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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
a blue heron
Smithsonian Marine Station

Events Calendar

Station Events and Tours

FREE | Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Research Station

Third Thursday of each month at 2PM - Free. Registration is required.

Once a month we open our doors to the public to share current Smithsonian research on the plants and animals of the Indian River Lagoon and marine environments throughout the Caribbean. Tours are approximately one hour in length and begin at 2pm in the Conference Room. Suggested age: 14+

Please register online here. 

Questions? Please contact Scott Jones.

Aquarium Events and Tours

For more information or to register for any of these events, please call the Education Office at 772.465.3271 or send an email to SMSEducation@si.edu.

Ever wonder what happens when the Aquarium lights turn off for the night? Come find out during an educational evening of family fun and exploration! Doors will open at 5:45 pm and a pizza dinner will be served at 6:00 pm. Enjoy a brief presentation by education staff before venturing into the Aquarium to explore the tanks with flashlights! Advanced registration and payment are required by calling 772-465-3271 or emailing SMSEducation@si.edu. Admission is $12 adults, $10 children for non-members and $10 adults, $8 children for members.

This program will be taking place on November 14th , December 7th , and December 21st, 2018. 

Are you interested in local marine life? Come to the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit on November 18th, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM and discover some of the amazing animals that live in the seagrass beds of the Indian River Lagoon. All guests must wear water shoes with heel straps and clothes that can get wet. Cost will include Aquarium admission at $6 Adults, $5 Children for non-members; and $5 Adults, $4 Children for members. Advanced payment and registration required by calling 772-465-3271 or emailing us at SMSEducation@si.edu.

Enjoy free admission to the Exhibit on the first Tuesday of each month! Explore our model ecosystems and enjoy our Feeding Frenzy and Snack Time Tours (see additional tour information below). While we welcome groups on the first Tuesday, we are unable to schedule staff-facilitated education programs on this day. If your group wishes to visit on a free day, we appreciate advance notice.

Feeding Frenzy Tour | Tuesday - Saturday
postdoc in molecular labJoin us Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30am as our underwater residents enjoy their morning meal! Learn about the Aquarium's daily menu and what makes our constantly changing ecosystems so unique. 

10:30am | FREE with paid admission | All ages

Join us every Tuesday through Sunday at 2:30pm as the critters in a select number of our aquaria get a special afternoon snack. Learn about animals targeted for feeding and the dynamic Model Ecosystems they call home! 

2:30pm | FREE with paid admission | All ages

The Aquarium staff conducts a weekly behind-the-scenes tour of the facility every Saturday at 2:00pm. This insightful tour gives visitors a look at the necessary systems essential to keeping the living ecosystems thriving. Biological, chemical and mechanical filtration systems, lighting systems and chillers and feedings are all explained. 

2:00pm | FREE with paid admission | Recommended ages 10+