Fin Fest

A Celebration of Sharks & Stingrays

Tuesday, July 8 – Tuesday, August 5, 10am – 5pm

We’re putting the spotlight on sharks and stingrays to build a broader appreciation for the diversity, importance and plight of these FINcredible elasmobranchs.

Tuesday, July 8 – Tuesday, August 5, 10am – 5pm (in-person)

Sport shark gear! Fin Fest-goers who visit the Aquarium dressed in shark gear (shirt, shorts, socks, tie, cap or costume) will be entered for a chance to win a shark-and-ray-themed $125 Gift Shop prize pack. (daily @10am – 5pm)

Get involved. Pick up an activity booklet with jaw-some word searches, animal facts and more. (daily @10am – 5pm)

See if you can spot 4 species of shark and 5 types of stingrays. When you find the brownbanded bamboo, nurse, sandtiger and sandbar sharks or the ocellate river, hybrid, cownose, southern and Atlantic stingrays, snap a photo and tag @cleaquarium on social. (daily @10am – 5pm)

Meet our mascot, Finn! Snap a photo with a very friendly landshark. (Fridays & Saturdays @3pm)

Show us what you know. Identify sharks and rays at our Discovery Cart and get an animal trading card or other prizes. (daily, 10:45am & 4:15pm)

Feed the stingrays. Stingrays, like sharks, are cartilaginous elasmobranchs. Feed these shark relatives. (daily @3:30pm)

Watch a Shark Feed. (Monday, Wednesday & Friday @2:30pm)

Catch a Broadcast Feed. Find out what the stingrays, moray eels, angelfish and other residents of the shark habitat eat. (Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday @3:45pm)

Ask our scuba team your questions about diving with sharks and stingrays during an interactive, in-person, underwater Q&A. (daily @1:30pm)

Dive into a craft, experiment or topic with our community partners including Cleveland Water (July 8, 10, 15, 22, 24, 28 & 31), Cuyahoga County Board of Development Disabilities (July 8, 15 & 31), Drink Local. Drink Tap. (July 17 & 31), Great Lakes Science Center (July 10) and Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (July 10 & 22). (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

Go nose-to-nose with other interesting animals during daily encounters. (daily, 10am & 4pm)

Shark-Related Videos & Activities

Aquarium diver Stephanie goes over some of the small species and details she sees diving in the shark habitat every week!

Life Support Systems Director Brenton walks us through maintaining the Aquarium shark habitat.

Do you know how long a brownbanded bamboo shark can tolerate low oxygen? Watch the video below to find out!

Aquarist Lando M. tells us all about the 4 species of sharks at Greater Cleveland Aquarium in Español.

People always notice the big sandtiger sharks swimming through their habitat, but what about the smaller sandbar sharks they coexist with? Check out this video to learn 5 interesting facts about these fascinating animals.

Ever wondered what goes into being an Aquarium diver? Learn from a few of the dive team members about their day-to-day responsibilities.

It’s Ray on Rays! Our Curator Ray P. discusses the different species of stingrays here at the Aquarium and what sets them apart.

Did you know sharks and stingrays are related? Both are elasmobranchs. Find out how the dive team and aquarists collaborate to check the weight, growth and barbs of the Touchpool stingrays.

Have you ever wondered how we feed sharks? Head behind-the-scenes to see how it’s done!

You might have a baby shark swimming around your cupboard. Here’s how to turn those unused paper cups into a tiny, finned friend.

Take those old toilet paper rolls and turn them into colorful stingrays!

We may not have hammerhead sharks at the Aquarium, but you can always make your own.

Make a smiling shark with things you probably have at home: scissors, markers, glue, construction paper and of course a paper plate.

Make a tented rocking shark in minutes.

Make a shark puppet with minimal art supplies.

All you need for this shark picture frame is a photo, marker, scissors, glue, construction paper and a manila folder.

Grab some construction paper, scissors, glue and tape so you can create a piece of custom headgear that will let everyone know you are a big fan of sharks.

Transform a toilet paper tube into a shark.

Learn how to make a smiling paper plate shark.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a construction paper shark with a moving mouth. The materials are simple. We suggest watching the entire video once before diving in. Knowing the steps ahead of time makes the whole process that much easier and more fun.

Look up at sharks and rays as you head under the ocean in a 175-foot seatube.

Most Fin Fest activities are included with general Aquarium admission ($0 – 19.95). Tickets available online and can be purchased in advance of your visit. Questions? Call 216.862.8803 x7700.

Buy Tickets

Try your hand at trivia.

Reel vs Real World Shark Quiz
Now – August 5, 4:59pm

Did you learn everything you know about sharks from the movies? Answer 5 questions about sharks’ real-world behavior and importance for a chance to win a Greater Cleveland Aquarium Family Pass (or a 1-year extension your current Aquarium membership), a shark tracking bracelet and a 6″ shark plush.

Enter Now

Help stingrays paint!

Stingray Art Mornings
Tuesday, July 15 & Sunday, August 3, 8:30 – 10am
$40 general, $10 Passholder; advance registration required

Help cownose stingrays create an original piece of art. This memorable artistic adventure includes same-day Aquarium admission, an opportunity to ask questions about stingrays and animal enrichment and a one-of-a-kind artwork you can take home.

Learn More

A FINtastic way to start the day.

Wake Up With Sharks
Tuesday, July 22, 9 – 9:30am
$10 general (per screen, up to 4 guests per screen), free for Passholders

Observe shark adaptations and discover the vital role sharks play in the ocean ecosystem from the comfort of your home anywhere in the world. Bring your questions, this interactive experience allows for Q&A throughout.

Find your zen.

Bottoms Up! Yoga (& Sharks)
$25 general, $5 Passholder

Join us for a unique one-hour yoga session in front of the shark habitat. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just dipping your toes into the world of downward-facing dog, Bottoms Up! Yoga instructor Carmita Smiles will guide you through a rejuvenating morning practice suitable for all levels. Prepare to stretch, strengthen and find your inner peace while our finned friends glide by.