If you’re trying to figure out what to do with the kids (or even yourself) over spring break, we have some penguin-filled ideas. The Florida Aquarium announced a huge lineup for Tampa’s biggest spring break week, making it the perfect staycation destination for local families.
From Saturday, March 14 through Sunday, March 22, The Florida Aquarium is open for extended hours while also offering additional interactive experiences, a wealth of activities, live music, up-close animal encounters, hands-on scientific classes, and even some new food and drink specials to keep you energized.
For starters, the beautiful waterfront aquarium will be open from 9 am to 6 pm every day (except for a 5:30 pm closing on Wednesday), giving your schedule more flexibility and your kids more time waving at marine life. There are also all-day kids camps if you’re looking for a drop-off and pick-up option during the week off from school.
Meanwhile, it’s also a chance to check out some of the award-winning exhibits at The Florida Aquarium. Notably, The Tide Pool, the Aquarium’s newest cold-water touch habitat, was recently ranked among the Top 5 Best New Attractions in the U.S. With 350+ marine invertebrates, including colorful anemones and sea stars, it’s easy to see why. While just walking through each exhibit at the aquarium brings you up close and personal with an incredible array of sealife, there are also still time slots open for several of their interactive experiences.
Here are some of the highlights as part of The Florida Aquarium’s ‘Ultimate Spring Break Staycation.’
Up-Close Animal Encounters: Meet some of the Aquarium’s most popular residents face-to-face. From Cayenne the tamandua to playful African penguins, Apaporis and Liana the sloths, and Salvator the Asian water monitor lizard, animal ambassadors will be out and about throughout the week for special pop-up encounters and photo opportunities.
Live Music: Spring Break gets even more festive with live AquaTunes performances on the outdoor lawn. Guests can enjoy family-friendly favorite songs with several performances scheduled daily from March 16-22.
Squid Dissection: Even during spring break, learning comes alive at the Aquarium. This hands-on AquaEd experience gives guests the chance to explore marine science and discover the workings of an amazing aquatic creature during guided squid dissection led by Aquarium educators. Classes take place Saturday and Sunday, March 14 & 15, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Special Encounters & Add-On Adventures: Guests can elevate their visit with unforgettable add-on adventures, including:
SeaTREK: A guided underwater walking tour. For the first time, Aquarium staff will feed the fish during the experience, surrounding participants with awe-inspiring schools – offered multiple times a day during Spring Break
Wild Dolphin Cruise: Available at 1:00, 2:30, and *4:00 p.m. (*new departure time)
Stingray Feeding Experience: Get closer to cownose stingrays than ever before
Undersea Explorer Virtual Reality Experience: This Virtual Reality (VR) experience lets you dive into breathtaking underwater worlds without ever leaving the Aquarium
AquaCamp: For families looking for a full-day option, AquaCamp: Habitat Explorers runs March 16–20 (Monday–Friday) and Animal Groups on March 23. Both camps run 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with free extended care from 8-9 a.m. and 4-5 p.m. Designed for children ages 5–11 (grades K–5), campers will experience animal encounters, arts and crafts, science experiments, tours of the Aquarium, and interactive conservation activities.
Specials at Café Seventy One: Spring Break brings bold bites and sweet treats to The Florida Aquarium. New to the menu, guests can enjoy a Traditional Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich with shaved rib-eye, cheese sauce, peppers and onions on a warm roll at the Chef’s Tent, then dive into something sweet with the Waves of Wonder Waffle Sundae — hand-dipped waffles topped with sprinkles, gummy sharks, and chocolate-vanilla twist ice cream.
