How do I book a group tour?

Call 512-245-7540. Our office hours will vary depending on park traffic, so please leave a message and we will call you back. You may also download the Tour Inquiry Form below, fill it out, then email it to sm56@txstate.edu.

How far in advance should I book my tour?

We require two weeks advance notice for group tours. Please remember the days during March through May can fill up several months in advance, so please book your tour as soon as possible.

Do you have a maximum number of students that can attend the field trip?

Maximum capacity varies seasonally. We have taken groups of up to 325 students from one school at a time. There is not a set maximum number of students per field trip, however, there are for certain activities. Your tour-booking agent will discuss the best activities for your groups size when you book your tour.

Do you have a minimum number of chaperones required?

No. One teacher per class is sufficient for our tours. You may choose to bring additional teachers and parents if you wish (please check your tour confirmation for fee information). The boats will comfortably seat 25 students each, so additional adults may need to ride on a separate boat than the rest of the group.

What age groups are your programs appropriate for?

All ages. We customize our programs for your group. Please call 512-245-7540 to discuss tour options.

I would like to do something different than listed on your website, can you accommodate my group?

Here at Aquarena we try our best to accommodate special requests, please call 512-245-7540 to discuss options for your group.

Do I need to book a specific time for my tour?

Yes, you will book a specific date and time for your tour. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time of your tour. We apologize that we are unable to push back the start times of tours. If your group is late we may need to cut a portion of your tour time. Please call 512-245-7570 to notify a gift shop staff member that you will be late.

What if it rains?

If it rains on your tour date you will have the option to reschedule. Please call 512-245-7570 after 9am on the day of your tour and let a gift shop staff member know that your group will not be coming. WE ARE ABLE TO CONDUCT TOURS DURING THE RAIN with alternate indoor activities. The boats are enclosed and will still run unless there is lightning.

Where are you located?

For directions please click here.

Please allow extra time for traffic and bus speeds when calculating your travel time.

Will my class have a tour guide?

To accomodate schools with different budgets we offer guided tours and self guided tours. If your school chooses a full length guided tour, your tour guide will lead you from station to station, the teacher will not be responsible for leading any portion of the tour. If your school chooses a self guided tour, you will only have a tour guide for the boat ride, all other parts of the tour will be guided by the teacher.

Will we be provided with a map of the park?

To save paper, printed maps of the park are not provided. Please feel free to print your own copy of the map below.

Where should we park the buses?

Please see the locations marked on the map above. It is common for buses to unload students in front of the gift shop entrance, and then park by Pecan Grove for easy unloading of lunches.

Where should the students wait for their tour guide?

Please unload students in front of the gift shop doors and have them line up in their groups. If time allows, there are bathrooms located in the breezeway by the gift shop. If you group is especially large, you may choose to line students up in the grass behind the gift shop.

Is there a place where we can eat?

Yes, your group is welcome to bring sack lunches and use the picnic area. Please see the map above for the location of Pecan Grove Picnic Area. Picnic Tables are first come first serve. It is recommended to bring picnic blankets for your group. Please ask students to dispose of trash properly in the trashcans.

Is the park handicapped accessible?

Aquarena staff will do our best to meet any special needs of your group. Please state the special needs of your group when you book your tour. The Wetlands Walk, Aquarium, and Texas Rivers Center Exhibit (parking lot entrance) are all handicapped accessible. Our staff will help to lift a wheelchair participant onto the boat (wheelchairs must be left at the dock). Please see the park map above for handicapped accessible restrooms.

Do you offer free field trips?

SMART Kids Program

The SMART Kids Program provides free field trips for at-risk youth. This program is a cooperative project between Aquarena Center and the San Marcos Lions Club funded through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Community Outreach Program. Sorry, this program is currently FULL.

 

Groundwater Festival

Every Fall Aquarena Center hosts the Groundwater Festival. The 8th annual Groundwater Festival will bring 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students from throughout the Austin-San Antonio Corridor to the beautiful San Marcos Springs for a FREE day of learning and fun! Local and state agencies will combine with Aquarena Center staff to present activities that stress the importance of groundwater.  See pictures from last years festival below.  Check back this summer for details and application forms for the Fall 2008 Groundwater Festival.

Do you still have the Ralph the Swimming Pig Show or the Mermaid Show?

We no longer offer the Ralph the Swimming Pig Show or Mermaid Show, but there are still lots of fun things to do at Aquarena Center. The Glass-Bottom Boat Tours remain along with many new exhibits such as the Aquarium, Wetlands Walk, and the Texas Rivers Center. We hope that you enjoy our new environmental education focus.