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Know Before You Go & Park Policies

Behavior

We expect all guests to behave in a family-friendly manner. Line jumping, profanity, and unruly behavior are not tolerated and may be cause for ejection from the Downtown Aquarium Houston without refund.

Attire

Guests must wear appropriate clothing while at the Downtown Aquarium Houston. Shirts, shorts/pants, and shoes must be worn at all times. Pants must be pulled up fully to the waist, with no exposure of undergarments. Clothing with explicit language is not allowed. Shoes with wheels (Heely's) are not allowed. Downtown Aquarium reserves the right to refuse admission or ask anyone to leave who is not in compliance with these rules.

Food and Beverage Policy

The Aquarium Restaurant is located inside on the 2nd floor. Our concession stands are conveniently located outside in the amusement area.

The following Food and Beverage related items are not permitted in our amusement area:

  • Hard and soft coolers
  • Bottled water
  • Glass containers
  • Food (such as sandwiches, meals, snacks etc.)
  • Off-premise alcohol

Excessive consumption of alcohol is cause for ejection without refund.

Prohibited Items

In addition to the restrictions mentioned under our Food and Beverage Policy, the following items are not permitted:

  • Lawn chairs and folding chairs
  • Markers, spray paint and aerosol cans
  • Knives
  • Chains
  • Spiked clothing or jewelry
  • Fireworks and explosives
  • Unlicensed weapons
  • Chemical weapons including mace or pepper spray
  • Bicycles, skateboards, and rollerblades

    • (Bicycles must be parked and secured at designated bike racks. Downtown Aquarium is not responsible for items that are stolen or left unattended)

Pets

Service animals are welcome in most areas of the Downtown Aquarium at no additional charge. Per the manufacturer, the rides are not equipped or designed to accommodate animals. Therefore, service animals are not permitted on rides, and a member of your party must be available to stay with the animal while the service animal owner enjoys the rides. Guests may take advantage of our policy to allow a member of their party to wait with the service animal while the other guest(s) ride. After the guest (or group of guests) have ridden the ride, the guest who remained with the service animal may enter through the exit and ride on the next available cycle with one (1) accompanying guest. Employees will not take responsibility or provide care for any service animal. Downtown Aquarium reserves the right to remove any service animal that poses a threat to the safety and/or welfare of the Downtown Aquarium’s guests, employees, or property.

All animals, including service animals, are restricted from the Tiger Exhibit because (1) they can be natural prey or natural predators of such animals, (2) the presence of animals, including dogs, is disruptive, and (3) the presence of animals, including dogs, causes the Tigers to become agitated.

Parking

We have a parking lot located directly behind our building. This lot does not accept cash. You can pay by text from your parking receipt, scan a QR code in the lot or pay at the kiosk near the building.

  • Parking $15 for self-parking, $18 for valet Parking
  • Only occupy ONE space. Vehicles parked inappropriately are subject to being towed at owner's expense.
  • Pricing subject to change/seasonal.
  • Please leave items secure within your vehicle.
  • No tailgating, grilling, or picnics.
  • Vehicles may not be left overnight.
  • Unauthorized or abandoned vehicles will be towed at owner's expense.

Shuttle Buses

Most downtown Houston hotels provide shuttle service. Make sure to ask your hotel about transportation by shuttle.

Wheelchairs/Strollers

Wheelchair access is provided at all attractions. For safety reasons, all strollers must be parked outside of attractions and not taken into ride lines. Downtown Aquarium is not responsible for strollers or their contents left unattended. We do not have a station to park strollers.

ATM and Credit Cards

US Bank ATMs are located to the left of the Marlin fountain near the amusement entrance. MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover and JCB are accepted at all ticket booths, restaurants and gift shops with proper identification.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in any of the indoor facilities, smoking only permitted in the outdoor areas. Smoking is not allowed in ride or food queue lines, and not allowed when seated in a ride. Please properly dispose of cigarette butts in smoking urns.

No Littering

Please help keep our park clean. Trash receptacles are conveniently located throughout the park and trash must be disposed of in these containers.

Unaccompanied Minors

Except when participating in an event intended for young guests such as our birthday parties and educational programs, there must be at least one adult chaperone (over the age of 18) for every 5 – 10 children.

Rider Responsibility

Line jumping is not permitted. To enter a ride queue line guests must have a ticket for that particular ride or be wearing an all day ride wristband (or accompanying a child). Guests are not permitted to save places in line, bypass others in line , or exit and return to the same place in line for any reason.

We expect riders to act in a responsible manner when participating in amusement rides. Oral and written warnings are provided for your safety and must be followed. Guests who do not comply with ride rules may be ejected from our park without refund. For your convenience, ride rules and guidelines are posted at the entrance to every ride. Transferring wristbands is a violation of Downtown Aquarium policies and is strictly prohibited.

Ride Restrictions

Guests of certain heights and/or weights may not be able to enjoy some rides if the safety restraints will not function properly. Specific ride information is available at the individual ride. Height check is available at each ride. Guests with disabilities will need to speak with a Ride Attendant before riding.

Pets are not permitted, with the exception of service animals.
*This does not apply to rides. Ask for our service animals rides policy.

Loose Articles

Loose Articles are not permitted on most rides and should be left with a non-rider. Downtown Aquarium is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Loose articles of any kind (including but not limited to IPods, purses, backpacks, and beverage containers) may not be taken past the queue entrance and cannot be left on the load/unload platform. Cell phones, IPods, cameras, or other small items must be secured in cargo pockets, zippered jacket pockets, or waist packs.

Restricted Areas

Guests may not enter restricted areas. Personal items that are lost in ride areas should be reported to the ride operator. Guests who enter restricted areas may be ejected without refund.

Inclement Weather

Rides are subject to closure due to inclement weather, including high winds and lightning. Refunds and rain checks will not be issued due to inclement weather.

Lost and Found

Visit the Lost & Found at the ticket booth to report lost and found items. We are not responsible for lost, missing or stolen personal property. If you have recently visited Downtown Aquarium Houston and lost an item please call 713-223-3474. To help us find and return your item, please let us know the following information:

  • Date and location item was lost or last seen
  • Description of item - please be specific in regards to color, brand and any unique features
  • If you lost a cell phone please provide serial number, make, model and service provider.
  • Your contact information – phone number and address
  • Please tell us if you completed a lost item report before you left the park.

Due to high volume, lost item reports are only kept active for 30 days. A team member will contact you only if your item has been located.

Commercial Photography

By entering the Downtown Aquarium Houston guests grant us the right to film or photograph him/her on property, without payment or consideration. All photographs or videos taken by Aquarium guests may only be used for their personal use and enjoyment and for no commercial purpose. All Downtown Aquarium rides, shows, and attractions are protected by copyright. Guests must have written permission to use photographs and/or video of the Downtown Aquarium images for commercial broadcasting, advertising, marketing, or publishing in any medium. Media may contact DPW Public Relations at 713-224-9115.

Guest Services

There are always team members, management and security on-site to assist you with your needs.

Park Policy Compliance

In addition to our Code of Conduct, guests are required to comply with all local, state and federal laws, as well as individual park policies, rules and instructions posted or otherwise listed. This is inclusive of the Federal Rider Responsibility Act.