AquaCamps
Learning Meets Fun All Summer Long
The Florida Aquarium is proud to offer innovative themed camps for children ages 3-14 in a safe learning environment. Science-themed AquaCamps feature hands-on learning, animal encounters, and so much more.
Every week throughout the summer, campers can experience a different theme!
Early drop-off and late pick-up, available at no extra cost, is just one of the extra benefits for camp parents! Plus, there are lunch options.
Check out our 2022 AquaCamps programs by clicking the link below or download the complete catalog.
AquaCamps 2022 Programming
Camp DetailsAquaTots
Ages 3-4
Whimsical topics will keep young campers engaged and learning! Camps are taught by educators specializing in pre-K – kindergarten and include science explorations, arts and crafts, and Aquarium tours. Adult(s) accompanying campers are encouraged to interact and participate in all activities!
Camp Details:
- Each camper must be accompanied by an adult
- Wednesday 10:30 – 11:30 AM
- $12 members, $15 non-member
- Register for two camps and receive a $2 discount* on all additional camps.
Tide Pool Tales
June 1
Tide pools are a community of plants and animals. From sea stars to algae, discover what animals call a tide pool home.
Mad Scientist
June 8
Gather around to experience what it is like to be a scientist.
SHARKS!
June 15
Join us for a day of jaw-some fun as we dive into the truth about sharks.
Ocean Commotion
June 22
Take a journey under the sea as we learn why there is so much commotion within the ocean.
Otterly Awesome
June 29
From their thick fur to their webbed feet, otters have amazing adaptions that make them awesome.
Nocturnal Nature
July 6
Let’s explore cool creatures and the adaptations that make them perfect for life in the dark!
Animals in Motion
July 13
From slithering snakes to flying birds, animals move in a variety of ways. See how our movements compare to the animals that call The Florida Aquarium home.
Color Crazy
July 20
Do animals change color? Why are some animals brightly colored? Learn the answer to these colorful questions and more.
Topnotch Taste
July 27
What’s in your lunch bag? Discover what’s on the menu for the animals at The Florida Aquarium.
Splish Splash
August 3
End the summer with a splash by celebrating all things water.
AquaKids
Ages 5-6
Young learners will keep busy with science-themed exploration, Aquarium tours, arts and crafts, choice-time and so much more. Plus, weather permitting, splash time at The Splash Pad. Camps are taught by educators specializing in PreK – kindergarten. One teacher and assistant assigned to every camp.
Pricing Details:
- 4 day $160 members, $195 non-members
- 5-day $200 members, $240 non-members
Artistic Animals
May 31- June 3 (4-day camp)
Channel your inner artist and discover animal “artists” of the land and sea. Get an up-close view of our residents and become inspired to create your own masterpiece.
Forces of Nature
June 6-10
We all love superheroes! Especially animals with superpowers! Learn about the strongest punches, the highest fliers, the fastest swimmers, and the greatest heroes of the animal kingdom.
Prehistoric Past
June 13-17
Travel back in time to experience Florida’s past. From trilobites to megalodons, Florida is full of fossils and fun.
Are You Afraid of the Sharks?
June 20-24
Sharks are important to the health of our oceans, but they are often misunderstood. Come learn the truth about our sharp-toothed friends and why we need to protect them.
Junior Scientist
June 27-July 1
Scientists are constantly making new discoveries. Join us as AquaCampers are put up to the challenge, too! Grab a magnifying glass and get ready to dive into the wacky world of science.
Wildlife Warriors
July 5-8 (4-day camp)
Wildlife needs your help! Become a wildlife warrior and learn what everyday things you can do to protect our blue planet.
Mighty Mammals
July 11-15
Dolphins, dogs, and people all have something in common. They are all mammals! Learn what makes a mammal a mammal and see how people measure up to these amazing animals.
My Backyard
July 18-22
There are lots of animals in your very own backyard! From turtles to frogs to bugs, explore the backyard habitats of Florida. Become familiar with animals you may see in your very own neighborhood.
Deep Sea Detectives
July 25-29
Do you think you have what it takes to become the next great ocean detective? Become an ‘aqua-tective’ and help solve mysteries and myths of the ocean.
Make A Splash!
August 1-5
End the summer with all things water. From the sand on the land to the shallow sea creatures, spend your last week exploring our coastlines, seashells, and sunshine.
