Families looking for weekend plans can head to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, on Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, for Summer Play Days. They are hosting four hours of kid-friendly activities running noon to 4 p.m. both days.

No extra ticket is needed. All activities are included with regular aquarium admission, with one exception: face painting costs $5 per person for non-members, though it's free for CMA members.

Character shows and animal meet-and-greets fill the day

Gill the Talking Fish, an interactive character show, performs twice each day in the Dolphin Tale Theater on Level 4. Shows run 1:30 to 1:45 p.m. and 3:15 to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday brings an exclusive addition. An Animal Connections Meet & Greet runs 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Level 4, giving kids a chance to see one of the aquarium's ambassador animals up close. A shorter Animal Connections presentation takes place in the Dolphin Tale Theater at 12:30 p.m. both days.

Karaoke runs in three blocks: noon to 1 p.m., 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. Trivia and bingo fill the gaps at 1 to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 3 p.m., with small prizes for winners.

Bounce house, face painting and yard games round out Level 4

A bounce house for children ages 3-8 is open noon to 4 p.m. in the Level 4 ballroom. Socks are required.

Face painting runs the full four hours outside the ballroom on Level 4. Yard games including cornhole, giant Jenga and hula hoop are also set up in the ballroom throughout the afternoon.

Everything takes place on Level 4 of the aquarium, according to CMA's event listing. The nonprofit rescue center advises guests to check schedules at Guest Services upon arrival, as activity times and locations may shift.

Aquarium doubles as a working marine hospital

CMA CEO Joe Handy described the aquarium as "a working marine life hospital" at a fundraising luncheon May 14. The facility is home to 11 resident dolphins, sea turtles, river otters and stingrays. Visitors can also check out Pinniped Pier, a recently opened sea lion habitat.

The aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For admission prices and tickets, visit cmaquarium.org or call 727-441-1790.