EcoStation

EcoStation

Come and explore the outdoors through our native plant garden, solar-powered research pavilion, pond habitat and woodland area sponsored by CenterPoint Energy.

Virtual Exhibit
3D Field Trip Coming Soon
Ages
2+
Admission
Included with General Admission
Perfect For
Energetic Explorers
Make Believers
Scientists
Location
Courtyard
Accessibility
See Accessibility
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are the state standards for Texas public schools from kindergarten to year 12.
TEKS
Fine Arts
Science
About the exhibit

Everything in our ecosystem is connected…even you! Come explore the environment and conduct ecological studies inside and outside of EcoStation, recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. Try making some leaf rubbings, identifying footprints, observing decomposition, spotting animals in the pond (including our red-eared slider turtles), and more! Plus, we have constantly changing activities inside our solar-powered research pavilion.


Educators

EcoStation is all about how everything in the ecosystem is connected. It features primarily native plants and animals that thrive together in a living ecosystem. EcoStation is designed to develop an understanding of the environment, to foster a commitment to behaviors that support it through hands-on opportunities and learn how their decisions influence its welfare.

Virtual Exhibit
3D Field Trip Coming Soon
Ages
2+
Admission
Included with General Admission
Perfect For
Energetic Explorers
Make Believers
Scientists
Location
Courtyard
disability Accessibility
See Accessibility
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are the state standards for Texas public schools from kindergarten to year 12.
TEKS
Fine Arts
Science
CONSIDER WEARING A MASK
Please consider wearing a mask. Feeling sick? Come back when you feel better. Exposed to someone with COVID in the last 7 days? Please visit us another day. We remain committed to the safety of children, visitors, and our staff and follow CDC guidelines.
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What Parents are Saying

“Every time we visit EcoStation, there is always something new to see. My kids love the chickens and pond area.”

Lisa M.

Parent

What Kids are Saying

“My favorite part of EcoStation is seeing the turtles because I don’t have any animals at my own house.”

Jennifer S.

8 Years Old

“Top Things to Do in Houston”

2021 Explorer Guide

Exhibit Features

There’s a lot to see and do in this exhibit—check out some of these unique activities!

Maddison Joy Barksdale Animal Puppet Theater

Put on a show!

Set the stage and use puppets to tell a story about native animals. What animals will you find at our puppet theater today? What characteristics make them perfect for your show?

Pond Habitat

There’s always something new to observe.

Check out what native flora (plants) and fauna (animals) are living in our pond. The pond is a living habitat, so it is constantly changing. Come see what’s new to see in our aquatic habitat!

Research Pavilion

New activities to try every week!

Look at specimens under a microscope, visit our chicks to learn about the life cycle of birds, and try our thematic activities with something new each week.

What Can My Family Do?

Here are activity suggestions for specific age groups in this exhibit.

Toddler Activities

  • Observe live chick in the Chicken Brooder.
  • See what animals live in the Eco Pond.

Preschooler Activities

  • Put on a play at Madison Joy Barksdale Animal Puppet Theater.
  • Explore the Native Plants Nature Trail.

Lower Elementary Activities

  • Follow the life cycle of birds at the Hatchery and Brooder.
  • Try our EcoStation Scavenger Hunt.

Upper Elementary Activities

  • Explore the parts of the flower at Build a Flower.
  • Identify native trees using leaf rubbings at Shady Impressions.

Exhibit Guidelines and Rules

Thank You to Our Exhibit Sponsors
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Thank You to Our Exhibit Sponsors

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