Full-Day On-Location Camps
Completed Kindergarten – Grade 1 (Ages 6-7)
The young animal lover in the family will love these full-day camps focusing on some all-star animals like sharks, birds, reptiles and more! Camps include science-themed exploration, Aquarium tours, a field trip, a live animal encounter, arts and crafts, and, weather permitting, splash time at The Splash Pad. All on-site camps are taught by experienced educators.
Pricing Details:
- 4 day $185 members, $225 non-members
- 5-day $230 members, $280 non-members
Feathered Friends
May 31- June 3 (4-day camp)
Check out bird beaks, feathers, and birdcalls from around the world. Practice your birdwatching skills as we walk the trails at Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa.
Planet Protectors
June 6-10
Our planet needs you! Learn what everyday things you can do to help our planet. Travel to the Florida Conservation and Technology Center in Apollo Beach to find out how experts are helping our planet too!
Down in the Deep
June 13-17
Let’s explore deep sea creatures and the adaptations that make them perfect for life in the depths! Compare the deep ocean to space with a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa (MOSI).
Shark Seekers
June 20-24
Explore the world of sharks and their relatives. Learn the challenges sharks face, their importance in the ocean, and so much more. Compare sharks to land predators with a trip to Busch Gardens in Tampa.
Diggin’ in the Past
June 27-July 1
Dig up clues to the past and discover what lies below. Travel to Dinosaur World in Plant City to see some of the enormous prehistoric creatures that once wandered the earth.
Florida Featured
July 5-8 (4-day camp)
Journey through numerous Florida habitats and get up-close with awesome animals that call them home. Visit a unique habitat while exploring Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg.
Mammal Mania
July 11-15
Join us as we spend a week learning all about mammals. Including those that live right here in Florida from around the world with a visit to ZooTampa.
Ocean Explorers
July 18-22
Prepare to explore the world’s oceans and the creatures living there. Learn about travelers of the high seas while visiting the Tampa Bay History Center.
Crafty Critters
July 25-29
Calling all creative campers! Discover animals that have creative ways to build a home, survive, and hunt. Travel to Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa for inspiration to design your own art.
Beach Bonanza
Aug 1-5
Get together for one last hurrah at the beach before going back to school. Join us for fun in the sun with games and activities aimed at being responsible beach goers. Send the summer out with a splash with a trip to Fort DeSoto Park in St. Petersburg.
Full-Day On Location Camps
Completed Grades 2-3 (Ages 8-9)
For the child who’s serious about sharks, amazed with amphibians or simply obsessed with the ocean, our full-day summer camps will be a huge hit! Camps include science explorations, tours of the Aquarium, a field trip, a live animal encounter, arts and crafts, and splash time at The Splash Pad (weather permitting) and more. All on-site camps are taught by experienced educators.
Pricing Details:
- 4 day $185 members, $225 non-members
- 5-day $230 members, $280 non-members
Icky-ology
May 31- June 3 (4-day camp)
Join us for icky science and animals that might make you go “ewww.” Travel to Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa to discover some messy creatures in our own backyard.
Operation Conservation
June 6-10
Incoming mission… code name: Operation Conservation! We need your help to protect plants and animals around the world. Travel with us to the Florida Conservation and Technology Center in Apollo Beach for more mission details.
Marine Mammalogy
June 13-17
There are many fish in the sea, and mammals too! Learn about a variety of marine mammals that live most of their lives in the water. Take a trip to ZooTampa to see mammals in action.
Incredible Invertebrates
June 20-24
Crabs have an exoskeleton, snails carry a shell, and jellies float in the current. Learn about adaptations that allow animals without bones to survive. Visit Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo to learn more about local invertebrates.
Flying Frenzy
June 27-July 1
From insects to birds to bats, learn about living things that fly. Find out what makes these animals adapted for air travel. Discover local flyers while visiting Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg.
Sunshine State of Mind
July 5-8 (4-day camp)
Florida is an amazing state with animals everywhere. Learn how you can help protect our native species. Enjoy the Florida weather with a visit to Sawgrass Lake Park in St. Petersburg to discover more about our local wildlife.
To the Extreme
July 11-15
Join us for a week full of extreme animals! Learn about ways animals have found to survive in some of the world’s wildest habitats with a trip to Busch Gardens.
Fact or Fiction: All about Sharks
July 18-22
There are many myths about sharks, and we need your help to sort fact from fiction. Discover why sharks are important during a week all about sharks. Travel to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium to see some of these predators up close.
