November 2013 saw the opening of the Austin Aquarium, an anticipated addition to the Austin area. Located off of Anderson Mill Rd., the aquarium houses 35 exhibits that feature a wide variety of amphibians, an interactive Lorikeet Aviary and a slew of cold water and tropical fish. There are also sharks, a stingray touch tank and reptiles.
The aquarium is dark and cool, making all of the exhibits stand out and have an oceanic feel. Upon entering, the first thing you will see is a shipwrecked boat, filled with water and anemones. A staff member will tell you all about the anemones and you are welcome to touch them!
Across from the boat are a few tanks with shrimp, a nautilus and jellyfish. The main jellyfish tank is a pillar-shaped structure with lights that rotated which made the jellyfish appear to go from red, to blue, to green. It was a cool effect and relaxing to watch.
The aquarium has 3-4 touch tanks. You and your kids are welcome to put their hands in the water and touch stingrays, sharks (little ones!), and starfish (!). We were very surprised by this feature and were excited to see what starfish and leopard sharks felt like. There are staff members at each tank instructing children on how to properly do this, and to give information about the creatures. You’re welcome to ask them anything, they’re very knowledgeable and helpful.
The back area of the aquarium is reserved for birthday parties. There are several tables and you are welcome to bring outside food, cakes and decorations. Parties include an educational interactive tour, shark, fish or bird food, goodie bags and more. Party members also have access to their own jungle gym. Right now, you can save 25 percent on a birthday party for 10, making the cost only $135 (a $180 value)! Read more about birthday parties here.
Reptiles included chameleons, frogs, lizards, skinks and our son’s favorite, a giant tortoise. When we were visiting, they had the tortoise, aptly named Spartacus, outside of its dwelling so that visitors could pet him and check him out. A staff member was available providing information and answering questions.
 
The aquarium regularly holds Sleep with the Sharks events, where guests receive a nocturnal animals tour, a behind-the scenes tour, a movie (bring treats & popcorn!) and a continental tank-side breakfast and morning bird-feeding. Right now you can save 25 percent off the non-member price, making the cost $48.71 per person. Learn more about the Sleep with the Sharks events and purchase your ticket here.
If you plan on making aquarium visits a regular thing, look into the Family Annual Pass where you can get unlimited admission for two named adults and up to three children for an entire year. This pass is normally $139.95 but you can get them right now for 25 percent off, making the cost just $104.96. Learn more about annual passes and purchase them here.
General Admission prices are $9.95 for ages 2 – 11, $14.95 for ages 12 and up and $12.95 for seniors and military members. Save $2 when you buy online! The Austin Aquarium is open Sunday – Thursday from 10 am – 7 pm and from 10 am – 8 pm on Friday and Saturday. Foster children are always FREE, as are children 2 and under. Foster children can bring a state-issued ID to get in free anytime. Follow Austin Aquarium on Facebook for random deals and specials.
The aquarium is off to a great start, and we’re excited for what the future holds!
CAN”T WAIT TO VISIT!
I have to admit I’m very disappointed in your review of the Austin Aquarium. We use your website for both family activities and we use the do512 site for adult activities.
My family and I went to the Aquarium a month ago, and while my 17 month old loved it, we felt the exhibits and the building itself were very sketchy. The “jungle gym” playground was so dark and dingy and it seemed a bit unsafe. The octopus tank was so small that the poor octopus couldn’t even move around and the employees told us he was not even full size yet. They are planning on opening a mammal exhibit but they currently have no room to do this. This place seems inhumane and I would not encourage anyone to visit such a business which condones this behavior.
Sorry you had a bad time.
Looking forward to visiting
I am ready to go just need to find a friend to go with.
What did you just publish the PR. Press release they sent you with a bunch of crappy photos? Go on yelp for some REAL reviews of this place. learn about how the owners the Covinos are convicted of illegal animal importation. Learn about the ANIMAL cruelty charges in Portland and Boise. then decide if you would like to waste your $$ and time..
No, we went, and we collected this information and took the crappy pictures.
do you have discounts for special needs group home they have very little money do you offer discounts? let me now I would love to bring them six of them mrs schoolcraft
You will have to contact the Austin Aquarium for that information – http://www.austinaquarium.com/
The fact that you gave this place a good review makes me question your judgement of fun things to do with your children. I went with my daughter’s class. The place is dark- that’s about all you got right. It was not cool at all when we went, a staff member there blamed it on the # of people there, although when we arrived staff way outnumbered the guests- about 10 guests beside our classes. It was HOT. Many exhibits are empty. Octopus was missing- tanks were TINY! I do not know how much room these animals need to live, but when you think of the vastness of their natural habitat- it is disappointing to see how they are kept. The parrot in the back did not seem happy, especially as his handler swung him, although he assured us the bird liked it. They were working on an exhibit while we were there- like circular saws, working- was loud and annoying for us, wonder how the animals felt. They are getting seals- according to a coming soon sign- gosh I home they are miniature! Where in the world will they put them? Surely they can’t live in that small area. The place seriously looks like some kind of traveling show, every part of that place looked temporary. Pet smart is prettier, cleaner and has more knowledgable staff. Now- I will say this- my 6 year old liked it. She likes animals. Loved seeing them up close. However, I will teach her animals should not be treated like that. It was more then disappointing, it seemed cruel.
I been there one time with all these excitement and energetic kids. It was however not the best and not the worse one I have been. It was way too dark which I guess they want to create a dark ocean theme, but it was hot. Air circulation needs some work. I dont think the staff mistreated the animals but I do think the animals need bigger space. My daughter enjoyed bird area so did all the cool jelly fish. I still think it is not a bad idea to take kids over, but I will not recommend purchase a membership. We had fun there. The good part for the small aquarium is that, you dont get worn out cranky kids from walking 2 hrs as at sea world or zoo. 😀