Party with the Fishes FAQs
Prior to Reservation of Party
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What is your Party with the Fishes Birthday Program?
o Party with the Fishes is the Florida Aquarium’s birthday party program designed for children 112. It is a unique experience guaranteed to make a splash with your birthday child. There are
inside and outside party spaces available; the aquarium not only supplies the fun but also the
majority of the party supplies as well. This allows for the parents to relax and enjoy the party
instead of being stressed over planning and hosting it. You’ll have a Fish-tastic time!
What are the different types of parties that the program includes?
o There are two different types of birthday parties, each geared towards specific areas of the
aquarium. Aquarium Parties are our indoor parties. Depending on which indoor party you
choose, these parties will includes a personal greeting from a SCUBA diver at our Coral Reef
exhibit (weather permitting) or a guided scavenger treasure hunt. Explore A Shore Parties are our
outdoor parties which includes play-time in Explore A Shore, the aquarium’s splash pad. (Parents
are expected to watch their children at all times on the Explore-a-Shore) All parties include things
such as: admission/parking, a creature feature, cake, special gift for the birthday child, and more!
What are the different areas that we can book for our party?
o Aquarium Parties are hosted in one of our 3 indoor classroom spaces. Each classroom is
decorated for the birthday party and may house some of our education animal ambassadors for
the children to look at. Our Green classroom is an interactive space that showcases our reptile
collection with a Reptile Romp Party and can accommodate 40 people. The Coastal classroom
looks like you took a trip to sea shore where you can have your very own indoor Beach Party and
can accommodate 40 people. The Open Ocean classroom is an exciting trip through some of the
deepest and darkest parts of the ocean and can accommodate 30 people. Our Explore A Shore
Parties have two different areas outside near the water play area. (Parents are expected to
watch their children at all times on the Explore-a-Shore) The Shipwreck Shore, our economically
priced stage reserved for parties fewer than 40 people located off to the side of the splash pad.
The Overlook Deck is a waterfront space that looks over the harbor can accommodate up to 50
people.
When can we have a birthday party at the aquarium?
o Parties are only held on Saturdays and Sundays at the aquarium. There are two time slots
available during each day that your party can be held: 10 AM – 12 PM and 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM.
What age does my child have to be in order to have a birthday party here?
o Party with the Fishes is normally designed for children ages 3 to 12. However, we are more than
happy to accommodate parties for a child younger than 3.
How many people can I invite to the party?
o Due to fire safety and regulations, each party area has a maximum capacity. The party size
includes birthday children AND their parents.
 Coastal Room: 40 people
 Green room 40 people
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 Open Ocean room: 30 people
 Shipwreck Shore: 40 people
 Overlook Deck: 50 people
What does each party include?
o Aquarium Parties in the Coastal room or Green room include the following:
 A personal greeting from a SCUBA Diver at our Coral Reef exhibit (weather permitting)
 A Creature Feature – an up close look at one of our animals
 A special gift for the birthday child
 Admission to the Aquarium for all invited birthday family and guests
 Free parking in the Aquarium lot (If available)
 Digital Invitations
 Aquatic Theme Decorations
 Private room
 Birthday Party Host
 Cake from Publix Greenwise
 Water & Lemonade
 Party Supplies (cups, napkins, plates, forks, candles)
o Aquarium Parties in the Open Ocean room include the following:
 A personally guided scavenger treasure hunt adventure
 A Creature Feature – an up close look at one of our animals
 A special gift for the birthday child
 Admission to the Aquarium for all invited birthday family and guests
 Free parking in the Aquarium lot (If available)
 Digital Invitations
 Aquatic Theme Decorations
 Private room
 Birthday Party Host
 Cake from Publix Greenwise
 Water & Lemonade
 Party Supplies (cups, napkins, plates, forks, candles)
o Explore A Shore Parties Include:
 Play-time in Explore A Shore (Parents are expected to watch their children at all times)
 A Creature Feature – an up close look at one of our animals
 A special gift for the birthday child
 Admission to the Aquarium for all invited birthday family and guests
 Free parking in the Aquarium lot (If available)
 Digital Invitations
 Aquatic Theme Decorations
 Private room
 Birthday Party Host
 Cake from Publix Greenwise
 Water & Lemonade
 Party Supplies (cups, napkins, plates, forks, candles)
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What are the prices for each birthday party?
o Birthday parties are priced as packages based on the number of guests attending the party. You
can find the package prices HERE in our party brochure.
