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Austin Aquarium — New Year's Eve Kids Activities in Austin

Austin Aquarium

4.1(8,593)4.1 out of 5 stars, 8593 reviews Austin, TX

About Austin Aquarium

The Austin Aquarium offers unique interactive experiences with marine life and exotic animals, making it an engaging destination for families looking for educational and hands-on activities.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Families looking for a fun and educational outingChildren interested in marine life and animalsParents wanting a memorable experience for their kidsBest suited for children aged 3-12 who enjoy hands-on learning and animal interactionsOlder children may find some exhibits less engaging

Why families love it

  • Interactive exhibits with stingrays, sharks, and exotic birds
  • Friendly and knowledgeable staff
  • Clean facilities and well-maintained tanks
  • Vibrant displays of marine life including glowing jellyfish and playful otters
  • Sloth interaction experience ($50 per person)
  • Walk-through aviary with free-flying birds

Insider tips

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds and long lines
  • Purchase tickets online to save time but be prepared for entrance line
  • Inquire about special experiences as soon as you arrive to manage wait times

Good to know before you go

  • Visiting during peak school hours when crowded
  • Times when large groups are scheduled to visit
  • Crowded, especially with school groups
  • Long wait times for special experiences like the sloth interaction
  • Reports of inadequate animal enclosures leading to stress among animals
Crowds
Gets busy during weekends and school holidays; expect larger crowds during special events
Value
General admission prices not specified; sloth experience is $50 per person. Value may vary based on individual experiences and interactions. Consider potential hidden costs for tokens and special experiences.
Food
No specific food and drink rules mentioned, but check on-site for any restrictions
Accessibility
Building is accessible, but specific accommodations for special needs not detailed
Safety
Staff supervision in animal interaction areas; cleanliness of facilities noted

What parents say

Jeanette Masloski
3.03.0 out of 5 stars
"Crowded. Lots of school groups. Bought the sloth experience (50$ per person) right when we arrived. We were first on the list. I had to inquire about when we get to do it 3 times with the reply being that weight & health check need to be done. After two hours, I asked for a refund as we had to leave. They immediately said we could go in. It was very controlled & the worker was the one interacting with the sloth. My mom got to offer it a piece of cucumber and stroke the side twice before being told that was enough. I was able to touch it once. While the handler continued to feed & pet it. My"

a month ago

Emerson
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"Wonderful time, really cool exhibits for good token prices! Accessible building, and a very talkative and friendly staff! It was a truly informative experience to use the tokens my friend and I got for the aquarium, it felt worth the money to learn more about the animals and interact with them alongside those caring for them every day. When my friend and I went, we weren’t able to finish the entire aquarium, and I had driven from San Antonio to look at everything there was to see with him. We talked to the wonderful employee up front, I wish we got a name, and he was kind enough to be able to"

a week ago

Shardae Coruthers
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"Our family’s visit to the Austin Aquarium was truly unforgettable! From the moment we walked in, we were surrounded by vibrant marine life and hands-on experiences that made the day exciting for everyone. The interactive exhibits were a huge hit—getting to touch stingrays, feed sharks, and even hold exotic birds made it more than just an ordinary aquarium trip. The kids were in awe of the glowing jellyfish and colorful tropical fish, while the otters kept us entertained with their playful antics. The staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to share fun facts about the ani"

a month ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.