Sensory Hour

Sunday, February 9, 8:30 – 9:30am
Saturday, May 3, 8:30 – 9:30am 

We are opening an hour early exclusively for guests with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences to provide an opportunity exploring nearby lakes and faraway oceans in a comfortable and accepting environment. Not only will there be fewer guests but for that hour the Aquarium team also will limit the use of microphones, soften lighting and reduce noise to ensure a comfortable environment for all participants.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium is certified sensory inclusive by KultureCity, an internationally recognized organization that promotes an accommodating and positive experience for guests with sensory issues. KultureCity sensory bags outfitted with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards are now available to borrow as needed on a first-come, first-served basis. Dedicated areas also have been identified for those who may require a quieter environment.

$19.95 (ages 13+), $13.95 (ages 2-12), Passholders, children younger than 2 and working caregivers FREE

That’s A-Moray

Valentine’s Day Weekend Activities

Friday, February 14, 10am – 7pm (extended hours!)
Saturday, February 15, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, February 16, 10am – 5pm
Monday, February 17, 10am – 5pm

Weedy sea dragons dance, red-eared slider turtles flutter, poison dart frogs trill and damselfish signal jump to attract mates. Love is in the air AND underwater, so why not add a splash of romance to a wintry weekend? Your That’s A-Moray visit includes a romance-themed “I Spy” challenge, animal courtship facts, oversized Valentine’s Day cards and a little mood music.

Enjoy extended hours on Valentine’s Day! On Friday, February 14, Greater Cleveland Aquarium is staying open an additional two hours (10am – 7pm) and adding an optional evening cash bar (5-7pm, credit card only) for anyone 21+ who would like to enjoy an adult beverage and a little more time to stroll the galleries. So, bring a date, a friend or your family and learn about the animals you love with people close to your heart.

That’s A-Moray Weekend is included with general admission.

General $19.95 (ages 13+), $13.95 (ages 2-12), $0 (under 2)
Passholders FREE

As a part of That’s A-Moray Weekend, Greater Cleveland Aquarium is open Friday, February 14 until 7pm, with an optional cash bar (credit card only) available from 5 – 7pm for those ages 21+. Visiting is included with general admission. 

Exclusively for Greater Cleveland Aquarium members. Space limited. 

Passholders $2 with advance registration. Passholders must be logged into their member account online to secure tickets.

We love our Passholders, and it shows. Let your inner artist out by making a card for someone you care about or help our Animal Care Team create festive enrichment décor for the Aviary. You’ll ❤️ meeting our newest Ambassador Animals, engaging with the Guest Experience Team’s favorite Discovery Cart activities, high-fiving our divers, enjoying a complimentary photobooth session or just experiencing the Greater Cleveland Aquarium exclusively with other Passholders.

Space limited. Passholders must be logged into their account to secure their ticket.

$2 for Passholders with advance registration. (You must be logged into your member account online to access tickets.)

Educators of grades 6-12 are invited to join a NOAA Ocean Exploration facilitator Saturday, March 1, 8:30am – 4pm here at Greater Cleveland Aquarium for a full-day, in-person professional development workshop. Together we will explore hydrothermal vents and cold seeps, two deep-sea ecosystems with dense biological communities fueled by chemosynthesis.

The fun-filled, full-day workshop includes:

• A brief introduction to NOAA Ocean Exploration
• Several phenomena-based student investigations and hands-on activities that support current science standards
• Reflection and discussion with peer educators about how to implement these materials in the classroom
• A guided tour of additional free, online ocean education resources to keep the excitement of deep-sea exploration alive in the classroom

Lessons are designed for grades 6-12, but may be adapted to additional grades.

FREE for classroom educators grades 6-12

Registration is required and space is limited. Registered educators will receive a collection of classroom-ready resources to continue exploring these topics in their classrooms, including student investigations, videos, factsheets, and more. Additionally, educators that attend the full day, in-person workshop will receive a Certificate of Participation and a $100 stipend.

Pumpkins & Piranhas

Monday, October 28 – Sensory Friendly Experience

Sensory Night (October 28, 5-8pm) – A KultureCity Sensory Inclusive™ certified venue, the Aquarium is offering a sensory friendly Halloween experience with limited noise, softened lighting and adjusted activities to ensure a comfortable environment for those who could benefit from a reduction in external stimuli.

The evening features entertainment, animal encounters, underwater jack-o-lanterns, diver interactions, Halloween-themed décor, an activity booklet and a treat bag for the youngsters as they exit.

5-8pm 

Last admission 7pm.

Adults & children are invited to attend Pumpkins & Piranhas in costume. If adults choose to don a disguise, we do ask they have a good field of vision and keep their outfits family friendly.

General Adult (13+) $19.95
General Child (2-12) $16.95
Under 2 FREE
Adult & Child Passholders $5

Capacity limited. Advance tickets strongly recommended to ensure entry.

The Aquarium’s Education team is hosting a separate online “Wild, Weird & Creepy Creatures” program (Wednesday, October 30, 4 – 4:30pm – $10 per screen, free for Passholders) exploring the salamander’s slimy skin, the octopus’s ability to color change and other unusual adaptations.

United Black Fund

Difference-Makers Days

Saturday, January 18 – Monday, January 20, 10am – 5pm

Learn about pioneering individuals who have left their mark on STEM and conservation fields over the years while supporting United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland (UBF), an organization making a positive impact on the Black communities in Northeast Ohio today. In addition to highlighting the achievements of African American innovators, during Difference-Makers Days (Saturday, January 18 – Monday, January 20, 2025, 10am – 5pm) the Aquarium is discounting same-day admission by $7 per person for every person donating at least $1 to United Black Fund during MLK Day Weekend.

UBF actively engages with grass roots agencies tackling important issues around race, equity, inclusion, poverty, mental health, violence, education and workforce development in Greater Cleveland.  Throughout the weekend, Difference-Makers Days guests have an opportunity to meet UBF team members and learn about their vision for sustainable development and shared prosperity.

Can’t visit during Difference-Makers Days? Anyone interested in giving is encouraged to visit unitedblackfund.org and/or “Text to Give” by sending UBF to 50155.

Every guest donating $1 or more to UBF at the Aquarium during the Difference-Makers Days celebration receives $7 off same-day admission. 

Those attending Difference-Makers Days should wait to purchase admission in-person on the day of their visit.

*NOTE: Greater Cleveland Aquarium is open 10am – 5pm daily. Admission with the $7 savings applied will be $12.95 (ages 13+), $6.95 (ages 2-12) and free (under age 2 and Passholders). Guests visiting on Monday, January 20, 2025, will also enjoy FREE parking.