Why You Should Visit:
Pyramids in Texas? Yes, but don’t expect the desert. Think more tropical. These 3 educational pyramids will captivate people of any age. Moody Gardens is part field trip, part vacation.
Great Field Trip for These Topics:
The Rainforest
Marine Biology
Oceanography
Conservation
Where to Begin Your Field Trip:
Decide what you would like to do before you go, and order combo tickets and packages online.
There are three pyramids to explore; the Aquarium Pyramid, the Rainforest Pyramid, and the Discovery Pyramid. Additionally, there is a 3D and a 4D theatre, the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, the new Virtual Reality Reef Rescue, a Ropes Course & Zipline, and the seasonal Palm Beach Water Park.
There is so much to do you might consider staying at their hotel, which also offers packages.
What Can You Expect to See & Do While Here?
The Rainforest Pyramid: Explore the wonders of the rainforest without the mosquitoes and man-eating ants. This pyramid-shaped conservatory is spectacular. Note that the tropical environment will feel swampy. Dress lightly for this one.
The Aquarium Pyramid: Dive into the depths of the ocean and meet some magnificent sea creatures. The favorite here were the touch tanks. Students will learn about marine life, as well as conservation and stewardship.
The Discovery Pyramid: The exhibits change from time to time in this pyramid. Right now, you can visit Skeletown to learn about the science of bones, and how bones are looked at culturally around the world. Then, go 20,000 Leagues Under in their new interactive adventure show.
The Colonel Paddlewheel Boat: While this is not an authentic steam-powered paddlewheel boat, the paddles still spin and the replica does a nice job of giving you an idea of what it would have been like to step aboard a boat like this in the 1800s.
3-D and 4-D Theaters: The 3-D Theater shows a good variety of educational short films, and the 4-D Special FX Theater shows 12-minute films that will shake, rattle, and probably rain on you. These are always a big hit with kids.
Reef Rescue Virtual Reality Experience: This VR experience focuses on ocean conservation. Players will work together to restore a coral reef back to health.
The Ropes Course & Zip Line: This attraction is perfect for kids who ‘would like to accept the physical challenge.’
The Palm Beach Water Park: At the end of a busy day, relax in the lazy river or in a lounge chair on the sandy beach, or keep the party going on the waterslides and wave pool.
Tips for Visitors
More Galveston area field trips to consider while here:
- Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and The Seawall
- Galveston Railroad Museum
- 1877 Tall Ship Elissa at the Texas Seaport
- Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum
Galveston is an island rich in history. Take a historical tour to find out what life was like at the turn of the century, before and after the hurricane of 1900 (the deadliest natural disaster in US history.)
The beaches, Galveston Island State Park, and Schlitterbahn Water Park also draw in many visitors.
Additional Resources
Marine Science for Kids: Exploring and Protecting Our Watery World, Includes Cool Careers and 21 Activities (For Kids series) by Josh & Bethanie Hestermann
Book: Explore My World Rain Forests by Marfe Ferguson Delano
Toy: National Geographic 3D Rainforest Kit
