Earth Day is one day a year. For us, it’s every day. At the Downtown Aquarium Houston, conservation isn’t a talking point. It’s embedded into everything we do, from the animals in our care to the organizations we fund in the field. This Earth Day, we’re throwing a Party for the Planet on Wednesday, April 22, and we want you to be part of it. What AZA Accreditation Actually Means We’ve held accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2004. Fewer than 10 percent of all USDA public display permit holders meet AZA’s rigorous standards. We’re also certified by the USDA and the Zoological Association of America , with annual inspections to stay in full compliance. That means every animal here is cared for by a team held to the highest standards in the industry, 365 days a year. Participating in the Species Survival Plan We don’t just house animals. In some cases, we’re actively helping save them. Our Sumatran tigers , Kirana and Zara, are part of the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) , a nationwide program focused on conservation breeding and population management for threatened and endangered species. The Sumatran tiger is Critically Endangered, with fewer than 400 individuals remaining in the wild. Their time here is part of a coordinated effort to increase genetic diversity and support the long-term survival of the species. Our Conservation Partners Through guest donations and conservation packages, we fund field work with leading wildlife organizations. With Wildlife Alliance , we’ve helped provide a prosthetic leg for an injured elephant in Cambodia and built a ranger station protecting wild tigers from poaching. Through OCEARCH , we’ve funded shark tagging research equipment. With Havenworth Coastal Conservation , we support wild sawfish population monitoring. Our partner network also includes NOAA , Texas Parks and Wildlife , the Galveston Bay Foundation , the Billfish Foundation , and more. How You Can Help Toss a coin into our Conservation Pond inside the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit, upgrade your animal encounter with a Conservation Package, or stop by the Conservation Station on April 22. Every dollar goes directly to our partners doing real work in the field. Party for the Planet: April 22 Join us for Earth Day-themed activities, animal encounters, a scavenger hunt, fish feedings, and exhibit chats throughout the property. It’s a day built for families who want to leave knowing something. Read more about it here . Come celebrate the world we’re working to keep wild, April 22.

There’s something about Easter weekend that just feels different. Lighter, more joyful, filled with anticipation and the kind of moments families hold onto long after the day is over. At the Downtown Aquarium Houston, Easter isn’t just celebrated — it’s brought to life through experiences that feel immersive, thoughtful, and just a little more magical than the ordinary. A Whimsical Start: Breakfast with the Easter Bunny (April 4) Easter weekend kicks off with one of the most joy-filled moments for little ones: meeting the Easter Bunny. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny is designed to feel like stepping into a storybook. Families are welcomed into a festive setting where kids get to experience that pure excitement of seeing the Easter Bunny in person, surrounded by a beautifully themed backdrop that makes every photo feel extra special. But it’s not just about the picture. It’s about the moment before it. The shy smiles, the big waves, the laughter, and the way kids light up when the Easter Bunny walks into the room. Alongside the experience, families can enjoy a full breakfast spread featuring favorites like French toast, biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit, and pastries, plus interactive stations with made-to-order omelets, pancakes, and waffles. It’s a morning that feels easy, joyful, and full of the kind of magic kids don’t forget. An Elevated Celebration: Easter Brunch in the Nautilus Ballroom (April 5) On Easter Sunday, the celebration continues with a more elevated experience: Easter Brunch in the Nautilus Ballroom . Set within one of the Aquarium’s most beautiful event spaces, the Nautilus Ballroom offers a bright, refined atmosphere that feels both festive and sophisticated. It’s the perfect setting for families, couples, or groups looking to celebrate Easter in a way that feels a little more polished while still warm and welcoming. Guests can expect a thoughtfully prepared brunch menu with a variety of dishes, creating a relaxed, celebratory experience centered around gathering and good company. It’s a different side of the Aquarium, one that showcases how the space can transform for the occasions that matter most. Where Holidays Become Traditions What makes Easter at the Downtown Aquarium Houston so special isn’t just the activities. It’s the feeling you leave with. The photos that become keepsakes. The laughter shared over a meal. The excitement in a child’s eyes meeting the Easter Bunny for the first time. And it doesn’t stop with Easter. Throughout the year, the Aquarium transforms holidays into experiences, each one thoughtfully designed to bring people together in a way that feels unique, immersive, and memorable. From seasonal celebrations to special events, it becomes a place families return to again and again. Not just for what they do, but for how it makes them feel. Because the best traditions aren’t just planned. They’re experienced together.

Spring break in Houston doesn’t require leaving the city. It just requires knowing where to go. For families looking for a full day that blends entertainment, education, and genuine fun, the Downtown Aquarium Houston remains one of the most reliable spring break destinations downtown. Here’s how to plan it right. Start Early, Move Smart The Aquarium opens at 10 a.m., and during spring break, mornings are ideal. Head straight to Stingray Reef , one of the most popular hands-on experiences. Earlier visits mean more space for kids to feed and interact with the rays. From there, explore the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit at your own pace. The experience flows through immersive habitats including the Texas Bayou with alligators, the Shipwreck featuring a 17th century Spanish galleon, the Sunken Temple, the Underwater Rig, the Rainforest, and Discovery Zone. There’s no need to rush. Let curiosity lead the way. Visit the Bengal and Sumatran Tigers Maharaja’s Temple consistently surprises guests. The immersive habitat and Kid Crawl space make it engaging for younger visitors, while Tiger Talks add meaningful insight. Mid-morning or late afternoon visits typically offer the best chance to see the tigers active. Keep an eye out for animal encounters, diver presentations, and interactive carts throughout the day. These spontaneous moments often become the highlight. Make It a Full-Day Experience The All Day Adventure Pass makes spring break easy. It includes unlimited access to the exhibit and outdoor rides like the Ferris Wheel, carousel, and the Shark Voyage train ride through a 200,000-gallon shark tank. Morning is perfect for exhibits. Afternoon energy is ideal for rides and midway games. Many families even loop back through the exhibit for a second pass. From March 6–22, consider the Spring Break Pass , which offers unlimited visits to Downtown Aquarium Houston, Kemah Boardwalk , and Galveston Island Pleasure Pier . One pass. Three parks. Unlimited fun. Seasonal Dining The Aquarium Restaurant keeps the experience immersive with floor-to-ceiling aquatic views. Go all-in on our new Savor the Sea limited-time menu, featuring chef-created favorites like Trout Del Sol (rainbow trout and colossal shrimp with broccolini and roasted corn salsa) and Mango Tango Salmon (seared salmon with hot honey and mango couscous). Want something with a little more attitude? Try the Lafayette Combo or Castaway Combo, both loaded with crowd-pleasing fried seafood favorites. To avoid peak lunch crowds during spring break, plan to dine before noon or after 1:30 p.m. Special March Programs Spring at the Aquarium also means hands-on educational opportunities: March 7 – Marine Biologist for a Day (Register here ) March 18 – World Serval Day March 21 – Zoologist for a Day (Register here ) March 28 – Working on the Wild Side (Register here ) These programs are ideal for young animal lovers and teens interested in wildlife careers, adding depth to a traditional spring break outing. End With a Favorite Before leaving, revisit your child’s favorite experience. Feed the stingrays again. Ride Shark Voyage one more time. Spend a few extra minutes at the tiger habitat. Ending on a high note makes all the difference. Spring break in Houston doesn’t have to mean scrambling for plans. The Downtown Aquarium Houston offers a full day under one roof that works for toddlers, teens, and parents alike. Flexible. Educational. Entertaining. And right here in downtown Houston.

Discover the 5 unexpected moments that make the Downtown Aquarium Houston so special for both parents and kids of all ages.