Scuba divers will carve pumpkins underwater at Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Friday, Oct. 30, as the aquarium transforms into a Halloween playground for families.

The Halloween Spookquarium runs from 3 to 7 p.m. and is included with general admission. Activities are spread across the building, with the headline attraction at Pool 5 in the Stone Dolphin Complex: underwater pumpkin-carving demonstrations at 4, 5 and 6 p.m.

Costumes, trick or treating, ice cream

Kids in costume can hit trick-or-treat stations throughout the aquarium during the four-hour window. The first 100 children to check in at Guest Services starting at 2:45 p.m. will receive a CMA trick-or-treat bag. Costumes are encouraged.

Free Dippin' Dots ice cream will be handed out from 5 to 6 p.m. A costume contest for all ages begins at 5:30 p.m., with prizes for the most creative, spooky or cute outfits. Slime Time activities are set for 4 and 5 p.m.

Spooky Sea Cavern

On Level 2, the aquarium's education floor, a Creepy Sea Cavern exhibit features deep-sea animals including bioluminescent creatures, interactive games, sensory experiences and crafts. The aquarium, led by CEO Joe Handy, described the cavern as a deep-ocean exploration where visitors can discover creatures that glow in the dark. The cavern stays open beyond Friday: Saturday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Families looking to extend the Halloween weekend have options nearby. The City of Clearwater hosts its free Fall-O-Ween at Coachman Park the same evening, starting at 6 p.m., with a costume contest, candy trail, food trucks and a Carrie Underwood tribute band. On Saturday, Oct. 31, the free Boo Bash at BayCare Ballpark runs from 5 to 8 p.m. with trick-or-treat stations, hayrides and a costume parade.