The University of Texas Marine Science Institute Visitors Center, Port Aransas

While out exploring the cute little beach town of Port Aransas one day, we were told about the The University of Texas Marine Science Institute Visitors Center, a free and fun little center filled with educational displays presented in a fun way for the kids!

Check out My Mommy Tips for making the most of your visit!

Know Before You Go

Parking and admittance to the exhibits is free.

Free guided tours of the Wetlands Education Center are offered Tuesday and Thursday at 10am.

No food or drinks are sold, however you could pack a nice picnic to eat out by the Wetlands Education Center.

Inside the Visitor’s Center are cute and colorful, as well as interactive exhibits for kids, teaching about the unique ecosystems of the bay as they play!

Yes, the eyes on these fish are kinda freaky.

The kids really enjoyed playing in the little boat and catching fish!  It was a fun way to spend a couple hours!

Wetlands Education Center

Take a walk along the boardwalk just outside the Visitors Center to the Wetlands Education Center, where you can see and learn about the plants and animals that call the bay wetlands home.   Free guided tours are offered Tuesday and Thursday at 10am.

Gift Shop

As we were leaving, we stopped in to see the little gift shop.

Things To Do in Port Aransas

Port Aransas is such a cute little beach community!  The mostly non-chain stores and restaurants add a terrific charm to the town, and it’s a great place to spend the day shopping and sight-seeing.  Drive onto the public beach with a beach pass for $12, or just walk one of the many adorable beach cottages available for rentals!

Mustang Island State Park

We spent one night on the beach at Mustang Island State Park.  Click HERE for more information.

Padre Island NS Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery

Each summer, you can watch as baby sea turtle hatchlings are released onto the sand of Padre Island to walk their way to the water!  It’s an unbelievable thing to watch, and definitely worth getting up a little early.  For more information, click HERE.

We had an amazing time at Horses on the Beach!  Click HERE to visit their website.

We loved our sand castle building class from the Port Aransas Sand Castle Guy!  Click HERE for more information!

Check out the 5 Dancing Dunes when staying in Port Aransas!  We had a great time staying in their cute cabins, with a big courtyard for cookouts and a short walk to the beach!  Click HERE for more information

 

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The University of Texas Marine Science Institute

750 Channelview Dr., Port Aransas

Click HERE to visit their website.  

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Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun! 

Michelle 

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