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
- Length
- 1-1.5hours
- Pricing
- $35-$60 (Prices vary by program package and date)
- Age Range
- Any age range is available.
Homeschool Hangouts
Delve into the world of Marine Science through our classroom-based program, a thrilling boat tour adventure, or both!
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
- September–May
- Time
- 10:30 am to 11:15 am
- Child Ages
- 3-5
- Duration
- 45min
- Price
- $10 per child; $5 per adult
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:
- 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.
Program Details
- Available
- November — May
- Time
- 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Day
- Select Dates November – May. See below for upcoming dates
- Student Ages
- 13-18 (current 7th – 12th grade students)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Price
- $50
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, 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.
Program Details
- Available
- November – May
- Time
- 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Day
- Select Dates November – May. See below for upcoming dates
- Student Ages
- 9 – 12 (current 4th – 6th grade students)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price
- $20
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, 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.
Program Details
- Available
- September-May
- 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 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.
Program Details
- Available
- September-March
- Time
- 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Dates
- Select Dates September—March. 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:
- There are no upcoming dates scheduled. Please check back later.
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.
Program Details
- Available
- Please Contact Education Coordinator
- Length
- 45 min
- Pricing
- $150.00
- Age Range
- Any age range is available.
Virtual LIVE Field Trip
Virtually meet with an Education Biologist along with a training session with one of our resident dolphins. Have all of your questions answered live and virtually tour around the aquarium. This program is a one-time occurrence for 45 minutes priced at $150. Contact the Education Coordinator at educoordinator@cmaquarium.org to book your custom and unique learning experience today.
