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: $15.00 per person
When: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- September 4 (Labor Day)
- September 9
- October 21
- November 21
- Nov 25
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.
Seashore SEAfari
Mote Education is excited to offer Seashore SEAfaris at three locations!
Join Mote’s professional educators on one of three different family-friendly guided tours to explore the unique flora and fauna of City Island, Lido Beach and/or Anna Maria Island. Families will put on their adventure hats and use science tools to identify plants and animals, test water quality and complete a seashore scavenger hunt while learning about the breakthrough research happening at Mote.
Who: All ages (ALL participants, adults or children, must register)
Fee: $15.00 per person
When: See dates & locations below
Note: This is an outdoor program (not water-based) that involves walking on sidewalks, boardwalks, and/or sand. Pre-registration is required. At least one paying adult chaperone is required for every 4 youth participants. All adults/guardians in attendance must be registered. Please review the location before registering for your adventure!
Seashore Seafari: City Island
Explore a Florida mangrove forest lining beautiful Sarasota Bay! Participants will learn all about mangroves including how to identify them, the animals that call them home and why they are important. We will stroll through the mangroves and make our way to the bay to enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in Sarasota.
Note: This Seashore SEAfari takes place at our main campus (Mote Aquarium) on City Island. Aquarium admission is NOT included.
Location: Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, Florida 34236
When: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- November 19
- November 22
- December 26
- December 30
Seashore Seafari: Lido Beach
Discover one of Florida’s most iconic and pristine beaches, Lido Beach. Participants will join us for some beachcombing and bird watching as we explore the seasonal migrations of animals and natural history of this important barrier island.
Note: This Seashore SEAfari takes place at Lido Beach (approximately 2.5 miles from Mote Aquarium). Aquarium admission is NOT included.
Location: Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach, 2201 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, Florida, 34234
When: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- November 20
- December 28
Seashore Seafari: Anna Maria Island
Get the insider scoop on Mote research at Mote Marine Laboratory’s newest satellite campus at the Anna Maria Island City Pier. After a guided tour of Mote’s Marine Science Education and Outreach Center, participants will take a stroll down the pier and the beach to learn about the local flora and fauna and be introduced to the rich history of Anna Maria Island.
Note: This Seashore SEAfari takes place on Anna Maria Island (approximately 18 miles from Mote Aquarium). Aquarium admission is NOT included however admissiont to the Mote Marine Science Education and Outreach Center is free.
Location: Anna Maria City Pier, 100 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria 34217, FL
When: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- September 6
- October 11
- November 8
- December 6
Please Note: Pre-registration is required. Mote Aquarium admission is NOT included. Please visit mote.org/visit for information and to reserve tickets.
Mote reserves the right to update or modify any program elements as necessary. Modification of a program element by Mote does not constitute grounds for a refund.
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Questions? Email educate@mote.org
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.