Clearwater Marine Aquarium has unveiled its BayCare Kids Check-Up Exhibit, an interactive attraction designed to promote health awareness among families. The three-year partnership with BayCare kicks off with the first phase opening in the Mangrove Key Kids Zone, just outside the aquarium’s animal hospital and surgical suite.
The exhibit highlights the parallels between human health and marine animal care, educating visitors on topics such as weight monitoring and vital signs. A key feature is the “Weight Your Turn” platform, where families can measure their weight and learn about healthy eating habits. Informational signage compares human weight management to that of CMA’s resident animals including dolphins, manatees and sea turtles. Visitors are encouraged to check in, regularly, to track changes over time.
“BayCare has been a longtime partner of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, as we share a common goal of improving community health,” said Kristy Croom Tucker, vice president of marketing for BayCare. “This exhibit is a wonderful opportunity to engage kids in their health, early on.”
BayCare also installed a Mamava XL Nursing Pod, at the aquarium. The wheelchair-accessible pod provides privacy for nursing mothers and features marine-themed décor, along with educational information on the similarities and differences between marine mammals and humans.
The BayCare Kids Check-Up Exhibit will expand in 2026, with the addition of an interactive X-ray display allowing guests to compare healthy and compromised animal X-rays. A height and vitals section will also be introduced, featuring tools for measuring height and explaining the significance of vital signs in both humans and marine life.
BayCare operates 16 hospitals in the Tampa Bay region. It runs three 24/7 pediatric emergency centers at Mease Countryside Hospital, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital-South.
