What is the Austin Aquarium and what can you see there?

The Austin Aquarium is a 22,000-square-foot, for-profit facility housing around 8,000 animals. It features marine, reptile, and bird exhibits, and offers interactive experiences where visitors can pet and interact with Red Ruffed lemurs.

What are the hours of operation?

The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

How much does admission cost?

Adult tickets (ages 12+) cost $24.95, and tickets for children ages 3 to 11 cost $19.95. Seniors (55+), military members, and college students can purchase tickets for $22.95, while children aged 2 and under enter for free.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Austin Aquarium in Austin

What to know

The Austin Aquarium is a privately owned, for-profit aquarium located in Austin, Texas. Officially opening its doors to the public on December 12, 2013, the facility was founded by brothers Ammon and Vince Covino. Spanning approximately 22,000 square feet, this indoor family entertainment center provides a home to around 8,000 animals, offering visitors a diverse look at creatures from both land and sea. Since its debut, it has marketed itself as a premier family entertainment center in the Austin area. Within its walls, the aquarium features a wide array of exhibits, showcasing marine life, reptiles, and birds. It sets itself apart from traditional aquariums by focusing heavily on close-up, interactive experiences. Notably, the facility is recognized as one of only two locations in the United States where patrons can directly interact with and pet lemurs. Visitors can get up close with playful and curious Red Ruffed lemurs as part of these specialized interactive animal experiences. Over the years, the aquarium has established itself as a popular destination for families, operating daily to welcome guests. However, its history has also faced public scrutiny. In August of 2022, the aquarium received warnings from the USDA for violations concerning the improper handling of animals. Despite these past controversies, the venue remains a busy hub for families and animal lovers. The aquarium operates with daily ticket sales and offers tiered admission pricing, including discounts for children, seniors, military personnel, and college students, while keeping admission free for toddlers aged two and under. It provides a climate-controlled, hands-on environment in the northern corridor of the city.

Visitor tips

Plan your visit between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., as the aquarium is open daily during these hours.
Take advantage of discounted tickets if you are a senior, student, or military member, and note that kids 2 and under enter for free.
Look into booking an interactive experience if you want to get up close and pet the curious Red Ruffed lemurs.

Nearby context

Located at 13530 North Highway 183 in Austin, the aquarium sits in a bustling commercial area in the northern part of the city. While it is situated away from the historic downtown core, its location along a major highway makes it easily accessible by car for families looking to combine a day of shopping or dining with a unique indoor animal adventure.