Can I set up a time to come to the Aquarium and view the party spaces?
o Appointments to view the party spaces and receive more detailed information can be arranged.
The times available are during business hours, Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday. If you would like to
make an appointment for a birthday tour please email our Lead Birthday Host at
[email protected] to coordinate a date and time. We ask for at least a week’s notice to
set up birthday tours.
During Reservation of Party
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How can I book my Party with the Fishes?
o Simply call our Education Reservations Office (813.273.4015) to place a deposit on the space you
would like to book. The reservationist will then go over all the party options for you.
What options will I be asked about upon calling the reservations team?
o The Location. You will be asked whether you would like to have an Aquarium Party or an Explore
A Shore Party. Aquarium parties take place indoors and include a personalized dive show or a
scavenger treasure hunt. Explore A Shore Parties take place outside at the aquarium’s splash pad
and provide a private space at Explore A Shore for you and your guests.
o Date and Time. Parties are held only on Saturdays and Sundays. The two timeslots available are
10 AM – 12 PM. And 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM. The reservationist will first check to make sure the
space you would like at the date and time is available. To insure that the space you want will
remain available, a non-refundable deposit must be placed at the time of booking.
o Birthday Child. You will be asked for your child’s name and the age he or she will be turning.
o Attendees. You will be asked for an estimated head count for your party. This will include
children and adults as this will determine the cost of your party. Aquarium parties in the Green or
Coastal rooms have a maximum of 40 attendees. Aquarium parties in the Open Ocean room have
a maximum of 30 attendees. Explore a Shore Shipwreck Shore parties have a maximum of 40
attendees. Explore A Shore Overlook Deck parties have a maximum of 50 attendees.
o Pizza Order. We offer cheese, pepperoni, and veggie pizzas at $15 each. Pizzas are double-cut
into 16 slices. Because the pizzas are specially ordered ahead of time, orders are required to be
placed by Tuesday before your party at 4 PM. Pizza orders are ordered to be served at specific
times to make sure they are as fresh as possible.
o Food Order. We now offer additional food snack options! The options are:
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large
Cheese & Vegetable Crudite’
Seasonal Fruit & Yogurt Dip
Large Caesar Salad
Tortilla Chips & Salsa
Kettle Chips & Herb Dip
$35
$70
$105
$140
$50
$30
$20
$20
$100
$60
$40
$40
$150
$90
$60
$60
$200
$120
$80
$80
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Cheese & Vegetable, Fruit, and Chip tray snack options will be available at the serving table at
the beginning of your party to snack on. The Caesar Salad can be served with pizza orders. If no
pizzas are ordered, these options will be served during the time frame pizza would be scheduled
to be served.
Each tray size is served in increments of 12 people. For example a small tray serves up to 12
people, a medium tray serves up to 24 people, a large tray serves up to 36 people, and an extra
large tray serves up to 48 people.
o Cake. Party packages include a ¼ sheet cake for parties of fewer than 20 people and a ½ sheet
cake for parties of 20 people or greater. For parties of 20 people or fewer, you have the option to
upgrade to a ½ sheet for $25.
o Gift Bags. Would you like to build your own goodie bags for your party? It’s easy! Just contact
our gift shop by stopping by or set up a time to come in and select your party favors. You can
select your pieces from the gift store and receive a special 10% birthday discount with proof of a
booked party. Although the gift shop will not provide or build your bags, they will help with any
gift shop purchase and can even hold items for you until the day of your party. Prices and
options vary depending on what items you are interested in. Any question you have regarding
selecting party favors or vouchers for face paintings can be answered by the gift shop. To set up a
time or to ask any additional gift bag questions please contact the gift shop via email:
[email protected]
o Party Animal. Each party includes an encounter from one of the aquarium’s party animals.
