Photographer: Kevin Stillman
Moody Gardens is the 156-acre eight phase project of Moody
Foundation.
Existing now are:
Aquarium Pyramid has more than 100,000 sq. ft. of
exhibit space and nearly two million gallons of water to showcase
the ocean waters of the North Pacific, Edge of the Antarctic, the
tropical Pacific's Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, and the
colorful Caribbean. Visitors view the ocean habitats from two
levels, one providing a shoreline view from above the water, and
the other submerging the visitor into the depths of the exhibit
waters. Walk-through exhibits, demonstrations, and educational
opportunities lets visitors learn about marine creatures with whom
we share our planet.
Discovery Pyramid is the second in a trilogy of
unique glass pyramids. NASA's Johnson Space Center and the
non-profit Moody Gardens teamed up to bring all the wonders of
space into amazing focus for guests of Moody Gardens. This pyramid
also has three IMAX Ridefilm Theaters, offering visitors a
thrilling motion-based space film they won't soon forget. Space
travelers strap themselves into their seats and hold on for a
moving shaking ride across the cosmos, their senses heightened by
the 180-degree wraparound screen and sparkling IMAX sound.
Admission.
Rainforest Pyramid, rising 10 stories, represents
rain forests of Asia, Africa, and South America. Experience the
exotic rain forest; butterflies abound among waterfalls, cliffs,
caverns, Mayan Colonnade, and an ever-changing array of tropical
plants. Clear, blue pools are filled with tropical fish; quiet
ponds with exotic wading birds. Bat Cave turns night into day so
visitors are able to see 60 fruit bats behind large glassed-in
cave. Open Sun. - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Fri. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 9
p.m. Labor Day through Memorial Day; daily 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. during
summer. Admission. IMAX Theater/Visitor Center projects 3D films on
a 6-story screen. Within complex is Visitor Center and Gardens
Restaurant overlooking Gulf waters and a nightly presentation of
Dancing Waters. Palm Beach, Texas' only white sand beach with
freshwater swimming lagoons, whirlpools, volleyball, a 400'
pier/dock, and paddleboats. Yellow Submarine and Octopus Slide
features 30-ft. submarine with fully operational periscope, water
gun, and dive horn. Open weekends in May, daily mid-May - Labor
Day. Admission.
Formal gardens, Japanese Garden of Life, the Vietnam Memorial,
Hope Rose Garden, Horticulture Terraces, the Vineyard, plus
nature/walking trails. For information, call 800/582-4673.