The Fort Pierce Aquarium (officially dubbed the Smithsonian Marine Station) is a fun and cheap way to spend time with the family while learning about Florida ecosystems. You can make a whole day of checking out the Aquarium, followed by lounging on the inlet beach right next door, and hitting up the playground overlooking the inlet!
The Aquarium has several large fish tanks full of local fish, sea horses, jelly fish, crabs, and shrimp! They also have a hands on fish tank where you can put your hands in the water and feel the shells and crabs walking around. The fish are fed every Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30am and 2:30pm and they give you a tour while they’re feeding them. It’s not a very big place so expect to spend less than an hour there. However, you can walk to the beach and playground when you’re finished.
Here is the address and info for the Fort Pierce Aquarium:
Address: 420 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34949
Hours: Mon – Sat open 10am – 4pm, Sun open 12pm – 4pm (changes seasonally)
Website: http://www.sms.si.edu/smee/
Admission: Adults $4, Seniors $3, kids 4-17 $3
FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH IS FREE ADMISSION