From an upgraded water park and the opportunity to snorkel with a shark to new dining options and a wildlife rescue center, these incredible experiences at the Texas State Aquarium are worth checking out during your visit. Read on to learn what these additions offer and where you can find them:

H-E-B Splash Park

New, improved, and three times its original size, the 15,000 sq. ft. H-E-B Splash Park is filled with pure aquatic excitement for kids of all ages. The new design, which mimics the aquatic and terrestrial habitats of the Caribbean and its animals, includes all new custom water features:

  • Multi-level slide
  • 350-gallon water dump
  • Small spray features

Parents can stay cool in a shaded seating area with 30 umbrella-covered tables, and there are plenty of snack options to keep everyone fueled – there’s even a mobile ordering food service from the Pepsi Shoreline Grill, the aquarium’s main restaurant. Admission to the Splash Park is included in your admission, but make sure you allow plenty of time to let the kiddos splash around - they turn the water off 15 minutes prior to closing to allow guests time to exit before the facility closes.  

Splash Pad closes on September 29 for the season and reopens in the Spring.

 

Dining Options

You’ve been walking all day, and now it’s time to round up the family and get some delicious food! Stop by one or all of the brand-new dining options making waves around the aquarium.

Canopy

For a more elevated, sit-down experience, head to Canopy for a taste of house-made South Texas favorites. Located in the Caribbean Jungle Overlook, the Canopy features a range of food options from soups and salads to burgers and sandwiches. The brisket sandwich, gumbo, and Riviera bowl are crowd favorites.

Fathoms

As you’re walking through the H-E-B Caribbean Sea exhibit, you’ll find Fathoms, a small café style eatery featuring kid-friendly favorites like Frito Pie, Dippin’ Dots ice cream, popcorn, pretzels, and more. While you grab a quick bite, have a seat in their dining area, and watch the sharks and other aquatic species navigate the Spanish galleon shipwreck from the 68-foot-long acrylic window.

The Back Porch

Enjoy an outdoor experience while relaxing on the porch swing or picnic benches while eating a sausage dog and sipping a cool beverage at The Back Porch. This seasonal dining option is located outside along the water just past Tortuga Cay, and features gourmet versions of classics like hot dogs and nachos. Choose from classic or gourmet hot dogs, brisket nachos, BBQ brisket sandwiches, plenty of drinks, and snack options for a delicious and scenic experience.

 

Wildlife Presentations

Catch a variety of wildlife presentations, included with general admission! Throughout the day, experience hands-on sessions like Dolphins, Turtle Tales, Let's Talk Sharks, Stingray Chat, and Otters, where expert educators bring marine animals to life before your eyes. Join these shows for a deeper understanding of aquatic animals, their behaviors, and the conservation efforts that protect them. Showtimes vary, so be sure to check the daily schedule.

 

Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue

The new Wildlife Rescue Center is the largest coastal wildlife rescue facility in Texas, and one of the largest in the United States. In fact, it is the only Texas wildlife rescue facility permitted to treat marine mammals, raptors, shorebirds, and sea turtles, along with accommodating thousands of animals at any given time. Services provided by this state-of-the-art hospital range from simply providing a safe, temporary refuge for an exhausted migratory shorebird to acute medical care for an ill dolphin. The center also includes an interpretive gallery, an emergency operations center, and the only CAT scan used specifically for wildlife in Texas.

  • Hours: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Access to the rescue center is included in your admission

 

Be sure to check out our upcoming events for even more ways to enjoy Corpus Christi. For insider tips and inspiration, explore our visitor guides packed with local favorites and hidden gems. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop on the latest happenings along the coast.