Ancient Florida
July 25-29
Journey back in time throughout Florida’s geological history. Explore fossils left behind by ancient creatures that once roamed this area. Venture out to The Mulberry Phosphate Museum to dig up some fossils of your own.
Sand and Sea
Aug 1-5
As summer comes to an end, explore the sand and sea with us. Learn about beach and coastal habitats and the many animals that call Florida home. Travel to Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg to enjoy a beach day in the summer sun!
New! Full-Day Travel Camps
Completed Grades 4 – 5 (Ages 10 – 11)
Young adventurers will love these themed travel camps that provide plenty of exploration of animals and ecosystems. With a focus on marine science and a new adventure each day, these camps will provide unforgettable moments of discovery at the Aquarium and various locations in and around the Tampa Bay area. Campers should be able to swim and be comfortable being outside most of the day. All travel camps are taught by experienced educators and counselors.
Pricing Details:
- 4 day $240 members, $290 non-members
- 5-day $300 members, $365 non-members
- Register for two camps and receive a $25 discount on all additional camps. Discount applies to campers in the same household of the same age.
Eco-tourists
May 31-June 3 (4-day camp)
Take some time to relax and be a tourist in your own state. Visit local eco-tourist destinations like Fort De Soto Park, Lithia Springs Conservation Park, and Pass-a-Grille Beach to spend time exploring and enjoying local spots.
Island Hopping
June 6-10
Who needs a watch when you can live on island time? We will be visiting some of Tampa Bay’s renowned islands as we search for shells on Shell Key, discover a lighthouse on Egmont Key, and soak up some sun on a ride out to Caladesi Island.
Spring Discovery
June 13-17
As the weather heats up, spend the days in the coolest places in Florida. Discover aquatic spots that never get warmer than 72°. Enjoy Lithia Springs Conservation Park, float the Rainbow River, and try to locate “mermaids” at Weeki Wachee.
Cruise the Coast
June 20-24
What better way to experience Florida waters than by boat? We will kayak at the Florida Conservation and Technology Center, ride a boat in the bay, and take a cruise along the coast on a captained pontoon boat.
What’s Below?
June 27-July 1
There is more than meets the eye in Florida. Look at what is just below the surface and dig into Florida’s rich history. Discover a cave system in Brooksville, explore an abandoned fort at Fort De Soto Park, and find prehistoric fossils in the Peace River.
Park Rangers
July 5-8 (4-day camp)
Enjoy your days exploring Florida’s unique state parks to discover the natural treasures they offer. Check out the only class one rapids in Florida at Hillsborough River State Park, look for alligators in Myakka State Park, and enjoy the beach of Honeymoon Island State Park.
Sightseeing with a Snorkel
July 11-15
Everyone enjoys sightseeing on vacation. Spend this week sightseeing underwater! Relax along Pass-a-Grille beach, look for life underwater at Fred Howard Park, and look for shark teeth at Caspersen Beach.
Animal Rescue
July 18-22
Rescuing animals can be lots of hard work, but it is rewarding work. Go behind the scenes at the Aquarium to learn more about our rescue animals and how we care for our animals every day. Learn more about marine mammal rescues at ZooTampa and visit a wildlife vet’s office at Busch Gardens
Weird and Unusual
July 25-29
Scales, exoskeletons, and slime make up just a few characteristics of the animals you will be looking for throughout this week. Take a trip to Bok Towers to do some insect investigation, search McGough Nature Park for invasive turtle species, and explore Emerson Pointe in Palmetto to look for strange animals both in the air and on the beach.
Beach Bash
August 1-5
Celebrate the final days of summer by floating down the Rainbow River, relaxing on the beach at Fort De Soto Park, and kayaking at the Florida Conservation and Technology Center.
New! Full-Day Travel Camps
Completed Grades 6 – 8 (Ages 12 – 14)
Young adventurers will love these themed travel camps that provide plenty of exploration of animals and ecosystems. With a focus on marine science and a new adventure each day, these camps will provide unforgettable moments of discovery at the Aquarium and various locations in and around the Tampa Bay area. Campers should be able to swim and be comfortable being outside most of the day. All travel camps are taught by experienced educators and counselors.
Pricing Details:
- 5-day $300 members, $365 non-members
- Register for two camps and receive a $25 discount on all additional camps. Discount applies to campers in the same household of the same age.
