Downtown Aquarium -vs- Moody Gardens (Houston, Galveston: renting, house, live)

[Mike78613]

Hey all,

Need some help from the locals.

Looking to do some family fun for the weekend, but not wanting to burn out my checking acct though.

So I came across Downtown Aquarium and Moody Gardens. So if you was to choose which one, which should I check out?

I been to the Downtown Aquarium out in Denver, so I assume that the one in Houston / downtown will probably not be any difference and I thought it was pretty cool, but very quick.

Now, Moody Gardens looks interesting, but it seems that they'll pick-pocket ya if you do-not get the daily pass for $39.99. So a family of 4, it will cost about $160.00 (w/ wife & 2-children).

Also would the Boardwalk be worth enjoying with kids?

Thanks all for any input on my question and also I am up to other attractions on what there is to do w/ family.

Many thanks!

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Originally Posted by Mike78613

Hey all,

Need some help from the locals.

Looking to do some family fun for the weekend, but not wanting to burn out my checking acct though.

So I came across Downtown Aquarium and Moody Gardens. So if you was to choose which one, which should I check out?

I been to the Downtown Aquarium out in Denver, so I assume that the one in Houston / downtown will probably not be any difference and I thought it was pretty cool, but very quick.

Now, Moody Gardens looks interesting, but it seems that they'll pick-pocket ya if you do-not get the daily pass for $39.99. So a family of 4, it will cost about $160.00 (w/ wife & 2-children).

Also would the Boardwalk be worth enjoying with kids?

Thanks all for any input on my question and also I am up to other attractions on what there is to do w/ family.

Many thanks!

Moody Gardens also has the man made beach, some fun rides, IMAX. You can also go to the beach in Galveston. I know, I know, not Cozumel by any stretch, but in all honesty, kids to not care, only adults do.

My wife and I took the kids out to Galveston this past Sunday, all we did was hang out for about an hour, or so at the beach, the kids liked being able to wade out and jump into the waves coming in (was a RED flag day, so nice waves coming in). It is so shallow, no danger at all, but the kids liked jumping into, and over the waves.

After Galveston, we trekked down to Kemah and the kids "rinsed" off at the water feature there. We then went to the Cadillac Bar and had dinner. The kids really enjoyed it, it tired them out, and they went to bed early because of it.

There is also NASA on the way back. Next time, we are thinking of just staying overnight in Galveston, or even renting a beach house for a couple of nights.

[westres1]

Moody Gardens has more to do than DT Aquarium. And as above mentioned you could hit the beach for an hour also. And that is free. The hermit crabs are out and the kids love to make crab castles for them to "live" in. All you have to do is wiggle your toes in knee deep water and you will find them.

Moody Gardens....is expensive. The 3D movie is only 8-12 mins long and I think it costs $15. I am not sure if the rainforest pyramid has re-opened.

[ShelbyGirl1]

Downtown has the white tigers....but I think Moody Gardens is far better. Kemah Boardwalk is worth a stroll through..If your lucky, you may see some dolphins just off shore. A pod seems to hang out right off the boardwalk. We see them all the time via boat. Speaking of which....The Beast is available for boat rides. The kids really love it.

[sevfiv]

Moody Gardens, most definitely. I think day passes are ~$35 per person.

[CDeb]

I've never been to Moody Gardens, but I was underwhelmed by the downtown aquarium, especially for the price. The white tigers exhibit was cool, though. I was picking up my toddler off of the groud near the glass when one of the tigers put both of his front paws on the glass like he was going to pounce on me. Even with the glass there, I nearly had to change my shorts.

[TexasTheKid]

The Downtown Aquarium is a pricey Joe's Crabshack with some fish tanks and a ferris wheel. Personally, I think you'd be better off in Galveston. Even if you opt against Moody Gardens, you still have the beach which kids seems to universally love (and it's absolutely free). Also, kids seem to love the Bolivar ferry (also free - and possible to see dolphins). Back and forth to Bolivar will occupy about an hour, and if you spend the rest of your time on the beach, you can get away with spending just the cost of a meal for lunch or dinner. That's cheaper than Moody Gardens or the Aquarium. If you still have time left in the day, go to Deer Park and visit the Battleship Texas. Kids love that too, and it's very reasonably priced.