Homeschool Day at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
- When: Sunday, May 31, 2026, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Location: 225 University Town Center Drive Sarasota, FL 34243
- Cost: $28 for students for student plus one required chaperone per family
Meet us at Mote to explore exciting aspects of Mote research and Sarasota Bay. Each month is a unique theme offered to three different age levels, 6-9, 10-14 and 6-14 to accommodate families with multiple ages. Select classes include a water portion, see the class description during registration for details. Students should come prepared to get wet and be in the sun. Chaperones have the option to enter the water as well or observe from the shore. Prior to registering, please review our program policies linked below.
February Class
Coral Caretakers: How Mote is Helping Our Reefs
Description: Dive into the world of coral reefs and meet the heroes helping them thrive! Explore how Mote’s coral scientists care for reefs, rescue corals, and restore ocean habitats—then try your hand at being a coral caretaker too.
Age/Date/Times:
Age 6-9: Feb 17 1:00-3:00pm or Feb 25 1:00-3:00pm
Age 10-14: Feb 18 1:00-3:00pm or Feb 26 1:00-3:00pm
Age 6-14: Feb 19 1:00-3:00pm or Feb 24 1:00-3:00pm
March Class
Bird Beak Café: Seabird Adaptations
Description: Step into the Bird Beak Café and see what’s on the menu! In this hands-on activity, students will explore how different bird beaks are adapted for different foods and habitats. Try using “beaks” to gather food and discover how form fits function in the avian world!
Age/Date/Times:
Age 6-9: March 17 10:00am-12:00pm or March 18 1:00-3:00pm
Age 10-14: March 18 10:00am-12:00pm or March 19 1:00-3:00pm
Age 6-14: March 19 10:00am-12:00pm or March 17 1:00-3:00pm
April Class
Earth Day in Action! City Island Cleanup*
Description: Together we will celebrate the month of Earth Day by doing a mini-cleanup of our water site area as we learn about microplastics and the dangers they pose. We will then wade into the water and explore Sarasota Bay to catch and observe animals that depend on clean, healthy water.
*Please note – this class includes a water portion. Come prepared to get wet as students wade through Sarasota Bay. Participants will need a bathing suit, water shoes, and a towel.
Age/Date/Times:
Age 6-9: April 14 10:00am-12:00pm or April 15 1:00-3:00pm
Age 10-14: April 15 10:00am-12:00pm or April 16 1:00-3:00pm
Age 6-14: April 16 10:00am-12:00pm or April 14 1:00-3:00pm
May Class
Estuaries 101: Exploring Sarasota Bay
Description: Also known as nurseries of the sea, estuaries are vital ecosystems rich with life. Join us as we explore the beauty and uniqueness of our local estuary, Sarasota Bay. During this program we will wade into the water and use dip nets to learn what animals call the bay home, explore what plants live in the bay and learn how we can help protect this important ecosystem.
*Please note – this class includes a water portion. Come prepared to get wet as students wade through Sarasota Bay. Participants will need a bathing suit, water shoes, and a towel.
Age/Date/Times:
Age 6-9: May 12 10:00am-12:00pm or May 13 1:00-3:00pm
Age 10-14: May 13 10:00am-12:00pm or May 14 1:00-3:00pm
Age 6-14: May 14 10:00am-12:00pm or May 12 1:00-3:00pm
- Website: mote.org
- Contact Phone: (941) 388-6683
- Category: Informational & Tours
All repeats 