Because the aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, there are strict
guidelines to which we must adhere, so we are unable to guarantee a specific request for an
animal. However we can exclude any animals that you may not want to meet, whether it’s
because you met the animal previously or someone in your group is uncomfortable around that
specific animal.
o Shirt Size. The birthday child’s gift from the aquarium is a ”Party with the Fishes” t-shirt, which is
set on the table at the beginning of the party along with fabric markers so guests can sign it. We
have child’s extra small, small, medium, and large.
o The Deposit. In order to hold your birthday space, we require a deposit of $150. This deposit will
be subtracted from your total at the time of final payment.
o Final Payment. Final payment can be made as soon as the number of attendees and all other
details of the birthday party have been finalized. It must be made by the Tuesday before your
party at 4 PM. If final payment is not received by this deadline, the party will be cancelled and a
refund for the deposit will not be provided.
o Guest Count Exceeding Capacity. The host for your party will take a head count during the
birthday party. If your party size exceeds the price bracket you pre-paid for, you will be charged
for the next price bracket. If your party size exceeds the capacity for the party space reserved,
you will be charged $16.95 per additional person over capacity.
How is the guest attendees counted for the party package price? What if some of the attendees are
members of the aquarium?
o Guest attendees are counted to determine the cost of your party, including children and adults.
This number can be adjusted up until the Tuesday before your party at 4 PM. This is an
estimated head count for your party that we ask from you. If your guest count is greater than
what is on your reservation, you will be charged for the difference in the cost of your price
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bracket. If your party size exceeds the capacity for your rented party space, you will be charged
$16.95 per additional person over capacity. If fewer people attend the party than what you have
reserved, a refund will not be provided. In order for our Birthday hosts to provide the best
possible experience for you and your guests, an accurate head count is essential. Head counts
include ALL party guests (excluding infants) as well as any of the children’s parents that are
present for the party.
Aquarium memberships are not valid for free admission to parties. Even if party guests are
members to the Florida Aquarium, the will still be counted towards the party package price.
Infants are not part of the total, but are counted in the maximum number of bodies that can fit
into our party spaces.
What kind of food can I purchase for my party guests?
o Food must be purchased prior to the birthday party. Our pizzas have 8 slices, or 16 slices double
cut. Pizzas that can be ordered are cheese, pepperoni, and veggie. Our tray sizes serve in
increments of 12 people. Since orders must be placed by 4 PM on the Tuesday prior to your
party we recommend adding extra food versus ordering fewer. Extra food can be boxed for you
to take home. Outside food and/or drink are not permitted into the Aquarium; this is Florida
Aquarium Policy.
What kinds of beverages are included in my party?
o Each party includes coolers of ice cold lemonade and water for your guests.
Can I order other food/beverages for my party?
o Outside food/drink are not permitted in the Florida Aquarium. However, you or your guests are
more than welcome the day of the party to visit and purchase additional food, al a carte, (such as
snacks, chicken fingers, ice cream, etc.) available for purchase in Café Ray, located in the first
floor lobby.
o You are also welcome to pre-order pitchers of fountain drinks that Café Ray provides at $4.50 a
pitcher.
Can I bring in party trays of different foods other than the food options available (i.e. chicken fingers)?
o Due to Florida Aquarium Policy, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the Florida
Aquarium.
What kind of birthday cake can I order for my party?
o Cakes for Party with the Fishes are provided by Publix Greenwise Market. Party packages include
a ¼ sheet of cake for parties of fewer than 20 people and a ½ sheet cake for parties of 20 people
or greater. Large sized cakes can be ordered for an additional price. Flavors for the cakes are as
follows: Chocolate, Yellow, Marble, Yellow & Chocolate Side/Side, and Yellow & Chocolate
Top/Bottom. Our exclusive Florida Aquarium themed cakes are as follows: Raldo the shark,
Nakita the octopus, Percula the clownfish, and Mandy the Mandarin fish. Specific themed cakes
may be available upon request.
What is the Creature Feature?
o The creature feature is an up close look at one of our animals. Each party includes an encounter
from one of the aquarium’s party animals. Party hosts will present the animal to the birthday
party; provide fun facts as well as educational information about the specific animal and its role
in its habitat. At the end, party guests will be allowed to get up close and touch the animal (as
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directed by the birthday hosts). Some of our party animals include: turtles, marine toad,
armadillo, snakes and alligators.
Can we request a specific animal to come visit for our party?
o Because the aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, there are strict
guidelines to which we must adhere, so we are unable to guarantee a specific request for an
animal. Due to these regulations, we are unable to accommodate requests for certain creature
features at this time. However, we can exclude any animals that you may not want to meet,
whether it’s because you met the animal previously or someone in your group is uncomfortable
around that specific animal.
