Corpus Christi, TX – The Texas State Aquarium is officially ready for summer with the grand opening of Ocean Odyssey, expanded animal presentations, and the return of splash-filled family fun across the Aquarium beginning Memorial Day Weekend.
Opening Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m., Ocean Odyssey is the Aquarium’s brand-new immersive Children’s Discovery Center designed to inspire play, exploration, and a deeper connection to wildlife rescue. The multi-level indoor experience features climbable play areas, toddler-friendly spaces, and interactive elements designed for children and families of all ages.
Inspired in part by the beloved Octopus Garden playground that generations of Corpus Christi families grew up loving during the 90’s, Ocean Odyssey blends nostalgia with a new era of hands-on family experiences at the Aquarium.
“If you grew up climbing through the Octopus Garden, you know how special that experience was,” said Jesse Gilbert, President and CEO of the Texas State Aquarium. “Ocean Odyssey brings that same spirit of adventure and imagination to a new generation while connecting children and families to our mission of wildlife rescue and conservation.”
In addition to Ocean Odyssey, guests visiting this summer can enjoy more daily animal presentations, creating even more opportunities for families to connect with animals and learn about conservation.
Families can also cool off at the H-E-B Splash Park, one of the Aquarium’s most popular summer attractions, offering an exciting way for children to play and beat the South Texas heat during their visit. The Aquarium also continues to follow all City of Corpus Christi water conservation guidelines and has already implemented measures to help reduce water usage across its campus while continuing to provide a high-quality guest experience for visitors this summer.
Recently named the No. 5 Best Aquarium in North America by USA TODAY, the Texas State Aquarium continues to expand family experiences while advancing its mission of education, conservation, and wildlife rescue.
Ocean Odyssey will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., giving families even more opportunities to play, explore, and make memories this summer. And even if the weather doesn’t cooperate this Memorial Day Weekend, the Texas State Aquarium offers plenty of indoor spaces for families to enjoy, including the new Ocean Odyssey Discovery Center, interactive exhibits, animal presentations, dining areas, and more.
About Texas State Aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium (TSA), the Official Aquarium of the State of Texas, is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) institution that is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Its mission is to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas and support wildlife conservation. TSA, the largest Aquarium in Texas, cares for over 4,000 animals and has been named the #5 Best Aquarium in North America by USA Today. Learn more at texasstateaquarium.org.
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Texas State Aquarium Contact:
Carla Swallow
Marketing and Brand Manager
361.881.1225
