Daily Programs

There’s So Much to Discover!

You don’t have to be a marine biologist to study the sea! At the Discovery Center, we offer a variety of fun, family-friendly programs to feed your curiousity about Tampa Bay’s unique ecosystem, the global ocean, and the wonders of the natural world. Listen to a free tank talk, sign up for a lionfish dissection, make art with us, or contribute to valuable citizen science projects – there’s something on our schedule for everyone. And if you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, our education team can customize a private program just for you.

Explore the calendar below to find out what’s happening at our facility on the St. Pete Pier and register for upcoming activities. You’ll find descriptions of each individual program farther down this page. Visit our eco tour page to learn more about special events on our eco-vessel.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact tbwdceducation@tampabaywatch.org. We’re happy to help.

Serving Up Free Education Daily

  • Weather permitting, our enthusiastic educators take their teaching outside. Stop by our location on the St. Pete Pier to enjoy learning about some of our favorite Tampa Bay topics! You might peer through our microscope to observe plankton pulled from under the Pier, touch artifacts collected from the ocean, or create a craft. It’s an ever-changing rotation of information that’s fun for the whole family. Schedule varies.

  • Our tanks are inhabited by a hungry cast of characters! Watch them enjoy their lunch with a side of learning during one of our daily feedings. Our knowledgeable team will tell you everything they know about the animals in our care and the special roles they play in the Tampa Bay estuary. Included with admission ticket.

    Seahorse Supper: Have you ever watched a seahorse slurp? It’s a must-see! Our hungry seahorses eat three times a day at 10:15 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:15 PM.

    Date With Diamondbacks: Our diamondback terrapins have big appetites and big personalities. Watch them dine and play with their enrichment toys at 1:00 PM.

    Meet a Mangrove: Discover life among the roots. Mangroves provide habitat and protection for thousands of species. Let us tell you about a few of them, then observe as our mangrove tank residents chow down on their midday snack at 3:00 PM.

  • Are you looking for a deeper dive into the Tampa Bay ecosystem? A more thorough understanding of the local environment, the species on display at the Discovery Center, and how our work impacts the ocean can be gleaned from a docent or staff led tour. Guided tours are available upon request, ask at the front desk for more information.

Affordable, Entertaining, and Fun for Everyone

For a small fee, you can attend an exciting, hands-on session in our classroom. Explore the threats posed by invasive lionfish, find out why a squid squirts ink, or treat your young ocean explorer to an age-approporiate interactive lesson on their favorite subject. Our eco-vessel also offers a variety of learning opportunities.

For assitance with registration, email tbwdceducation@tampabaywatch.org.

Squid Dissections

What makes a mollusc a mollusc? During this hands-on squid dissection, you’ll find out! Participants will learn about the wide variety of molluscs found in our region and what sets them apart from other animals. This program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited.

Lionfish Dissections

Join us for an exciting lionfish dissection in our classroom. Learn how this beautiful invader threatens our ecosystem, and examine its stomach contents to find out which bay species it has been snacking on. All lionfish specimens are harvested as part of invasive species removal programs in Florida and donated to us.

Specialty Dissections

The Discovery Center’s education team specializes in developing sustainable dissections that reuse research specimens, feature invasive species, and contribute data to local studies. Pull on your gloves and experience hands-on learning at its very best!

Brushes on the Bay

Immerse yourself in an artistic happy hour inspired by our unique estuary ecosystem. Enjoy light refreshments and snacks, observe the Discovery Center’s animals, and bring them to life on your very own canvas. It’s the perfect fusion of art, science, and fun.

Bay Babies

This program is for the youngest ocean explorers. Bay Babies is offered for 3 to 6 year olds monthly. Each session includes story time, crafts, activities, and animal interactions to keep your little one(s) engaged and excited. Program is held in our indoor classroom and space is limited.

Walking With Wildlife

The St. Pete Pier offers so much for visitors to enjoy – but humans aren’t the only ones who can be found soaking up the sun! Join our walking tour to experience the city’s best sightseeing destination through the eyes of a biologist. Participate in real research while our educators introduce the plants and animals that call the Discovery Center’s surroundings home.

Pricing:

Lionfish Dissection or Squid Dissection:

  • $10 per person, includes Discovery Center admission

  • All dissection guests must purchase a ticket to enter the classroom

Specialty Dissections:

  • Pricing and suggested age range varies, please see calendar for details

Bay Babies:

  • $10 per child (ages 2-6), children must be accompanied by an adult, includes Discovery Center admission

  • Program is free for siblings under 2

Brushes on the Bay:

  • Pricing and suggested age range varies based on art piece, please see calendar for details

Walking With Wildlife:

  • $20 per person, includes Discovery Center admission

  • Program is free for children under 3

There’s more!

Want to continue the ocean fun and learning? We also offer on and off-site field trips, after school programs, summer camps, birthday parties, and eco tours. Email tbwdceducation@tampabaywatch.org today to plan the perfect experience for your family or group.