Austin Aquarium (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Austin Aquarium?
What makes it 92% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can touch starfish, feed sharks, meet mermaids and finish the small circuit before boredom strikes; parents only need to budget extra for tokens and keep watch near open tanks.
Positives:
- Interactive Learning: Kids can touch and feed animals to learn about marine life hands-on.
- Stroller Accessibility: Most exhibit paths are wide enough for strollers and carriers.
- Daily Events: Mermaid shows and meet-and-greets add variety to each visit.
Challenges:
- Narrow Walkways: Some hallways can get crowded, making it hard to maneuver strollers.
- Token Costs: Feeding tokens cost $27 for 10 and are non-refundable.
- No Outside Food: Outside snacks are not allowed unless you book a private event.
What is Austin Aquarium?
- A privately owned interactive aquarium and entertainment complex located on U.S. Highway 183 in North Austin, Texas
- A living exhibit of marine, freshwater and terrestrial species—from tropical fish and rays to sharks, reptiles and exotic birds—presented in themed exhibition halls
- An educational venue featuring touch tanks and regularly scheduled animal encounter programs within a family-friendly setting
What is so special about Austin Aquarium for with kids?
- Interactive touch tanks with fish, snakes, and birds.
- Token-based feedings for rays, sharks, and octopus.
- Mermaid shows on weekends and school breaks.
- Princess makeovers for an extra-themed experience.
- Compact layout perfect for families with young kids.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to explore exhibits, touch tanks, and watch mermaid shows without rushing younger kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Austin Aquarium
Free Animal Encounters:
Touch and observe snakes, doctor fish, macaws, and tortoises in interactive tanks.
Tip: Arrive early to beat crowds and have more time at each touch tank.
Stingray & Shark Feedings:
Feed rays, sharks, and tropical fish using token-based feeders.
Tip: Buy a 10-token pack online for $27 to skip lines at the door.
Mermaid Appearances:
Watch costumed mermaids swim and take photos on weekends and school breaks.
Tip: Check the daily schedule and arrive before 11 AM to secure front-row spots.
Princess Makeovers:
Kids get hair and makeup in princess costumes, then tour the aquarium in character.
Tip: Book online at least a day in advance and add nail polish for $10.
Tropical & Rainforest Exhibits:
Walk through vivariums housing exotic birds, frogs, and glowing jellyfish.
Tip: Use the stroller-friendly paths to rest little ones between exhibits.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Austin Aquarium
- Buy Tokens Online: Purchase feeding tokens in advance online to save time at the door.
- Visit on Weekdays: Weekday mornings are less crowded and ideal for younger children.
- Combine Free and Paid Activities: Start with free encounters before doing token feedings to stretch your budget.
Reviews of Austin Aquarium
becky castillo
Went on a Saturday early evening about 6pm. It was slightly crowded due to the size of the space. It was a much smaller place than we expected. Entrance was $99 for 2 people with 25 coins for animal interaction however most animals were already put up for the night which would have been nice to know in advance so I wouldn't have bought them extra..the good thing is you could use them to discount a...
Ciara Lindley
My young kids and I have come here quite a few times over the years. This review is late as the pics are from November of 2024 (almost a year ago) so I'm not sure which animals are still there even though we have been since then. It is pretty pricey to pay entrance fees and token fees, and it does seem a bit commercialized. I'm not an animal expert so I can't attest to the condition of the animals...
J Alfredo A
Mixed feelings about this place, at first sight you wouldnt think theres al aquarium inside a mall, and had low expectations about it. When you pay the entrance fee, they offer you a lot of activities bit theyre privey and requires some tokens, I recommend you to take a look around first and then come back if you really want to do it. They have a lot of incredible animals, not only animals belong ...
Jennifer Smith
The place can be overwhelming and it is a bit pricey. You have to buy coins for most of the interactions. Interactions can vary from 2 to 8+ coins. Feeding the animals is usually 1 coin. It was about $100 for 3 tickets and 10 coins. The place has gotten better, it has gotten cleaner and they have more staff available to help with the animal experiences. Although it’s not always easy to get someon...
Frish Fesh
I visited with my family and had a great time. There's a lot of animals to see and you can pay extra to interact with them. It's more like an exotic petting zoo than an aquarium but still very cool. Had a lovely encounter with Helena who was very friendly and knowledgeable about the porcupine. The aquarium is kind of small but overall the place is very cool and I recommend to families or for coupl...
When is the best time to visit Austin Aquarium (Austin, United States)?
Summer and holiday weekends get busy. Visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds. Mermaid shows run weekends and school breaks.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket x2 | USD 49.94 |
| Child ticket x2 | USD 49.94 |
| 10 feeding tokens pack | USD 27 |
| Total Estimated | USD 126.88 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Austin Aquarium
Address: 13530 US-183 #101, Austin, TX 78750, USA
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About Austin Aquarium
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
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+1 512-222-5586Average price
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