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Aquarium/Smithsonian Special/Community Group Options

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Special/Community Group OptionsGuests checking out the touch tank

Options for special or community groups are also available. To book your experience, please call 772-465-3271 or email SMSEducation@si.edu. Please note the advance registration times below.

SEINING ADVENTURE, AQUARIUM TOUR AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES EXPERIENCE
This program begins with a tour of the Aquarium, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour led by Smithsonian aquarists. The seining adventure will consist of a brief lesson and a hands-on, feet-wet, up-close experience with animals that live in the Indian River Lagoon. Don't forget to visit our touch tank before the end of your visit!

LENGTH: 2.5 HOURS
PRICE: $120
PARTICIPANTS: 10-20
AGES: 6+ (1 adult per every 5 children required)

REGISTRATION: One month in advance

AQUARIUM TOUR AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR
Explore each living model ecosystem aquarium showcasing Florida's east coast while being led by one of our Smithsonian marine science educators. Visit our laboratory and learn about how aquarists care for the organisms that live in the Aquarium. Finish your experience with a visit to our touch tank.

LENGTH: 1 HOUR
PRICE: $75
PARTICIPANTS: 10-20
AGES: 6+
REGISTRATION: One week in advance

SELF-GUIDED TOUR AND SCAVENGER HUNT PROGRAM
Meet one of our marine science educators for an hour of aquarium exploration. Kids will solve a scavenger hunt challenge that will get them to look deeply into each ecosystem exhibit, followed by a visit to our touch tank!

LENGTH: 1 HOUR
PRICE: $75
PARTICIPANTS: 10-20
AGES: 5-15 (1 adult per every 5 children required)
REGISTRATION: One week in advance

Public Programs
Educational opportunities at SMEE are available for all our visitors, regardless of age! We offer programs for children, families and seniors; everyone can find a way to experience some must-see marine life and maybe even learn a thing or two. Programs change on a monthly basis and we're always adding new offerings, so be sure to check out our Events Calendar (below).. If you'd like to be the first on your block to know what opportunities SMEE has in store, sign up for our Events Notification (email:: SMSEducation@si.edu).

 

 

25-year Anniversary of the St. Lucie County Aquarium

Since opening in August 2001 (originally as the St. Lucie County Marine Center), the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit at the St. Lucie County Aquarium has spent the past quarter-century inspiring visitors to explore, understand, and protect Florida’s vibrant marine life. The aquarium has served as a dynamic educational hub for local residents, school groups, and tourists. Far more than a collection of fish tanks, the exhibit features living, dynamic displays that model six distinct Florida ecosystems across the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. With interactive microscopes, focused aquaria, and a hands-on touch tank, visitors can experience life underwater firsthand – no snorkel required.

To commemorate 25 years of discovery, the St. Lucie Aquarium is hosting a community celebration on Saturday, Aug. 22. Admission to the Aquarium will be free all day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). There will also be interactive educational activities, crafts from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Museum Pointe Park provided by St. Lucie County’s Rec & Roll and opportunities to meet scientists from the Smithsonian Marine Station.

Celebrating the actual anniversary on Friday, Aug. 28, the Aquarium will again offer complimentary admission from. In addition, the Aquarium will open early and provide light refreshments to visitors from 9 to 10 a.m. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to join one of the ever-popular fish feeding tours (10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.) or a behind-the-scenes look into how the Aquarium’s ecosystems are cared for (11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.).

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