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The Florida Aquarium - 30 Years

Event Details

Day of Discovery

The Florida Aquarium Day of Discovery Sensory Family Fun

Sensory-Friendly Family Fun

A Day of Discovery provides an Aquarium experience specifically tailored to individuals with sensory differences and their families. Days of Discovery are hosted by The Florida Aquarium in partnership with the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (C.A.R.D.) at the University of South Florida.

The Florida Aquarium is hosting a sensory-friendly YuleTides! To address the needs of our diverse audiences, Day of Discovery has limited capacity and is reserved for families and children with sensory differences and/or accessibility challenges. Special effects, lights and music will be adapted for those with sensory differences. Day of Discovery is free for members and $10 for non-members.

Join us for sensory-friendly YuleTides on Sunday, December 7 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM.

Event Details

Date & Time

December 7, 2025
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM


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The Florida Aquarium diver dressed in Grinch costumer making a heart with his hands as a young boy watches

Sensory-Friendly YuleTides

Join us after hours for an exclusive time to enjoy the magic of the holiday season after the Aquarium closes. During this carefully curated event, lights and sounds will be adapted accordingly for individuals with sensory differences and their families.

Tickets for the event are $10 per guest and free for members.

Activities include:

  • Santa meet-and-greet
  • Animal encounters
  • Character appearances
  • Costumed divers
  • Holiday themed crafts
  • And more!

It is the goal of The Florida Aquarium to remove barriers to participation of YuleTides; admission for this event is reserved for families and children with sensory differences and/or accessibility challenges.

A Day of Discovery provides an aquarium experience specifically tailored to individuals with sensory differences and their families. Special effects, lights and music will be adapted for those with sensory differences.

Admission to Day of Discovery is intended for those with sensory differences and/or accessibility challenges and their families.

Yes. Tickets are $10 per person and complimentary for Aquarium members. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are non-transferable. Members can reserve a complimentary ticket by logging into their account.

Due to limited capacity, walk-up tickets may not be available.

Day of Discovery is free to members but a ticket must be reserved to gain entry to the event. This allows the Aquarium to maintain a capacity limit. Members can log into their account to reserve tickets.

Parking is available at the City of Tampa parking lot next to the Aquarium. Directions can be found here. Alternatively, there are several other parking lots within walking distance. Click here for more information.

Yes, but please note that sounds and lights will come on for general admission.

All habitats and exhibits will be available to explore, including the three touch habitats (Stingray Beach, The Tide Pool, and Moon Bay). You might even encounter some special animal ambassadors!

Café Seventy One and the gift shop will be closed.