August Monthly Reciprocals
The Florida Aquarium & Marie Selby Botanical Garden
This month our members get double the fun with our monthly reciprocals!
For the entire month of August, Great Explorations members receive free admission to The Florida Aquarium and *Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
*Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: limit 2 adults and 2 children.
Be sure to check out both reciprocal’s special events. You don’t want to miss out on this one!
Animal Enrichment Workshop
August 7th, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Join us in the Great Exploration’s Creativity Corner on Wednesday, August 7th at 10:30 AM, for a fun-filled craft session to make enrichment toys for all of the animals at Great Ex and Sunken Gardens!
This workshop is free with admission or membership to either venue.
Back to School Membership Sale
August 1st – August 9th
Celebrate back to school with a Great Explorations’ membership!
Enjoy a basic museum membership for $100 (usually $175).
Basic Membership Includes:
- Unlimited admission for up to 5 family members (Maximum 2 adults) for 1 year – 10% discount on Great Ex merch cart
- Discounted member pricing for camps, special programs, and birthday parties
- Monthly deals and discounts for local attractions
- Access to member-only events and programs not available to the general public
- Great Ex digital newsletter updates
Use code B2S at checkout to claim this offer!
Great Connections: A Free Program for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum or with Sensory Processing Differences
August 10th & August 11h
Our Great Connections program occurs the second Sunday of every month and includes a “cool down” room for families who need to take a break. This month, we are offering TWO dates!
This month’s program is superhero-themed and will involve activities related to adventure and fun!
This program is FREE and sensory-friendly for children with special needs and their families. Great Connections is a free program all thanks to Guardian Trust.
And a special thank you to the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay for their support this month.
Terrific Tots
Every Tuesday & Thursday Morning, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Terrific Tots is back!
Starting August 6th, join us every Tuesday and Thursday for a new school year in our Great Beginnings area.
Members get early access at 10:15 am, while non-members can join at 10:30 am. The program runs until 11:00 am and features exciting activities such as read-alouds, sing-alongs, and games.
Terrific Tots is included with the regular cost of admission.
Planetarium Monday
1st Monday of every month
Attention space explorers 🪐
Great Explorations will now have Planetarium Mondays on the first Monday of every month!
With new topics every month and 3 scheduled programs throughout the day, there’s no limit to what we can explore!
Best of the Best
Finalist in the Museums Category
We’re thrilled to announce that Great Exploration’s has been selected as a Best of the Best museum finalist in the 2024 Tampa Bay Times Best of the Best Awards!
Thank you to everyone who showed their support and voted for us!
We look forward to seeing you soon to celebrate with a day full of exploration!
Great Explorations is a Blue Star Museum
In collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families & the Department of Defense
During the summer months, free admission to Great Explorations is available to those currently serving in the United States Military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps and NOAA Commissioned Corps—and up to five family members.
This program is currently offered now until Labor Day, September 2, 2024.
Our museum is proud to be part of Blue Star Museums, a national appreciation program to thank our military families for their service and share with them America’s cultural treasures.
Learn more here
Great Explorations is also offering 20% off museum memberships to all military families.
Please contact memberships@greatex.org for more information. You will be asked to provide a valid military ID in order to redeem this discount.
Explorers’ Circle
Giving Program
Join the Explorers’ Circle today by pledging an ongoing monthly donation to Great Explorations Children’s Museum!
Donations like these help give students and families access to a world of creativity and knowledge.
Makeover Mondays
Museum Closed: September 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th
Makeover Mondays at Great Explorations Children’s Museum involve closing the museum on the four Mondays following Labor Day (September 9, 16, 23, and 30) for essential maintenance activities.
During these days, staff members focus on repairs, cleaning, and building exhibits to ensure the museum remains in top condition. These efforts are crucial for maintaining the museum’s appearance and functionality, providing a safe and engaging environment for all visitors.
Upcoming Museum Closures
