A renovation of the Nearshore area at the Texas State Aquarium will feature more creatures from both above and below the water. The $735,000 project is due for completion in April.
One of the original exhibits at the aquarium, the Nearshore will remain open "most" days during the process, says Kara Hahn, a spokesman for the aquarium.
Once completed, visitors to the area will walk beneath shorebirds while viewing underwater wildlife in immersive exhibits. A fallen driftwood tree will serve as a perch for birds, providing an up close and personal look at our feathered friends.
More animals will be on display even though the area's size will not change. Staging room for species will grow, however, to provide more room for movement, says Hahn. Birds will have a larger area to fly, for example.
Texas State Aquarium has it all
Daily educational presentations at the aquarium are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. seven days a week. More personalized and interactive experiences, such as the Deckside Dolphin Encounter, Be A Dolphin Trainer for a Day and Behind the Scenes at Texas State Aquarium, are available by reservation. The aquarium also can be reserved for special events or birthday parties.
Admission is $16.95 for adults (ages 13 and older), $15.95 for seniors and military and $11.95 for kids (ages 3-12). Parking is $5.
Five different, tax-deductible memberships to the aquarium include a year of free parking and unlimited admission, 10 percent off purchases from the gift shop and food court and a subscription to STAR magazine — the official publication of the Texas State Aquarium — along with other great perks.
The aquarium is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Labor Day through Feb. 28, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 1 until Labor Day. Visit the aquarium website for more information and special exhibits.
