It’s easy to spot this Galveston Island complex from afar. Its enormous pyramid-shaped buildings are a curious site for newcomers. In and around these glass pyramids you will find animal exhibits, amusement park attractions, a luxurious hotel, paddlewheel boat day cruises, a premier golf course, lots of food and dining options, and educational demonstrations. With so much to see and do, Moody Gardens makes an excellent day trip destination, or weekend-long getaway.

Visit the Rainforest Pyramid, a 10-story tour through the rainforests of the world and home to more than 1,000 species of exotic plants, birds, reptiles, butterflies, and other wildlife. Plunge into the Aquarium Pyramid and say hello to penguins, seals, turtles, sharks, stingrays, and more. Don’t miss the Discovery Pyramid, devoted to traveling exhibits focused on science and learning.

Beyond these pyramid expeditions, visitors can enjoy educational films at the 3D and 4D theaters or embark on a fascinating virtual-reality experience that will take you through a coral reef. Among the newest attractions is a ropes course, including a 5-story enclosure and 48 obstacles for adults and older kids to tackle. For younger children, there is a smaller course with 9 obstacles that parents can walk alongside and assist if needed.

Attractions at Palm Beach are open seasonally and include a 650-foot-long lazy river, a 6,100-square-foot wave pool, water slides, and a splash pad. During the winter season, Moody Gardens also features the annual Festival of Lights, a huge holiday celebration which puts more than 1 million lights on display and features an ice-skating rink, ice sculptures, an arctic slide, a Santa photo-op, and a holiday buffet.

All day value passes are available and allow guests to experience everything this sprawling property has to offer, or visitors may also purchase tickets to individual attractions.