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Learn About the Oceans at Mote Aquarium
Looking for a fun outing for your family this summer? Mote Aquarium is the perfect place for an educational day trip. This building is packed with exciting things for you to do and see, teaching valuable lessons about Florida's incredibly diverse river and ocean dwellers along the way. Keep reading for more details on how to plan your visit!
About the Aquarium
Mote Aquarium is part of the Mote Marine Foundation, one of the biggest conservation organizations near our Sarasota homes for sale. Located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway right on the bustling Anna Maria City Pier, the aquarium is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM every day, including weekends.
Since space is limited, tickets must be purchased online in advance. You'll pay $26 per person over age 13 and $19 for kids aged 3 to 12. Kids aged 2 and under and people with a foundation membership get in for free but still need to reserve their spot in advance.
If you're a little short on cash but still want a great experience, you can head to the brand-new Mote Marine Education Outreach Center located at the end of the pier. This institution offers live and virtual exhibits similar to what you'll find in the aquarium, but it's free!
Experience Incredible Marine Life Exhibits
Mote Marine Foundation first opened in 1955 and focused exclusively on studying sharks. Eventually, the foundation expanded its scope to include the conservation and study of other marine creatures like manatees, otters, sea turtles, and dolphins. These animals are currently part of the aquarium's exhibits, along with other marine wildlife like seahorses and pufferfish.
In addition to its live animal exhibits, the aquarium also hosts a few virtual and interactive exhibits. Its Exploration Gallery hosts a massive animated globe that displays visual representations of storms and weather patterns. You'll also find an interactive exhibit on the decline of the ocean's coral reefs. You can even use a virtual reality headset to simulate swimming with sharks, humpback whales, and other sea creatures.
Perhaps the most exciting of all, however, is their Fossil Creek exhibit. This area is full of plots of sand that you can purchase to sift for real fossils of real shark teeth, stingray barbs, and other ancient marine life. Kids will love the thrill of each surprise find, and all the fossils you discover are yours to keep.
Events
On top of its many exhibits, the aquarium also hosts several special events. One of their most popular is Breakfast with the Sharks, a recurring event in which guests enjoy a continental breakfast while learning more about Florida's shark populations.
If sharks aren't your thing, you might prefer to attend Turtle Time instead. This family-friendly event focuses on the aquarium's sea turtles, giving you one-on-one time with the organization's friendly outreach turtles.
Early risers can take part in the Morning Rounds tour, an early-morning experience that invites you to follow the biologists around the aquarium as they get the animals ready for the day and even help feed some of the creatures who live there.
The Fun Never Ends in Sarasota
Mote Aquarium is just one of the many fascinating attractions currently operating near our Bradenton homes for sale. Contact us today to learn more.