SPECIAL EXHIBITION

Touch Tank Encounter

Limited engagement. March 17 to May 12.

Observe and gently interact with cownose rays, Atlantic rays, and epaulette sharks and a host of marine invertebrates.

Our touch tank brings an interactive dimension to your marine exploration. See live sharks, feel the surprising textures of rays, the armor-like surface of crabs, and the velvety resilience of starfish. This tactile experience serves as a compelling reminder of the variety and intricacy of evolutionary adaptations in the aquatic world.

We hope to sea you soon for this fin-tastic experience!

Tickets

Open Today: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Museum Hours

Plan a Visit

Adults $5, Children $5

Only available as an add-on ticket

See Admission

Located in the Lower Level

See Accessibility

Please Note:

To purchase a Touch Tank Encounter add-on ticket, you must first purchase a ticket to the Permanent HMNS Exhibit Halls. Please note this does not cover entry to the Cockrell Butterfly Center.

Touch Tank Feeding Experience

Get ready to become a shark expert!

Join our animal care staff as they make their morning rounds at our saltwater touch tanks and get an exciting peek into the life of a marine biologist. You’ll feed, conduct wellness checks, and participate in training sessions with our sharks and stingrays. Your training will start with learning about the tank’s life support system and how to perform a water health check. You will then help clean the tanks and delve into the specialized diets of these animals. Finally, you’ll use a specialized feeding tool to participate in a feeding session. When your experience is complete, you will get a chance to visit a special exhibition at HMNS with a greater appreciation for these amazing creatures!

From January 1 to March 16, 2025 guests will visit Sharks!
From March 16 to May 22, 2025 guests will visit Death By Natural Causes