HOUSTON AQUARIUM FIELD GUIDE
Working on the Wild Side — A teen’s all-day, behind‑the‑scenes immersion at Downtown Aquarium Houston
An all-day program for ages 12–17 that takes teens behind the scenes for hands-on animal care, live encounters, and conservation-focused learning.
Working on the Wild Side — A teen’s all-day, behind‑the‑scenes immersion at Downtown Aquarium Houston.
Working on the Wild Side is an immersive, full-day program at Downtown Aquarium Houston that puts teens behind the glass and behind the scenes: guided tours, animal encounters and hands-on activities—everything from squid dissection to feeding stingrays—designed to introduce participants to animal care, training and conservation careers.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Direct animal-care experiences
Participants take part in practical activities such as squid dissection and preparing food for the stingray reef, offering an unvarnished look at daily animal-care routines and the tactile, observational work it demands.
Backstage perspective
The program includes guided and behind‑the‑scenes tours that expose teens to the facilities, workflows, and staff roles that support animal husbandry and exhibit operations.
Structured, immersive schedule
An all‑day itinerary mixes education and recreation—live encounters, a scavenger hunt and games, a Shark Voyage train ride, plus lunch and a program T‑shirt—so teens leave with practical experience and a clearer sense of the field.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day moves from observation to participation: a guided tour and behind‑the‑scenes walk begin the program, followed by hands‑on modules such as squid dissection and stingray reef food prep and feeding. Interspersed are interactive elements—scavenger hunts, games and a Shark Voyage train ride—bookended by lunch in the Aquarium restaurant and a program T‑shirt to take home.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Personal medications (participants must be able to self‑administer; the Aquarium does not provide medications) and any allergy information noted at registration.
If a teen has special needs, allergies, or health concerns, note these when registering and contact the Education Department with questions via [email protected] or (713) 315-5112.
The program includes guided and behind‑the‑scenes tours, a squid dissection, stingray food prep and feeding, scavenger hunt and games, the Shark Voyage train ride, lunch in the Aquarium restaurant, and a program T‑shirt.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages are eligible for Working on the Wild Side?
The program is for teens ages 12–17.
What activities are included in the program?
The day includes guided and behind‑the‑scenes tours, squid dissection, stingray reef food prep and feeding, scavenger hunts and games, a Shark Voyage train ride, lunch in the Aquarium restaurant, and a T‑shirt.
Can the Aquarium administer medication to participants?
No. Participants must be able to administer their own medication (for example inhalers or epi‑pens); Aquarium staff are not permitted to administer medications and will not provide over‑the‑counter medicines.
What happens if not enough people register?
The program requires a minimum of five registered participants to proceed; if that minimum is not met two weeks prior to the program date, you will be contacted to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Can the Aquarium cancel the program after it is scheduled?
Yes. The Downtown Aquarium reserves the right to cancel any program at any time for the health and safety of employees, animals, and visitors; in such cases full refunds will be issued.
Who can I contact with questions about special needs or registration?
Contact the Education Department at [email protected] or by phone at (713) 315-5112.
Is the Aquarium liable for injuries or loss during the program?
Participants and guardians waive the right to make demand upon Downtown Aquarium, Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., and its employees for payment of damages suffered during the program; the Aquarium and its employees are not liable for injury or loss sustained during the program.