Educational Programs

Night at the Aquarium

Get ready for an unforgettable evening where the aquarium transforms into a after-hours adventure! This special event invites kids ages 5-10 to experience a magical night filled with:

• Captivating Stories: Hear amazing tales about the ocean’s most incredible creatures!
• Hands-On Activities: Dive into interactive fun with ocean-themed crafts and games.
• Aquarium Exploration: Discover the secrets of CMA like never before!

When the lights go out, the ocean adventure truly begins!

UPCOMING DATES: 

• February 14, 2026                                       
• March 20, 2026 

Drop-Off: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Pick-Up: 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm

All programs must be booked online at least 24-hours in advanced.

For more information, please contact: csmith@cmaquarium.org or call 727-441-1790 x 2262.

Pre-registration is required. We require a minimum number of participants per Night at the Aquarium session and will reschedule or process a full refund if the minimum is not met.

*Parking fee is not included.

Pre-K Pod Pals

Join us for PRE-K POD PALS – a fun and educational morning program at Clearwater Marine Aquarium! Our turtle, dolphin, otter, shark, and ray friends will invite children to learn about where they live, what they eat, and the characteristics that help them live in the ocean. Programs will include classroom activities that explore the Florida pre-kindergarten standards, interactive games, and fun facts about the animal of the month! Available for children ages 3 to 5.

UPCOMING DATES: 

• March 3, 2026
• April 7, 2026
• May 5, 2026

All children must be accompanied by an adult. All programs must be booked online at least 24-hours in advanced.

Upcoming Programs:

Squishy Bones – March 3

In this one-hour program, you will learn about what you have in common with fish like sharks and rays! Sink your teeth into using your thinking skills to compare sharks and rays while looking at shark jaws and other biofacts. Throughout story time and the hands-on activities, you’re sure to have a fin-tastic time!

Whale Tales – April 7

Did you know whales come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors? Compare and contrast the different types of whales in this one-hour program. Learn about teamwork during story time and play an interactive game that uses your motor skills.

Hatchling Heroes – May 5

Do you love sea turtles? If so, this is the one-hour playdate for you! Learn about how sea turtles navigate through their lifecycle from egg to adulthood with hands-on activities. Discover the parts of a sea turtle and interact with real biofacts. Design your own sea turtle hatchling shell, listen to a story about sea turtle nesting on Clearwater Beach, and discover ways we can all help sea turtles!

For more information, please contact: csmith@cmaquarium.org or call 727-441-1790 x 2262.

Pre-registration is required. We require a minimum number of participants per Pre-K Pals session and will reschedule or process a full refund if the minimum is not met.Admission is not required and not included with this program. Add on Aquarium Admission for $9.95 per person by calling 727-441-1790 x 2262 at least 24 hours in advance.
*Parking fee is not included.

Career Exploration

Join us for our Career Exploration Program! This experience provides an inside look at aquarium careers. Meet aquarium personnel, participate in activities, and explore behind the scenes. Learn about Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s research and conservation programs, education, and animal husbandry. 

DATES: 

• Saturday, February 21, 2026                        
• Saturday, April 11, 2026                           
• Saturday, May 16, 2026 

For more information, please contact: csmith@cmaquarium.org or call 727-441-1790 x 2262.

Pre-registration is required. We require a minimum number of participants per session and will reschedule or process a full refund if the minimum is not met.

Junior Career Quest

Are you a budding marine scientist? This experience provides an inside look at aquarium careers for students that are 4th through 6th grade. Participate in hands-on activities that showcase the rescue, rehabilitation, and release work that CMA does. Learn about different paths that you can take to achieve your marine science career goals. This is a drop-off program. Parents / guardians are not participants. All participants MUST be signed in and picked up by a parent or guardian promptly at the end of the program. 

DATES: 

• Saturday, February 21, 2026                        
• Saturday, April 11, 2026                           
• Saturday, May 16, 2026 

For more information, please contact: csmith@cmaquarium.org or call 727-441-1790 x 2262.

Pre-registration is required. We require a minimum number of participants per session and will reschedule or process a full refund if the minimum is not met.

Biologist-Led Classroom Programs

Coming for a group visit? Consider an educational add-on program! Group visits are completely self-guided; however, school, educational or scout groups can schedule a 60-minute Biologist-led classroom program. These programs are available for as low as $5.00 per participant. Please see our Educational Planner PDF for all of our program selections.

For more information, please contact: csmith@cmaquarium.org or call 727-441-1790 x 2262.