Florida Flashback
June 6-10
Travel back in time as we explore the diversity of plants and animals in Florida! Experience what Florida was once like by visiting a cave system, looking for fossils in Peace River, and visiting an old fort in St. Petersburg.
Adrenaline Rush
June 13-17
Adventure seekers wanted! Spend the week body surfing at the beach, climbing through an adventure course amongst the trees, and traversing Florida’s first canopy walk at Myakka State Park.
Under the Surface
June 20-24
Get an up-close experience with fish by snorkeling Fred Howard Beach, relax at Pass-A-Grille Beach, and shuttle out to Shell Key to look for underwater life and shells.
Conservation Quest
June 27-July 1
Conservation is key when it comes to saving our blue planet. We’ll visit other conservation-minded organizations like Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, learn about slash pine forests at Honeymoon Island State Park, and Brooker Creek Persevere- the largest natural area in Pinellas County.
Nautical Adventures
July 11-15
Come along and explore the best parts of Tampa Bay by boat! Kayak the Florida Conservation and Technology Center mangroves, spend a day aboard a captained pontoon boat, and take a ride along the coast.
Spring Explorers
July 18-22
Florida’s best-kept secrets don’t always have sand. Some have water that stays at a refreshing 72°year-round. Take a dip in Lithia Springs Conservation Park, float down Rainbow River, and learn about local springs while visiting Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park.
Summer Send Off
July 25-29
Spend the last days of summer in a state of relaxation. Visit Florida’s sandy beaches and zip line high over Mobley Bayou.
Become a Junior Camp Counselor Volunteer!
The Florida Aquarium is looking for responsible high school students, ages 14 – 17, to serve as volunteer Junior Camp counselors for Summer 2022; from May 31 – August 5.
Learn MoreCamp Details
- Full Day Camp is 9 AM–4 PM (except for AquaTots)
- FREE extended care: Earliest drop-off is 8 AM. Latest pick-up is 5:30 PM (except for AquaTots)
- Pricing varies by age and length of camp. Please click on your child’s age (above) or refer to the catalog for pricing.
- Lunch and snack options can be pre-purchased for $36/week (4-day camp) and $45 week (5-day week) or purchased the week of camp for $45/week.
- Register for two camps and receive a discount on all additional camps. Discount applies to campers in the same household of the same age.
With continued changes, please know that Aquarium staff will implement safety measures that are most appropriate at the time of camp. This may include a daily health statement from the parent/guardian. Our goal is to provide the safest possible experience based on the most current guidelines. Please also note that all current in-person Aquarium programming requires mask wearing, which may be updated as guidance changes.
REGISTRATION
- If you need assistance with the registration process, please call Reservations at (813) 273-4015.
- Member discount: members (couple or higher) automatically receive a discounted price for each camp.
- Not a member? Join today!
- Multi-camp discount: With registration for two camps (for the same camper) a discount will be applied on all additional camps. Discount applies to campers in the same household of the same age.
- Full payment is due at the time of registration. Checks and credit cards are accepted.
JOIN US FOR PARENT’S NIGHT!
You will learn: the benefits of camp, Aquacamps safety procedures, overviews of daily itineraries, and how we make summer FINTASTIC!
Camp registrations will not be taken at this event.
| Virtual Tuesday, May 3, 2022 5:30 PM Meeting information will be included in your confirmation letter after registration. |
In Person Wednesday, May 4, 2022 5:30 PM In-person meeting is at The Florida Aquarium in the green room learning space, Carol J. Barney Barnett Learning Center. |
CANCELLATION, CHANGE & REFUND POLICY:
- To receive a refund, less a $25 cancellation fee per camp, cancellations must be made at least three weeks (21 days) before the start date of camp.
- Cancellations made 20 days or less before the start date of camp will not be refunded.
- All cancellations must be requested in writing or by email.
- No refunds will be given due to inclement weather.
- Registration changes can be accommodated if space is available. A $15 fee will be assessed for all changes, excluding cancellations.
- You will receive a confirmation letter via email within two weeks of registration. If you do not receive this, call (813) 273-4015 for more information.
- The Florida Aquarium reserves the right to separate or combine camps.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
- Camps are held rain or shine. The Florida Aquarium will make programmatic adjustments based on weather with the safety of campers as the first priority.
- Severe weather including hurricanes and hurricane preparedness may result in cancellation of daily programming.
- Refunds will not be provided in the event of inclement/severe weather.
*Discount applies to campers in the same household of the same age.