Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s educational department seeks to provide as many opportunities to provide educational experiences that are engaging and fun here at CMA or off-site. Be sure to also view our off-site educational programs.
Program Details
- Available
- Select Dates May-September. See below for upcoming dates.
- Length
- 1-1.5 hours
- Pricing
- $35-$60 (Prices vary by program package and date)
- Age Range
- Any age range is available.
Homeschool Hangouts
Looking for a fun and educational experience for your homeschooling family? Join us for Homeschool Hangouts, where learning comes to life! On select dates throughout the school year, homeschool students and their families can choose from engaging classroom programs, exciting boat excursions, or combine both for a full day of marine discovery.
The following program options are available on select dates. Program details, prices and schedules may vary by date and are subject to change.
PROGRAM OPTIONS
Each Homeschool Hangout date offers slightly different program options, featuring an eco-boat tour or snorkel adventure, a marine biology classroom program, or a combination of both with admission included.
HOMESCHOOL HANGOUT DATES
September 17, 2026 – 1hr Eco-venture boat tour and “Marine Biology 101” classroom program
Eco Ed-venture: Embark on an unforgettable voyage of marine discovery aboard a Clearwater Marine Aquarium boat! Our immersive marine science curriculum invites students to explore the wonders of the ocean. Explore Clearwater Bay as we look at the estuary environment and make
observations about the animals that call an estuary home. Led by a marine biologist, students will learn about marine ecosystems and
how to protect them, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for the precious underwater world.
Marine Biology 101: Learn marine biology 101 as you climb the phylogenetic tree and get an introduction to some of the animals that call Clearwater Marine Aquarium home. Discuss animal adaptations and strategies necessary for survival in different habitats. Examine the life cycles,
environment, and feeding methodologies of various marine animals using touch to explore biofacts and live touch tank invertebrates.
February 11, 2027 – 1hr Dolphin and Wildlife boat tour and “Make Way for Manatees” classroom program
Dolphin and Wildlife Tour: Explore Clearwater Bay during this 60-minute eco-boat cruise. Learn about members of our local dolphin population, travel around a bird sanctuary island, and view seasonal local wildlife.
Make Way for Manatees: Investigate Florida’s state marine mammal – the manatee! Learn about manatee eating habits and about their various environments. Discover the dangers they face and ways we all can help support their populations.
May 6, 2027 – 1.5hr Sea Life Safari boat tour and “Terrific Turtles” classroom program
Sea Life Safari: Join us for a 90-minute scenic eco-boat cruise around our local estuary. Be a part of citizen science, and observe data collection in action, as we perform a net pull and conduct a “show and tell” onboard of sea creatures found in the grass beds and sand flats of the bay. Get
your feet wet at a local shell island and collect seashells. *See local wildlife above and below the water!
*Island stop may be canceled due to weather or inaccessibility, and boat routes may be altered by captain at any time
Terrific Turtles: Learn about turtle anatomy, behavior, and the differences between tortoises, terrapins, and sea turtles. Understand and explore their
unique adaptations, commonalities, and differences. Find out what makes these shelled reptiles so special. Learn about our residents and
visit with CMA’s Russian tortoise ambassador.
Each Homeschool Hangout date offers slightly different program options, featuring an eco-boat tour, a marine science-themed classroom program, or a combination of both with admission included.
Homeschool Option 1 – 1hr Boat Tour/ 1.5hr Boat Tour + Admission
$35/$50 per person
Homeschool Option 2 – Classroom Program + Admission
$20 per person
Homeschool Option 3 – 1hr Boat Tour / 1.5hr Boat Tour + Classroom Program + Admission
$45/$60 per person
Don’t miss this chance to blend learning and fun in one exciting day! We look forward to welcoming your family to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where education and adventure go hand in hand.
Program Details
- Available
- November — March
- Time
- 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Dates
- Select Dates November – March. See below for upcoming dates
- Student Ages
- 13-18 (current 7th – 12th grade students)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Price
- $50
Career Exploration
Ever wondered what it takes to work at an aquarium? Explore the many career paths that make Clearwater Marine Aquarium a leader in marine animal rescue, rehabilitation, research, conservation, and education! Get an inside look at aquarium careers as you meet CMA professionals, participate in hands-on activities, and explore behind the scenes. Learn about the diverse teams that help make our mission possible, including research, education, and animal husbandry.
DATES:
- November 25, 2026
- December 29, 2026
- March 18, 2027
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.
Program Details
- Available
- March-August
- Time
- 10:30 am to 11:00 am
- Child Ages
- 3-5
- Duration
- 30min
- Day
- First Tuesday of select months
- Price
- $10 per child; $5 per adult
Pre-K Pod Pals
Join us for Pre-K Pod Pals, a fun-filled morning at Clearwater Marine Aquarium designed especially for curious little learners and their grown-ups! Each session features engaging classroom activities inspired by Florida’s Pre-Kindergarten Standards, interactive games, and exciting animal facts centered around our animal of the month.
