KEMAH AQUARIUM FIELD GUIDE
Kemah’s Aquarium Restaurant: TEKS‑Aligned 30‑Minute Field‑Trips with Live Animals (Tax‑Exempt Rates)
A concise guide to the Aquarium Restaurant’s 30‑minute, TEKS‑aligned education programs for PreK–12 groups, including access to the Stingray Reef & Exhibit and the tax‑exempt booking requirements.
Kemah’s Aquarium Restaurant: TEKS‑Aligned 30‑Minute Field‑Trips with Live Animals (Tax‑Exempt Rates).
The Aquarium Restaurant in Kemah runs dynamic, 30‑minute educational programs that bring live animals and hands‑on STEM activities into the classroom experience; options range from Radical Reptiles to a Squid Anatomy Dissection and are aligned with TEKS for grades PreK through 12.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Short, Focused, TEKS‑Aligned Programs
Each program runs about 30 minutes and centers on hands‑on STEM activities and live‑animal interactions tailored to TEKS standards, making them easy to fit into a school day.
A Living Exhibit — Hundreds of Species
The Aquarium Restaurant is committed to conservation and education and houses hundreds of species that keep students engaged while reinforcing curriculum topics.
Stingray Reef Access and Close Encounters
Field trips include entry to the Stingray Reef & Exhibit—an interactive component recommended to explore for at least an hour to allow feeding and close‑up observation.
What the day feels like
What the program feels like
The program is brisk and curriculum‑driven: a 30‑minute, instructor‑led session that combines live animals, demonstrations and hands‑on STEM activities; groups can add 30‑minute guided exhibit tours or linger at Stingray Reef for a longer, interactive experience.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program fits—and where to plan around limits.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Most education programs are 30 minutes; exhibit tours are 30 minutes and Stingray Reef time varies (plan at least an hour for stingray activities). Program start times and availability are set by the Education Department; check‑in is between 10:00am and 4:00pm and exhibits generally open to the public at 11:00am.
Stingray food is not included but may be added to reservations; students may bring bag lunches and use outdoor picnic areas (no storage for coolers).
A $100 deposit (plus the online booking fee) is due at booking; groups must submit a signed Texas Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate prior to the visit to qualify for tax‑exempt pricing and Title 1 schools may receive an additional $3.00 discount.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How much is the deposit and are there extra booking fees?
A $100 deposit is due at the time of booking and an additional online booking fee (6%) is added by the reservation service.
What do we need to submit to receive tax‑exempt pricing?
You must submit a SIGNED Texas Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate to [email protected] before the date of your field trip; groups that do not submit this document or are not tax exempt in Texas will have taxes added to the final bill.
Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
The program requires a minimum of 10 participants (you will be charged for 10 if fewer attend) and accepts up to 180 participants; programs with live animals are capped at five back‑to‑back programs or 150 people total.
Are chaperones or assistants included?
One complimentary adult chaperone (age 18+) is provided for every five students; additional adult chaperones and adults accompanying the group are charged at the group adult rate. Paras/special‑needs assistants attend free when required for direct 1:1 student support.
When should we schedule and what about weekends or evenings?
Reservations require at least two weeks' notice; programs are typically not available on Saturdays, Sundays or in the evenings—contact the Education Department if you need availability outside regular Education Program hours.
Can students feed the stingrays, and is that included?
Stingray Reef entry is included with the education program admission, but stingray food is not included and may be added to your reservation for an additional charge.
What are classroom size limits and how are large groups handled?
Classroom capacity is limited to 30 participants (students and chaperones) per program; groups larger than that will be divided into smaller classes and you will receive a detailed schedule from the Education Department prior to your visit.