Tours & Events

Visitor Programs

Sea Center Texas offers a variety of programs and educational events for visitors. Teachers and group leaders may choose from among such activities as a wetlands tour, Visitor Center tour, fish hatchery tour, story time, fishing, special events and education programs such as water quality and fish adaptation lessons. All programs are free unless noted otherwise.

Visitor Center Tours

Scouts touring
Scouts investigating the Touch Tank

Self-guided visitor center tours are available during normal operational hours. It is not necessary for small groups or families to make reservations. Groups of 30 or more are asked to call and make a reservation for a self guided visitor center tour. An aquarium scavenger hunt booklet | PDF offers fun activities to complete during your visit. Allow at least an hour to enjoy the exhibits that highlight marine life found in Texas. The visitor center is periodically closed for special events or maintenance. Please check the TPWD calendar for special closure dates and times.

Hatchery Tours

Hatchery tour
Hatchery tour

Volunteer guides will amaze you with information about how red drum and spotted seatrout begin their life at the facility and are then transferred to Texas bays. Tours last about 45 minutes. Reservation can be made at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. Tuesday - Friday and at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays either by emailing a tour reservation form | PDF or by calling 979-292-0100 ext. 21. Before making a reservation, groups larger than 15 are asked to review the Guidelines for Group Tours and Education Programs | PDF

Wetland Exhibit Tours

Take a stroll down the 600 foot boardwalk from dawn to dusk. Green tree frogs, hummingbirds, dragonflies, turtles and an immense array of birds can be seen. Learn what you can plant in your home garden to attract wildlife while viewing the Wildscape Demonstration Garden. A pavilion provides a nice place to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Guided tours can be arranged by reservation and Wetland Activity booklets are available.

Kids on a tour
Story Time

Have fun and learn as storytellers read books about the sea and nature. Stories are selected for pre-school age, but are sure to entertain all ages. This program is offered every Saturday and the third Friday of the month. Check the TPWD event calendar for scheduled times and dates. Story time is also available upon request by reservation.

Fishing Programs

Public Fishing Events

Three times each year the public is invited to participate in catch-and-release youth fishing events. Participants will have the opportunity to catch saltwater fish such as red drum, black drum, and croaker. Youth are required to bring their own rods, reels and bait and be accompanied by an adult. We ask that participants pinch down the barbs on their hooks or bring barbless ones. Cut squid or shrimp fished on the bottom are usually successful baits. In the case of inclement weather the events will be cancelled. Dates and times are listed on the TPWD calendar.

Andrew J. Sansom Youth Fishing Pond 

Youth learning how to fish
Girl fishing at Andrew J. Sansom Youth Fishing Pond

The Andrew Sansom Youth Fishing Pond is available on a limited basis, by reservation for groups of young anglers to enjoy. It provides an opportunity for children and other special groups to learn about our great coastal resources and to participate in an outdoor fishing activity. The half-acre pond is stocked with red drum, black drum, croaker and other saltwater fish. TPWD will provide the equipment and bait.

These catch-and-release events are scheduled on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month in the morning. Reservations must be made at least three weeks in advance. Only groups between 10 and 20 participants between the ages of 7-16 are eligible to schedule an event. A $50.00 refundable deposit is required to reserve the pond. Please check the guidelines for scheduling a fishing event | PDF. To inquire about available dates and details contact Patty Cardoza at 979-292-0100 ext 21 or by email at seacenter@tpwd.texas.gov

Fly Fishing Instruction

fly fishing
Fly Fishing Instructions

Fly fishing workshops and fly tying classes for beginners are offered a few times each year. Please call 979-292-0100 or check the TPWD events calendar for class dates and times. All equipment is furnished, but you may bring your own. Recommended minimum age is 12, and a fee is charged in some classes. Fly fishing class dates and times are listed on the TPWD calendar as they are scheduled.

Special Events

Special events are held periodically during the year. Check the TPWD calendar for information on Nature Day, National Fishing Day, and Spooktacular.