{"id":191890,"date":"2026-03-14T22:19:10","date_gmt":"2026-03-14T22:19:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/191890\/"},"modified":"2026-03-14T22:19:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T22:19:10","slug":"the-florida-aquarium-is-spring-breaks-must-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/191890\/","title":{"rendered":"The Florida Aquarium is spring break’s must-visit"},"content":{"rendered":"

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If you\u2019re 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\u2019s biggest spring break week, making it the perfect staycation destination for local families.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Animals\"Animals<\/p>\n

\"Animals\"Animals<\/p>\n

\"Animals\"Animals<\/p>\n

\"Kids\"Kids<\/p>\n

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<\/a> if you\u2019re looking for a drop-off and pick-up option during the week off from school.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, it\u2019s also a chance to check out some of the award-winning exhibits at The Florida Aquarium. Notably, The Tide Pool<\/a>, the Aquarium\u2019s newest cold-water touch habitat, was recently ranked among the\u00a0Top 5 Best New Attractions in the U.S.<\/a> With 350+ marine invertebrates, including colorful anemones and sea stars, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the highlights as part of The Florida Aquarium\u2019s \u2018Ultimate Spring Break Staycation.\u2019<\/p>\n

Up-Close Animal Encounters: Meet some of the Aquarium\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Squid Dissection: Even during spring break, learning comes alive at the Aquarium. This hands-on\u00a0AquaEd<\/a>\u00a0experience 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\u201311:30 a.m. and 1:30\u20132:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Special Encounters & Add-On Adventures: Guests can elevate their visit with unforgettable add-on adventures, including:<\/p>\n

SeaTREK:<\/a>\u00a0A guided underwater walking tour. For the first time, Aquarium staff will feed the fish during the experience, surrounding participants with awe-inspiring schools \u2013 offered multiple times a day during Spring Break<\/p>\n

Wild Dolphin Cruise<\/a>: Available at 1:00, 2:30, and *4:00 p.m. (*new departure time)<\/p>\n

Stingray Feeding Experience<\/a>: Get closer to cownose stingrays than ever before<\/p>\n

Undersea Explorer Virtual Reality Experience<\/a>: This Virtual Reality (VR) experience lets you dive into breathtaking underwater worlds without ever leaving the Aquarium<\/p>\n

AquaCamp: For families looking for a full-day option,\u00a0AquaCamp<\/a>: Habitat Explorers runs March 16\u201320 (Monday\u2013Friday) and Animal Groups on March 23. Both camps run 9 a.m.\u20134 p.m. with free extended care from 8-9 a.m. and 4-5 p.m. Designed for children ages 5\u201311 (grades K\u20135), campers will experience animal encounters, arts and crafts, science experiments, tours of the Aquarium, and interactive conservation activities.<\/p>\n

Specials at Caf\u00e9 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\u2019s Tent, then dive into something sweet with the Waves of Wonder Waffle Sundae \u2014 hand-dipped waffles topped with sprinkles, gummy sharks, and chocolate-vanilla twist ice cream.<\/p>\n

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