Our first adventure at the Austin Aquarium

Although I had planned this trip as part of a list of places to visit for a while now, we never got around to it. COVID restrictions and concerns and Texas heat along with Deon’s work change schedule were the main reasons we didn’t go out as I anticipated.

I was going to take Timothy to Pfluger Park with someone else but when they didn’t respond in time, I decided that today was the day before September started– to go to the aquarium.

We walked around the aquarium gazing longer at some displays and stopping for pictures by others. Timothy was not interested in petting, touching, feeding or even posing too close to the tanks and cases with animals but he had a great time. The loud parrots scared him the most. He cautioned me not to stand too close to the albino yellow, huge python!

When we found the cage like play area with the long slide near the chickens and rooters, Timothy became excited even more! The blue lighting that made the under water carpet glow fascinated me. I sat for a while and watched him bravely use his hands and feet to climb and maneuver the obstacle course like play scape with other toddlers. He had a blast and did not want to leave!

I reminded him that we were there to see the animals, learn and explore so we checked out some more displays. We took pictures behind the massive shark jaws and inside the photo booth. I did not like that tokens were not accepted for the booth, however, $7 for 3 strips of pictures was not a bad deal.

We used most of the many tokens that I was given for signing up for an annual membership at the gift shop. Timothy chose a small blue four wheeler, a starfish ball which he already lost somewhere in his bedroom and a submarine looking bath toy. It brought a sparkle to my eyes to find a wooden photo frame with Timothy’s name and meaning.

I look forward to using our membership as often as possible knowing that Timothy had a wonderful time and we can make new friends.

He cried and fussed refusing to try the virtual chair but I urged him on and sat him in there. When the video started, he calmed down but begged for me to hold his legs. Another new thing to try! And a lesson for me to try new things as well even when I feel afraid and may cry at first 😁😂.

I must add that the bathrooms were very clean and smelled great! We were both happy to wear our masks to not smell the fishy aquarium scent which we got a whiff of when we sat in the spacious eating area to eat the snacks I brought. I also used two tokens to get a slice of pizza and was grateful that it was warm.

We look forward to visiting again soon and hopefully win the free birthday party raffle!!