Austin Aquarium

13530 N. Hwy 183 #101 Austin, TX 78750

Hours

Open daily 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Cost

Here are the current costs of visiting the Austin Aquarium - *Monthly discounts available:

Adults (12+): $24.95
Children (3-11): $19.95
Seniors (55+), Military, and College Students: $22.95
Children 2 and under: Free

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.

512-222-5586

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About

There's something fishy going on at the Austin Aquarium. Aside from marine life, this family-friendly attraction has reptiles, mammals, and birds.

The Austin Aquarium is a vibrant hub of sea life, exotic animals, and interactive experiences. With thousands of animals, it's a must-do Austin attraction for animal lovers, marine enthusiasts, and curious minds alike.

Since opening, the Austin Aquarium has been a beacon of adventure and learning. Its mission is to educate and inspire the conservation of our oceans and to provide an entertaining experience for everyone.

Visitors can wander through corridors of continuously flowing water, where glass walls reveal the ocean's mysteries. It's a world filled with seahorses, majestic stingrays, colorful fish, and sharks.

The aquarium's central location makes visiting other landmarks, like the Paramount Theatre easy. You can also grab a meal at any of the nearby eateries, like Perla's, which is known for seafood and oysters.

The Austin Aquarium also has lemurs that guests can interact with. Picture holding one of these curious mammals in your lap! It's a memory-making moment you and your family will cherish long after your Austin vacation.

The aquarium's dedication to immersive experiences doesn't stop there. It hosts a variety of hands-on encounters that allow guests to truly connect with the aquatic life, whether feeding a stingray or getting up close with a shark.

Austin Aquarium: Fun Facts & Cool Features

One of the most mesmerizing features of the Austin Aquarium is its interactive touch tanks. Imagine the thrill of touching a live starfish or sea urchin under the guidance of knowledgeable staff. These experiences leave lasting impressions and foster a deeper appreciation for marine life.

Another highlight is the rainforest exhibit, a carefully curated environment replicating the lush, humid jungles. This exhibit doesn't just showcase fish but introduces visitors to various reptiles and tropical birds, creating a comprehensive ecosystem experience.

But the ultimate reason to add the Austin Aquarium to your vacation itinerary is the hands-on experiences available. You and your family can feed a stingray, shark, or aviary bird. What about the chance to interact with a sloth, a Kinkajou, or a baby kangaroo? While these require extra costs, free interactions are available with snakes, toucans, ducks, and tortoises, to list a few.

Toss in special events like Sleep with the Sharks, Princess Makeovers, birthday parties, and private events, and it's easy to see why the Austin Aquarium is a hotspot in Texas.

Exploring the Austin Aquarium is a captivating adventure that enriches the mind and soul. It offers a rare blend of education, interaction, and conservation efforts wrapped in endless fun. For those looking to add a splash of wonder to their Texas vacation, the Austin Aquarium promises an unforgettable voyage into the depths of our planet's most fascinating habitats.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to the Austin Aquarium:

Start from downtown Austin, heading west on 6th St toward Lavaca St.
Take Mopac Expressway (Loop 1) north for about 5 miles.
Exit toward US-183 N/Research Blvd and merge onto US-183 N.
Continue on US-183 N. Take the exit toward Anderson Mill Road.
Merge onto Research Blvd, then turn right onto Anderson Mill Rd.
Turn left onto N FM 620/Ranch Rd 620 N.
Address: 13530 N Hwy 183 #101, Austin, TX 78750

Local Tips

Visit on weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
Purchase tickets online to save on admission prices and skip the line at the entrance.
Check their social media pages for special events or discount days.
Don't miss the feeding times; it's an excellent opportunity to have an interactive experience with aquatic life.
Consider a membership if you're a local; it pays for itself in just a few visits.

Location

13530 N. Hwy 183 #101 Austin, TX 78750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good one-day itinerary in Austin?

If you find yourself with just one day to explore Austin, let me guide you through an itinerary that encapsulates the heart and soul of this vibrant city. Begin your day by awakening your taste buds with Austin’s renowned breakfast tacos and BBQ, a culinary experience that has earned the city national acclaim. According to Eater Austin, these local specialties are a “must-try” for anyone visiting.

