Scuba Claus

Saturday, December 21, 8 – 10am* (All welcomed! – SOLD OUT)

Sunday, December 22, 8 – 10am* (All welcomed! – SOLD OUT)

Friday, December 20, 5 – 7:30pm (Passholder-Only Milk & Cookie Nights – SOLD OUT)

During the winter holidays you expect to hear “ho, ho, hos” echoing through the grocery store, the mall and your office party, but there’s still one place where the sight and sound of a jolly old elf can still catch you by surprise, and that’s in Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s 230,000-gallon shark habitat! Add a splash of wonder to your holidays with a Scuba Claus Merry Meet & Greet. Talk to the magical man in red while he’s underwater with his dive buddy elves and the grunts, groupers, rays and sharks on his “nice list.” Discuss cookie preferences, ask diving questions or share what you ho-ho-hope to see under your tree on select mornings. The Aquarium has additional Friday evening sessions exclusively for Annual Passholders.

In addition to the unique opportunity to share “fish-mas” wishes with a Christmas icon, all Scuba Claus Merry Meet & Greets include full Aquarium access, a winter-themed activity sheet, a candy cane and a commemorative digital photo of the memorable experience.

Scuba Claus Merry Meet & Greets are limited capacity and only available with advance purchase.

* Scuba Claus exits the shark habitat around 9:30am. 

Open to all guests.

• Saturday, December 21, 8 – 10am (SOLD OUT)
• Sundays, December 22, 8 – 10am (SOLD OUT)

Open to current Passholders. Must be logged into your membership account to reserve. 

• Friday, December 20, 5 – 7:30pm (SOLD OUT)

Advance tickets required for public and Passholders. Admission includes full Aquarium access. No refunds. 

Ages 13+ $24.95
Ages 2-12 $18.95
Passholder Adult or Child $5
Under 2 FREE

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

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.

We are offering active duty military (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force & Coast Guard), veterans and first responders* free admission and free parking (with validation at the Ticket Counter) November 8 – 11, 2024.

Eligible guests must present appropriate ID. Appreciation offer is only available in-person. Please do not purchase tickets online if you intend to take advantage of this offer. It cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.

*Eligible guests include active-duty military, veterans or reservists, physicians, nurses, police officers, sheriff/sheriff’s deputies, correctional officers, state troopers, federal law enforcement officers, career firefighters, volunteer firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and/or dispatchers with ID. (Does not apply to accompanying family members or guests.)

Nourish Our Neighbors Donation Drive

Wednesday, November 13 – Tuesday, November 19, 10am – 4pm

With 11.5% of Ohio households facing food insecurity, significantly higher than the national average, donations of jelly, shelf-stable milk, nut butter, whole grain cereals and other non-perishables are urgently needed. That’s why we’re partnering with Hunger Network this holiday season.

As one of Cuyahoga County’s largest emergency food providers, Hunger Network serves more than 45,000 individuals each month and even with food rescue and donations, Hunger Network pays for 95% of the food they distribute.

For 7 days (Wednesday, November 13 – Tuesday, November 19, 10am – 4pm), donate at least one much-needed item to Hunger Network at our ticket counter and receive $7 off your same-day admission.

Members bringing in healthy staples and common necessaries will be entered for a chance to win a free, 1-year extension to their Annual Pass.

For information on other ways you can support Hunger Network (including its annual Night to Fight Hunger fundraiser on Friday, November 1, 2024 at Intercontinental Hotel & Convention Center) or become a food rescue volunteer, visit hungernetwork.org.

Each donation = $7 off general admission for 1 adult or child; limit 1 discount per guest. Valid for same-day admission only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other rate or offer. Donors should not purchase advance tickets to visit.

For questions about donating, contact the Greater Cleveland Aquarium at 216.862.8803 ext. 7700.