At the Texas State Aquarium, we believe that people of all abilities should be able to enjoy the experiences offered at the Aquarium - from viewing animals to watching presentations.
The Aquarium is fully ADA-compliant. You can access all areas by utilizing the elevators and ramps located throughout the facility.
There is parking at several locations near the Aquarium for $5 per vehicle. Handicapped parking and access to the building are available in both Aquarium lots. The small parking lot off of Pearl St. offers the closest distance to the Aquarium entrance.
Pearl St. Parking LotOur main entrance is accessible and is located on the corner of E Surfside Blvd and Pearl St.
Guests traveling by wheelchair can remain in the chair in any of the ADA row designated areas, or they may also use the transfer seat next to the ADA row.
Closed Captioning and Assisted Listening devices are available; guests may request these at the 4D Theater upon arrival.
Accessible restrooms are located throughout the Aquarium and an accessible family restroom is located on the first floor in the Gulf of Mexico exhibit. All restrooms have wheelchair-accessible stalls.
The Aquarium is fully accessible to guests using wheelchairs. Guests are encouraged to bring their wheelchairs with them, however, a limited number of wheelchairs are also available for rent at no charge. All rentals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Skip the ticket booth line and head straight up the ramp by purchasing tickets online or becoming a member.
ADA Service animals are permitted on the property. Service animals are defined as an animal who is trained to perform a task directly related to a person’s disability. Emotional support/therapy animals are not permitted.
Texas State Aquarium has partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests, for all events, including those with sensory needs. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing disorders by supplying our Team Members with continuous training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests.
Sensory Bags
Sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and other resources are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Guest Services Booth located at the front Ticket Booth.
Social Story and KultureCity All-Inclusive App
Check out our social story here, or download the KultureCity All-Inclusive App at the links below to help you further with your visit to the Texas State Aquarium.
Every last Sunday during the winter and spring months, anyone with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the Aquarium in a quieter, modified environment.
This event will feature sensory-friendly modifications, modified animal presentations, and staff with sensory sensitivity training, all designed to create a comfortable environment for families and their children who usually may not have the opportunity to enjoy public spaces like the Aquarium. Lowered music, designated quiet zones, and unique signage throughout the Aquarium will inform families what to expect in a particular space, including lights, music changes, and free-flying birds.