Bring Your Favorite Plushie to The Florida Aquarium for the “Cutest Check-Up in Town”
August 18, 2026
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Tampa, FL – Teddy bears, stuffed sharks, and plushies of all shapes and sizes are all invited to The Florida Aquarium for the Cuddle Clinic, a playful, hands-on event that combines imagination with learning.
Known as the “Cutest Check-Up in Town”, families can bring their favorite plush toy to the Aquarium for a comprehensive “check-up” featuring interactive stations for x-rays, dental exams, nutrition assessments, vision tests, lab work and more. The event on Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23, is included with general admission and is designed to introduce children to the importance of caring for both people and animals through imaginative play.
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Cuddle Clinic Details
🗓️ Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026
⏰ 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
📍 The Florida Aquarium: 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602
🎟️ Included with all general admission tickets
Don’t Have a Plushie? No Problem.
Families without a stuffed companion can still join the fun through The Florida Aquarium’s Animal Adopt program.
With the purchase of a general admission ticket on Aug. 22 or 23, guests can symbolically adopt one of the Aquarium’s animals for a special event price of $35. Each adoption includes a cuddly plush animal, an official adoption certificate and a fun fact sheet about the species.
The Animal Adopt program gives families a meaningful keepsake while supporting The Florida Aquarium’s mission to protect and restore marine wildlife.
Registration is not required for the Cuddle Clinic. For more information about The Florida Aquarium, and to plan your visit, click here.
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