Bay Education Center

Free

Tuesday-Saturday from 10am – 4pm

121 Seabreeze Drive | Rockport, Texas 78382

Discover the vital role that estuaries and coastal habitats play in South Texas’ ecology and economy at the Bay Education Center. Designed to immerse visitors in the wonders of the Mission-Aransas Estuary and the National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Center showcases how these natural coastal resources connect to our daily lives and well-being.

Don’t miss the Science On A Sphere® (SOS), an extraordinary 3D digital globe created by NOAA to bring Earth science to life for visitors of all ages. Join one of our engaging Discovery Discussions, where interactive presentations explore fascinating topics from land, air, space, and sea. Learn about human transportation routes from a space perspective, track changes in global air temperatures, uncover the magnitude of Hurricane Harvey, and delve into the mysteries of ocean circulation with our knowledgeable interpreters. Science on a Sphere® presentations are offered free to the public at 2 p.m.

There’s always something new to learn and discover at the Bay Education Center—come and satisfy your curiosity!

The Bay Education Center serves as a learning resource for the students of secondary schools, home school groups, etc. We offer two program options below:

  • 1-Hour Program with Scavenger Hunt & Science On a Sphere Features an exhibit scavenger hunt and a Science On a Sphere presentation (free of charge).
  • 1.5-Hour Program with Scavenger Hunt, Science On a Sphere & Activity Features an exhibit scavenger hunt, Science On a Sphere presentation, and an activity ($5.00 per student; chaperones are free).

Visitors in groups of 10 to 50 who are interested in a special screening of Science On A Sphere® are encouraged to schedule a private tour.

  • 1-Hour Program with Exhibit & Science On a Sphere Features a self-guided exhibit walk through and a Science On a Sphere presentation (free of charge).

Please contact sarah.failla@austin.utexas.edu or call at (361) 774-1785.