Once you’re fueled up, immerse yourself in the unique charm of the Rainey Street Historic District. This neighborhood, dotted with converted bungalow houses that now serve as trendy bars and restaurants, offers a distinctive dining and drinking experience. As Time Out magazine puts it, Rainey Street is a “hip strip of unique watering holes” that embodies Austin’s laid-back vibe.

Music is the heartbeat of Austin, so make sure you catch a live show at one of the city’s legendary venues like the Continental Club or Antone’s. According to Visit Austin, these venues are among the “top places to hear live music.”

And if you’re craving outdoor fun, Lady Bird Lake and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail offer breathtaking views of the downtown skyline. According to the Austin Parks Foundation, this trail is one of the “most used trails in Austin” with over 1.5 million visits annually.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Zilker Botanical Garden or the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum. And for those craving panoramic views, Mount Bonnell promises a sight that’s been named one of Austin’s “best photo ops” by Culture Trip.

As evening falls, head to the bat bridge to witness the spectacle of thousands of bats taking flight – a unique Austin experience that Lonely Planet describes as “mesmerizing.”

South Congress Avenue, or SoCo, is your next destination. With its eclectic mix of boutiques, art galleries, vintage shops, and food trucks, it encapsulates Austin’s diverse culture. The Austin Chronicle calls SoCo a “vibrant hub of unique shopping, dining, and nightlife.”

Finally, end your day by savoring a meal at one of the city’s many acclaimed restaurants, offering a range of diverse culinary delights that reflect Austin’s vibrant food scene. According to Food & Wine, Austin boasts some of the “best food in America.”

In a nutshell, this one-day itinerary offers a snapshot of what makes Austin so special. So why wait? Start planning your Austin adventure today!

What is the weather like in Austin, TX?

Discover Austin, Texas, where its distinctive climate contributes to its rising popularity among global travelers.

Enjoy the vibrant summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F (32°C), offering the perfect excuse to dive into Austin’s numerous natural swimming spots or relax under the shade of a live oak.

Winter in Austin brings mild weather, eliminating the need for heavy coats. Occasional cool fronts make it an excellent time to enjoy the city’s lively music scene and indulge in its famous BBQ comfortably.

For the ultimate Austin experience, consider visiting during spring or fall. These seasons provide the most pleasant weather, ideal for exploring music festivals, hiking scenic trails, or dining outdoors. Spring and fall in Austin are unmatched for experiencing the city’s dynamic culture and natural beauty!

What are the biggest main events in Austin?

With a year-round calendar packed with world-class events, Austin is a magnet for visitors from around the globe! Here’s a run-down of some of our biggest and most exciting events:

First up, there’s South by Southwest (SXSW), one of the biggest festivals on the planet. Each March, SXSW rolls into town, bringing with it a whirlwind of film, music, and interactive media. It’s not just a festival – it’s an experience. Expect a week-long extravaganza of conferences, screenings, performances, and networking opportunities that will leave you inspired and entertained.

Next, we have the Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival. Held over two weekends in October, ACL transforms Zilker Park into a music lover’s paradise. With a diverse lineup featuring artists from every genre imaginable, there’s something for everyone. But it’s not just about the music—the festival also offers delicious food, mesmerizing art, and other attractions that make it a must-visit event.

For adrenaline seekers, the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix is an unmissable spectacle. Every October, Austin hosts this prestigious international racing event at the state-of-the-art Circuit of the Americas (COTA), drawing motorsport fans from around the world.

Foodies, we haven’t forgotten about you. The Austin Food + Wine Festival is a culinary celebration like no other. Taking place in November, the festival showcases the best of Austin’s food scene and beyond, with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and seminars by acclaimed chefs and wine experts.

Finally, for film enthusiasts, the Austin Film Festival (AFF) is a highlight of the cultural calendar. Known for its focus on screenwriting and storytelling, AFF hosts film screenings, panel discussions, and workshops with industry professionals every October.

These events are more than just a good time—they’re a testament to Austin’s vibrant culture, diverse attractions, and welcoming spirit. So why wait? Start planning your Austin adventure today and experience the excitement for yourself. Trust us, you won’t want to miss a moment. Book your visit now!