The Florida Aquarium
About
The Florida Aquarium - Channelside Tampa Bay Waterfront
Tampa's main aquarium on the Channelside waterfront downtown, with exhibits covering Florida's freshwater wetlands, bays and beaches, coral reefs, and open ocean. Operated as a non-profit ocean conservation institution since 1995.
Programs for Kids
Education programs span toddler drop-ins through homeschool and scout tracks. Programs include:
- Camps through the For Families section
- AquaTots Experience for early learners
- Sea Squirts (AquaTots variant)
- Sea Stars youth program
- Homeschool Programs
- Field Trips with Field Trip Education Programs
- Scout Programs (Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Scouts BSA)
- Virtual Learning and Virtual Scouts
What's Included
- Indoor exhibit galleries across freshwater, bay, reef, and open-ocean habitats
- Educator-led group programs
- Member general admission and program discounts
- Wild Dolphin Cruise (separate ticket)
Experience
Tampa Bay families use the aquarium as a recurring indoor destination and a structured camp option. The Channelside location is downtown and pairs with Sparkman Wharf, Amalie Arena, and the riverwalk.