What are the opening hours?

Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

Bay Education Center

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Bay Education Center

The exhibits also highlight the role of the the Mission Aransas NERR. The Estuary Exhibit is open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm. Admission is FREE.

The Bay Education Center tells the story of an estuary with engaging exhibits that reveal the ecological and economic importance of the Mission Aransas Estuary. Check our page postings for details and schedule. Message us and we will get back with you as soon as possible within our operation hours.

08/18/2026

The Bay Education Center is closed until further notice for building maintenance. Updates will be posted on our social media.

For any inquiries, please contact [email protected].

08/08/2026

Join us for three fun, hands-on programs during this year's HummerBird Celebration! Each program takes place from 10:30–11:30 a.m. and is first come, first served for the first 12 participants.

09/17 – DIY Mason Jar Hummingbird Feeders
Create your own hummingbird feeder using a mason jar and learn how recycled materials can help support backyard pollinators.

09/18 – Pressed Flower Hummingbird Mosaics
Design a beautiful hummingbird mosaic using pressed native Texas flowers while learning about the important role hummingbirds play as pollinators.

09/19 – Nature Journaling & Soundscape Ecology
Decorate your own nature journal, explore the sounds of the natural world, and discover how scientists use soundscapes to study wildlife and ecosystems.

Bay Education Center
10:30–11:30 a.m. each day
First come, first served – limited to 12 participants per program

We hope you'll join us to celebrate hummingbirds and discover more about the incredible wildlife of the Texas coast!

08/06/2026

Join the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve for a Community Conversation!

Interested in learning more about living shorelines? Join the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve for An Honest Conversation About Living Shorelines: Costs, Permitting, Types, and More.

Thursday, August 13
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Community Center of Aransas County
302 N. Live Oak St.
Rockport, TX

This free event is a great opportunity to learn about living shorelines, ask questions, and hear from experts about the different approaches, costs, permitting process, and more.

Refreshments will be provided!

Please register in advance using the link below:
https://bit.ly/4bpodKT

We hope to see you there!

07/01/2026

The Bay Education Center will be closed on Saturday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday with family and friends! We'll reopen on Tuesday, July 7, and look forward to welcoming you back during our regular hours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Have a wonderful Fourth of July!

05/28/2026

Join us for an Oyster Shell-a-bration on Saturday, June 20, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at the Bay Education Center in Rockport!

This family-friendly event will bring together families, community members, and oyster enthusiasts for hands-on activities, demonstrations, and conversations about oyster restoration and monitoring along the Texas coast.

Activities will include:
• Gyotaku-inspired fish printing on canvas tote bags
• Oyster-themed crafts and activities
• Interactive watershed demonstrations
• Oyster monitoring and restoration activities
• Touch tanks and live demonstrations
• Snacks and refreshments

Hosted in partnership with Sink Your Shucks, The Nature Conservancy in Texas, Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, and UTMSI.

Please register here: https://forms.gle/HS1DSC4aToagyqci7

See you there!

05/12/2026

Please note that the Bay Education Center will be closed all day on Thursday, May 14th.

We will reopen on Friday and resume regular business hours from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.

04/17/2026

The Bay Education Center is looking for a Part-Time Education Specialist to join our team! This position is a great opportunity for someone passionate about environmental education and community engagement.

As part of our team, you’ll:

- Design and lead engaging environmental education programs
- Work alongside a collaborative, mission-driven team
- Connect students, visitors, and the community with the unique coastal ecosystems of the Mission-Aransas Reserve

If you enjoy working with people, love the coastal environment, and want to make a difference through education, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now: https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UTstaff/job/CORPUS-CHRISTI-VICTORIA/Education-Specialist_R_00045084?q=rockport

04/16/2026

Celebrate Earth Day with Us: April 25!

The Bay Education Center invites you to celebrate Earth Day with a special program on April 25! While Earth Day falls on April 22, we’re keeping the celebration going with a relaxing and creative opportunity to connect with our local coastal environment.

Join us for a soundscape listening activity, where you’ll tune in to the natural sounds of the Texas coast, and a nature journaling and craft session inspired by the unique ecosystems of our bays and estuaries.

This program is perfect for all ages and offers a chance to slow down, observe, and appreciate the natural world around us.

Space is limited to 12 participants and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

We hope to see you there!

04/10/2026

The Bay Education Center will be CLOSED tomorrow, April 11 , as well as April 14, and April 28. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back during our regular hours.

Thank you for your continued support!

03/17/2026

Join us at the BEC for some fun, educational programs all about marine science and celebrating nature!

All programs are on a first-come, first-serve basis, with 12 spots available on days involving a craft. Each program starts at 2:00 PM, is free to the public, and open to children of all ages.

March 19: Pat Cruz Oysters 101 - Pat will take us on a journey through all things oysters, including a touch tank and lecture.

March 21: Storytime with Craft (12 spots) - We'll be reading a book all about our marine wildlife friends and making art inspired by what we learn along the way.

We hope to see you there!

121 Seabreeze Dr., Rockport, 78382

Address

121 Seabreeze Drive
Rockport, TX
78382

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm

Website

http://www.missionaransas.org/

Alerts

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