at Moody Gardens is the Festival of Lights. This festival begins this year on November 17, 2007 and goes through until January 5, 2008. Moody Garden’s decorates itself with over 1 million lights and several holiday scenes. Children may visit with Santa, parents can enjoy live entertainment and shopping and the whole family can go ice skating at the only area outdoor ice rink.
Our family usually starts out early, driving over to the island in the morning and returning late that evening. However, if you are visiting for the weekend Moody Gardens also hosts a Hotel, Spa and Convention Center directly next to the Gardens and conveniently located to the Sclitterbahn Water Park. There are also many nearby resorts and hotels.
As we drive over the bridge we are prepared for an ever changing adventure at Moody Gardens that not only provides educational entertainment, a better understanding of the earth; its plants and creatures, but a full day of family fun. We like to end it with a trip to the Galveston Rainforest Café – after all what is a day in the rainforest with out a Volcano?
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