Mote offers a variety of family-friendly programs that are sure to delight all ages! Each program is a fun opportunity to learn about our local estuary and connect to nature. We ask that you carefully read each program's description so you can plan accordingly. Most Family Programs involve spending time outside, and for some, that also means getting into the water. We want everyone joining us to be comfortable and prepared so they can have fun and make the most of the program.

Note: These are NOT drop-off programs, adults must regsiter and attend. All participants (ages 3 and up, including adults) must be registered. See each program description for additional details. Please review your confirmation email for the meeting time and location of each program.

Dip Netting in the Bay

Splash into Sarasota Bay! Join Mote for some fun outdoor exploration. Participants will use dip nets to explore the nearshore seagrass beds and learn about the plants and animals that call the Bay home. Please read the details listed below to best prepare yourself for this experience. Click the button below to view available dates and times. 

Who: All ages (ALL participants, adults or children, must register)
Fee: $13.50 for members, $15.00 for non-members
When: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

  • March 16 
  • March 22
  • April 29
  • May 27

Pre-registration for all participants (including parents/guardians) is required. Fee is per participant, ages 3 and older. Dip Netting in the Bay does not include general admission to Mote Marine Laboratory. Guests who wish to tour the aquarium exhibits will need to purchase general admission tickets. Visit mote.org/visit for more information. 

Note: This is an outdoor program and participants will wade in water up to waist deep. At least one paying adult chaperone is required for every 2 youth participants. All adults/guardians in attendance must be registered. Find out what to wear and bring here. 

Register Now

Seashore SEAfari

Explore a mangrove forest! Put on your adventure hat and come along as we tour a mangrove boardwalk, use science tools to test water quality and complete a seashore scavenger hunt with one of the best views in Sarasota! Click the button below to view available dates and times. 

Who: All ages  (ALL participants, adults or children, must register)
Fee: $13.50 for members, $15.00 for non-members
When: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

  • March 15

Pre-registration for all participants (including parents/guardians) is required. Fee is per participant, ages 3 and older. Seashore SEAfari does not include general admission to Mote Marine Laboratory. Guests who wish to tour the aquarium exhibits will need to purchase general admission tickets. Visit mote.org/visit for more information. 

Note: This is an outdoor program (not water-based) that involves walking. See registration for additional details. At least one paying adult chaperone is required for every 4 youth participants. All adults/guardians in attendance must be registered.

Register Now

 

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Questions? Email educate@mote.org

Health and Safety Policies

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium adheres to CDC and State of Florida public health guidelines. We suggest that all families review and follow CDC guidance. For more information, visit: cdc.gov/coronavirus. All dip netting supplies will be sanitized between programs. Mote follows CDC guidelines for maintaining and cleaning all touch surfaces and environments.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

To ensure the safety of our participants, programs may be canceled in cases of inclement weather, including rain or adverse marine conditions such as high winds, or other environmental factors (i.e. Red Tide). For water-based programs (Dip Netting), if air temperatures fall below 60 degrees, we will cancel the program. In the event of a weather-related or other cancellation, you will be notified via email the evening before. Be sure to check the email you registered with prior to your program. A copy of our complete Cancellation Policy is available here and is also linked in your registration confirmation email.

Prohibited Items/Activities

The following items are not permitted on Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium grounds for the safety of our animals and guests: weapons or firearms per Florida Statutes Section 790.06(12) {firearms are not allowed at events with alcohol provisions}, or any hazardous items or materials, balloons, plastic straws, food and beverages not provided by approved vendors (water and baby food/formula is allowed), or any other items deemed to be a safety hazard or that may be used to engage in prohibited activities.  Smoking and vaping is also prohibited.