A Relaxed Way to Celebrate the People Who Show Up Every Day
CLEVELAND, OH – Add a splash of wonder to mom or dad’s weekend! Greater Cleveland Aquarium (Nautica Waterfront District, 2000 Sycamore Street, Cleveland, OH 44113; 216.862.8803; greaterclevelandaquarium.com) is celebrating special caregivers with parenting‑themed activities, an early opening and 50% off admission for moms, stepmoms, foster moms and grandmas on Mother’s Day Weekend (Saturday & Sunday, May 9 & 10, 2026, 9am – 5pm) and dads, stepdads, foster dads and grandpas on Father’s Day Weekend (Saturday & Sunday, June 20 & 21, 2026, 9am – 5pm).
“With work, school and schedules, it can be hard to slow down and simply be together,” says General Manager Stephanie White. “Sharing moments of curiosity and discovery without distractions creates space for real connection.”
Whether it is watching a small Eastern spiny softshell turtle dash over for a treat during a habitat feeding, seeing a giant Pacific octopus shift colors or high‑fiving a scuba diver as a 10‑foot sandtiger shark glides overhead, the Aquarium offers up-close views and simple, memorable experiences families can enjoy side by side.
White adds that guests are often surprised to learn how different parenting looks in the underwater world. “For many aquatic animals, parenting is front‑loaded—focused on finding a mate, safeguarding eggs or ensuring survival rather than ongoing care after young hatch,” she says. “Cuckoo catfish leave their eggs for other fish to raise unknowingly, poison dart frog parents carefully transport tadpoles to safe pools one by one and weedy seadragon fathers carry fertilized eggs until they hatch—showing that there’s no single ‘right’ way to be a parent in nature.”
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Weekend activities are included with general admission ($0–$19.95 per person). Visiting moms receive a commemorative button* and 50% off their adult admission (available in person at the Ticket Counter only) with the purchase of another adult or child ticket on May 9 & 10, while dads are eligible for the same parental discount June 20 & 21.**
Families looking for a gift that lasts longer than a single day can choose a year of undersea adventures with 10% off any level of Aquarium Annual Pass—available May 2–10 with code 26MOM10 or June 13–21 with code DAD26. Annual Passholders enjoy unlimited return admission, free parking during visits, exclusive programming and discounted events, plus savings in the Gift Shop and on birthday parties.
Follow Greater Cleveland Aquarium on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram in the days leading up to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day for animal‑parenting facts, trivia giveaways and easy at‑home card and craft ideas.
* While supplies last.
** Pet parents are not eligible for this particular promotion. Cannot be combined with other offers.
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