UPCOMING DATES:
- March 2, 2027
- April 6, 2027
- May 4, 2027
- June 1, 2027
- July 6, 2027
- August 3, 2027
All children must be accompanied by an adult. All programs must be booked online at least 48-hours in advance.
Upcoming Programs:
Manatee Mania – March 2
Get to know the gentle giants of the sea! Discover where manatees live, what they like to eat, and how mother manatees care for their calves. Through story time and fun activities, little learners will explore life as a manatee and learn more about these amazing marine mammals.
Dolphin Discovery – April 6
Dive into the world of dolphins and learn all about these amazing ocean animals! Discover what dolphins eat, where they live, how they communicate, and what makes them special. Through stories, games, and hands-on activities, little learners will have a fin-tastic time exploring the world of bottlenose dolphins!
Hatchling Heroes – May 4
Embark on an adventure through the life cycle of a sea turtle, from tiny hatchling to adult! Students will explore sea turtle anatomy, interact with real biofacts, and design their own hatchling shell. Through story time and hands-on activities, they’ll discover how sea turtles navigate their lives and learn simple ways we can all help protect them.
Tidal Tots – June 1
Get ready to wiggle, squish, and splash as you explore the fascinating world of marine invertebrates! Meet some of the ocean’s spineless animals, discover what makes them unique, and learn how they survive in their underwater habitats. Through hands-on activities and interactive exploration, little learners will get up close with fascinating creatures like sea urchins and more!
Squishy Bones – July 6
Sink your teeth into the fascinating world of sharks and rays! Students will discover what they have in common with fish while comparing these incredible animals and exploring shark jaws and other biofacts. Through story time and hands-on activities, little learners will use their thinking skills to explore what makes these animals unique.
Whale Tales – August 3
Get ready for a whale-sized adventure! Discover the amazing variety of whales and how they come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. Through story time, interactive games, and fun activities, little learners will compare different types of whales, practice teamwork, and put their growing motor skills to work!
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.
Program Details
- Available
- Year-round
- Program Length
- 45-60minutes
- Grades
- Pre-K through 12th grade
- Min. Group Size
- 10
- Max. Group Size
- 50
- Pricing
- Pricing $5.00 – $8.00 per participant plus admission
Or contact our Education Coordinator with a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice – 727-441-1790 Ext 2262.
Biologist-Led Add-On Programs
Enrich your field trip experience with an engaging classroom program, guided tour, or scavenger hunt! Designed to complement your aquarium visit, these educational programs provide students with learning opportunities that bring marine science and conservation concepts to life. These programs range from 45 to 60 minutes in length and 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.
Program Details
- Available
- November-May
- Time
- 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Dates
- Select Dates November-May. See below for upcoming dates.
- Child Ages
- 5-10 years old
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price
- $20
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:
- November 23, 2026
- December 21, 2026
- January 16, 2027
- February 14, 2027
- March 19, 2027
- May 29, 2027
Drop-Off: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Pick-Up: 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm
All programs must be booked online at least 48-hours in advance.
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.
Program Details
- Available
- Year-round
- Length
- 45 min
- Pricing
- $150.00
- Age Range
- Any age range is available.
Virtual LIVE Field Trip
Bring Clearwater Marine Aquarium into your classroom with an interactive virtual field trip led by a CMA marine biologist! Students will explore marine science, learn about our resident animals and conservation efforts, and have the opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A with the biologist hosting the session. Groups may submit questions in advance for our team to answer during the program, creating a personalized experience that connects students directly with marine science experts. Choose one of our unique sessions below.
Turtle Tales — Dive into the world of sea turtle conservation and learn why these incredible reptiles are some of CMA’s most common patients. Join a CMA marine biologist to explore the role of a working marine animal hospital, learn about resident sea turtles, and discover the journey of rehabilitation patients working toward a return to the wild. Students will uncover the threats sea turtles face and how they can help protect these amazing animals.
Marine Mammal Marvels —Explore the fascinating world of marine mammals and learn what makes each species unique! Join a CMA marine biologist to investigate the adaptations and behaviors of bottlenose dolphins, manatees, North American river otters, seals, and sea lions. Students will learn about communication, echolocation, swimming adaptations, rescue stories, and the important conservation efforts that help protect these incredible animals.
Fin-Tastic Fish — Explore the incredible diversity of the ocean’s finned inhabitants! Join a CMA marine biologist to learn about the colorful fish that call Clearwater Marine Aquarium home and uncover the unique adaptations that help sharks and rays thrive. Students will discover how these animals contribute to healthy ocean ecosystems and why protecting marine life is essetial for the future of our oceans.
Contact the Education Coordinator at educoordinator@cmaquarium.org to book your custom and unique learning experience today.
