What happens when you combine theme park sensibilities with educational opportunities?  You get Moody Gardens.  This massive attraction has become one of the Houston area’s biggest tourist attractions and it gets good reviews from the bulk of those who make the journey.

If you’re looking for something to do in the Houston area or are planning on heading to Galveston, there’s a pretty good chance that you’re going to consider a trip to Moody Gardens.

MG offers well-maintained beaches, a fully-operational and constantly-cruising old-time paddlewheel boat, a convention center, hotel space, an impressive publicly-accessible golf course and restaurants.  Oh, and that list didn’t even mention the biggest aspect of the center–the pyramids.

That’s right.  Pyramids.  Three of them.  They’re huge (over ten stories tall) and they’re made of glass.  One pyramid plays host to a tropical rainforest ecosystem complete with free-flying birds.  Another features sea life from all around the world as part of a world-class aquarium.  The final pyramid features science exhibits, including plenty of NASA stuff and multiple IMAX theaters and rides.

Here’s the pitch, as stated by the folks at Moody Gardens:

Looking for island fun? Work or play, this tropical destination is ideal for families and groups alike. Delve into the oceans depths at the Aquarium Pyramid® to see penguins, sharks and thousands of tropical fish. Step into the Rainforest Pyramid® that features a diverse collection of exotic tropical plants and animals. Explore the mysteries of science at the Discovery Museum or experience the action of the IMAX® 3D, 4D or Ridefilm theaters. Cruise aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat or enjoy beautiful white sand beaches and blue lagoons at Palm Beach. And, whether it’s a weekend retreat or an extended stay, the spectacular Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center has the accommodations and service for an ideal getaway.

It wouldn’t be honest to pretend as if the Moody Gardens experience was flawless.  You’ll find plenty of people who didn’t have the times of their lives at the complex.  That’s true for every attraction, though.  Overall, people seem to love the Gardens–even when they have a few minor gripes.

One gripe, however, seems to come up a little more often than others.  Considering the content of this blog and the state of the economy, you can probably guess what that complaint is:  Money.

Moody Gardens probably isn’t the most expensive thing to do in the Houston area, but it sure is a lot more expensive than a cheap seat to watch the Astros.

Locals who can make regular use of the facilities might be able to get off cheap on a per-trip basis by purchasing an annual family membership, but visitors and vacationers will end up forking over at least a pair of twenties for every person who wants to check out MG.  And that’s just the admission price.  Once you’re in, you can expect to continue the spending spree with the usual overpriced extras, refreshments and souvenirs (although Moody is better in this regard than many other tourist hot spots).

That’s why one reviewer noted, “Make sure you have coupons or you will pay through the nose for this little slice of alternate reality.”

Fortunately, you can find coupons for Moody Gardens in a variety of different locations.  They’ve been known to show up in The Houston Chronicle on Sundays and a simple Google search will turn up more than a few different places to secure coupons for Moody Gardens online.  Sites like MapAmerica and AllAcrossTexas frequently host cost-cutting coupons for MG admission.

Let’s be frank.  Amusement parks and tourists attractions are expensive.  Period.  Moody Gardens is not an exception to the rule.  You’re going to get whacked around at the front gate on admission and once you’re on the grounds, they’re going to do their damnedest to separate you from your cash whenever possible.  If you’re looking for something free or cheap to do in Houston, don’t even think about the Gardens.

However, you can manage your costs with coupons for Moody Gardens and a little self-control.  That will give you and your family to enjoy some great diversions and to get up close and personal with wildlife and scientific exhibits that you may not encounter otherwise.