About The Florida Aquarium in Tampa
The Florida Aquarium is a public institution and 501(c) (3) nonprofit located in Tampa, Florida. It is a 250,000-square-foot aquarium that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Those who visit are sure to see a wide variety of animals and learn more about the natural world. Visitors can also see the unique habitats that marine life calls home. This is a must-see attraction if you visit the Tampa area.
The aquarium is a great place to bring children. Kids can play on the water playground or burn off some energy on the outdoor splash pad. The aquarium is also home to a large variety of tropical and marine life. You can even take pictures with penguins. The only drawback is the price of admission. However, if you’re a fan of aquariums, you’ll enjoy the experience. Here’s a look at what you’ll find at the Florida Aquarium.
In addition to interactive exhibits, you can see Florida’s native animals in their habitats. You’ll see Sand Tiger Sharks, otters, and free-flying birds. You can also see stingrays, porcupine fish, and other species that call the area home. Throughout your visit, you’ll learn about all kinds of fish, from tiny invertebrates to the large, beautiful, and rare Gulf species.
In 1998, Jeff Swanagan was appointed as the Aquarium’s CEO. Under his leadership, the aquarium began to relax its strict focus on Florida wildlife and science. Jeff Swanagan’s efforts have resulted in the introduction of new exhibits from around the world. The Florida Aquarium now has an albino alligator and leafy sea dragon from Australia. The Florida Aquarium even has a bat and snake exhibit, titled Frights of the Forest.
Besides being a great place to see sea creatures, the Aquarium also offers a variety of educational programs to educate kids about the world’s oceans. Kids can join the Virtual Scouts program aligned with the Girl Scouts or take a homeschool class. You can even participate in a virtual preschool program called AquaTots. If you’re a fan of sharks, be sure to visit the Florida Aquarium for a great day out!
Visitors can also learn about the wetlands wildlife in Florida. The Florida Aquarium is located in downtown Tampa and features more than 9,000 animals from around the world. Visitors can get up close to sea creatures and learn about the habitats of many species. There are educational programs for families, an outdoor splash pad, and even a dolphin sightseeing tour! The Aquarium accepts cancellations up to 24 hours before the start of the show. Visiting during the golden hour is a unique experience.
The Florida Aquarium offers interactive exhibits that engage visitors. The Discovery Station is a 145-gallon interactive museum that promises hands-on interactions with marine animals. Visitors can try out new techniques in coral reproduction. You can also take a shark dive or watch dolphins in the Wild Dolphin Ecotours. A visit to the Aquarium is never complete without an experience. And while there are so many things to do in Tampa, you can’t go wrong with an aquarium visit.
The Mote Marine Laboratory is internationally recognized for its research. There are birthday parties, breakfast programs, events, and research charters available. The Loxahatchee River Center has both fresh and saltwater aquariums and a kid-friendly boat tour. A visit to this aquarium is guaranteed to spark a passion for the environment and the ocean. In addition to the Florida Aquarium, there are many other activities for families to take advantage of.
For families with kids, the Wild Dolphin Cruise is a great activity. For only $30 per person, you can see thousands of sea creatures. You’ll be treated to a fun, informative tour, and an opportunity to spot wild dolphins up close. The boat departs from the Port of Tampa Bay, which is only a five-minute walk away. You should arrive 30 minutes before the departure time to make sure your tickets are valid. And don’t forget to purchase tickets to the Wild Dolphin Cruise if you plan on visiting the Florida Aquarium.
For those who don’t want to leave the Tampa area, the History Center at Old Water Street is another must-see. It offers 3 floors of exhibits ranging from Florida’s first inhabitants to the European explorers in the 1500s. Visitors can even participate in hands-on activities. There is even a tobacco store reconstructed on the site! Lastly, don’t forget to visit the Florida Center for Cartographic Education.
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