Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home of Winter the dolphin, hosts holiday mini-camps

For many of us, our furry pets are like family, and we include them in our Christmas celebrations with stockings, presents and holiday sweaters. But Florida residents and visitors can help marine life celebrate the season, too. I’ve written about SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration, and today I’d like to tell you about how kids can get in the spirit at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home of Winter the dolphin.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium hosts Holiday Hoopla camps from Dec. 21-23 or Dec. 28-30. Campers also can choose to attend for a single day. Each day starts at 8:30 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m.

The official description of the camps is as follows: “Join us as we learn all about our Florida marine life and their cold water cousins through fun-filled interactions with some of Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s resident animals. Discover how blubber and fur work to keep animals warm, prepare treats to lift our rescued animals’ holiday spirit and spend time out on the water, seeing animal adaptations in action. Tour behind-the-scenes areas, participate in a fish feeding session, play educational games and make crafts, as we compare animal adaptations here in Florida and in the coldest regions of the world. Have a Holly Jolly holiday full of fun at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!”

The three-day price is $175 for members and $195 for non-members. Single-day prices are $75 for members and $90 for non-members. At the time this blog was published, there was availability in both camps. Participants must be at least 5 years old. You can register on the Clearwater Marine Aquarium website.

Can’t attend a holiday camp in Florida? You can help the residents of Clearwater Marine Aquarium have a happy holiday by shopping in the online store, where all purchases help the organization’s mission of rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine wildlife. The store has introduced new merchandise for the holidays, including special “Dolphin Tale” play sets, clothing and plush animals.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is just a 90-minute drive from Orlando. Whether you’re a local resident looking for a little different holiday experience for the family this year or an out-of-state visitor who has never been this close to Winter’s home, the holiday mini-camps are good reason to take a road trip.

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