Did you know green tree python moms coil themselves around a clutch of eggs during incubation, but leave their newborn babies to fend for themselves after hatching? That when curl-crested aracaris parent, they share responsibility for incubation, feeding and nest cleaning? Or that while sea stars can spawn they also have the power to regenerate and create a new life from a detached arm?

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium invites you to celebrate parenting in its many forms on Sunday, May 12 from 10 am – 5 pm (last entry at 4 pm) with a family-friendly adventure. The Aquarium is offering free admission for moms* on Mother’s Day with the purchase of a child or adult general admission ticket.

“Animal parenting is fascinating,” says Education Director Erin Carpenter, noting that not all are nurturing relationships. “Some fish protect vulnerable offspring by carrying them around in their mouths while others just scatter eggs indiscriminately.”

Guests who complete a parenting-themed scavenger hunt during their visit will be entered for an opportunity to win an annual family pass with benefits that include return admission, Nautica Café/Coral Cove Gift Shop/Nautica Queen discounts, free parking during Aquarium visits, special event invitations, discounted programs, a kids club and more.

“We spent the last year refreshing our galleries, adding a toddler pretend-and-playspace and welcoming new species, so it’s a great time to come out and make some memories,” says Aquarium general manager and mom, Tami Brown.

Families can also create make-and-take salt dough sea stars in the 1st floor classroom and the first 150 visiting moms receive a Mother’s Day button. *This Mother’s Day discount is a BOGO offer that can only be applied to in-person admission purchased on May 12 before 4 pm at the Aquarium ticket counter. This special cannot be combined with another discount. Tickets purchased must be used that same day.