Aquarium Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9AM-4PM Friday-Sunday: 9AM-5PM
EDUCATION OUTREACH
Home » Education Outreach
Choose from five different education outreach programs that are designed to meet age-appropriate learning standards, provide up-close interactions with animal artifacts, spark curiosity and critical thinking, as well as inspire connections with the natural world. Programs are led by the Aquarium’s talented team of educators.
The aquatic world is vast and diverse, and different animals have unique stories and lessons to share. Explore the options to find the right fit for your group’s interests!
Please note – the Turtle Encounter is the only outreach program that currently includes live animals.
Gather ‘round as we read a tale about an aquatic animal! This storytelling-centered program introduces you to the “main character” through an educational children’s book. Participate in interactive activities to learn about your animal character’s physical traits, habitat, and more.
Let’s seal the deal on a good time with an introduction to the wondrous world of pinnipeds! Learn how to tell the difference between the three types of pinnipeds: seals, sea lions, and walruses. Through lively demonstrations and hands-on opportunities with animal artifacts, you’ll get a better understanding of the incredible adaptations that help these animals thrive in different coastal environments.
Ages 7-10
If you’re looking for a jawsome outreach program, this is it! Dive into the world of sharks and learn about the adaptations that make them such effective predators. Get an up-close look at real shark jaws and teeth, feel shark skin, and check out preserved shark eggs. Experience shark senses – smell, sight, hearing, and electroreception – though fun, interactive activities.
Ages 10-13
Squid are some of the smartest and strangest-looking animals in the sea, and their internal anatomy is just as fascinating! From their three hearts to the ink sacs that contain their strongest defense mechanism, there’s a lot to see and learn from looking inside these cephalopods. Squid is acquired from our frozen food supply and is thawed prior to the program (no live animals). Squid dissections require an additional lab fee.
Meet one of our two charismatic ambassador turtles, Maggie, the Florida river cooter, or Mortisha, the red-eared slider! Enjoy an up-close look at the animal’s physical features and see how webbed feet and streamlined bodies make these reptiles well-suited to spend most of their lives in the water.
request a visit
Please fill out the outreach reservation form to request a reservation. Your reservation is not confirmed until you hear from us. If you need more information, please email us.
FIELD TRIPS
The Aquarium makes it easy for schools, clubs, scouts, and organizations to plan exciting field trips to see our entire animal collection.