How much is the deposit for the birthday party and what is it used for? Can I get that deposit back if I
decide to cancel my party?
o In order to hold your birthday space, we require a deposit of $150. This deposit will be
subtracted from your total at the time of final payment.
o As this is a non-refundable deposit used to reserve your birthday time and space, will not receive
your deposit back if you decide to cancel your party.
I have twins, or wanting to throw a party for more than one child. Can they share a Party with the
Fishes?
o Yes. To add an additional birthday child, the fee is $50. This fee covers the additional cake as well
as the additional t-shirt. We limit one additional birthday child per party.
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After Reservation of Party
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What will happen after I have reserved my party?
o Reservationists will email you a packet of confirmation materials to the email address you
provided when you reserved your party. This includes information you will need to know as well
as your digital invitations. Confirmation materials are sent via email in order to promote our
green initiative here at the Florida Aquarium. Reservations will get in contact with you around
one week prior to your party date to finalize details and take the final payment for the party.
What is the final payment and when is it due by?
o Final payment is the remaining balance of your party package price (determined by number of
attendees) after the $150 non-refundable deposit is subtracted. This payment is due at 4 PM on
the Tuesday prior to the party date. Parties cannot be cancelled nor rescheduled one week prior
to the party date.
Can I create my own invitations for the party, or do we have to use the ones provided?
o You are more than welcome to create invitations for your child’s party other than the ones we
have provided. Please make sure that each guest receives the invitation, as they will be asked to
show them at the door to receive admission.
Can I reschedule my party?
o Parties cannot be rescheduled one week prior to the party date, or more than one year from
original party date. There is a rescheduling fee of $25.
Can I cancel my party?
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Parties that are cancelled will not receive their $150 deposit back. Also, if final payment is not
received by 4 PM on the Tuesday prior to the party date, the party will be cancelled and a refund
for the deposit will not be provided.
Can I bring my own decorations?
o All decorations must be approved prior to your party date. Please let us know before you
purchase any decorations. Examples of approved decorations include:
 Specific themed supplies such as cups and plates
 Table decorations such as centerpieces or themed tablecloths
 Personalized decorations (Banners, centerpieces)
 Certain party favors
o The Florida Aquarium has a No Balloon Policy. Aquarium Parties may house animals in the same
room, and could pose a health risk. Explore A Shore Parties also do not allow for balloons due to
the risks they pose to Tampa Bay and the port.
o For the safety and health of our animals, NO OUTSIDE LIVE ANIMALS are permitted to enter
the aquarium, whether it is for centerpieces or as a party favor.
o Other decorations that are not allowed: confetti, piñatas, noise makers of any kind, decorations
that pose a health risk to our animals, or decorations that cannot be weighed or taped down to
prevent blowing into the bay.
o If you are bringing APPROVED decorations, it is a very good idea to schedule a time to drop the
decorations a few days prior to the party to be stored. Otherwise, we cannot store decorations
until fifteen minutes prior to your party the day of. Please contact the birthday lead at
[email protected] in order to arrange a time to drop off decorations. Decorations
must be brought in a box labeled with the birthday child’s name to ensure they are arranged in
the correct party space. If arrangements for drop off are not made prior to the date of the
party, we cannot guarantee someone will be available to accept the decorations to store
before the party date. We also ask that decorations not be brought in to be stored earlier than
the Tuesday before the party due to limited space.
Can I bring goodie bags/favors/gifts for the children of my birthday party?
o You are more than welcome to bring party favors, as long as they are approved. If you want to
drop them off a few days prior to your party, we can store them for you ahead of time as long as
arrangements have been made. Otherwise, we are unable to store any decorations or favors
until fifteen minutes prior to your party time on the day of. Arrangements to drop off and store
your items can be made by contacting the birthday lead at [email protected]. All items
must be brought in a box labeled with the birthday child’s name to ensure they are arranged in
the correct party space. If arrangements are not made prior to the date of the party, we cannot
guarantee someone will be available to accept the decorations to store before the party date.
We also ask that items not be brought in to be stored earlier than the Tuesday before the party
due to limited space.
Who can I contact if I have more questions prior to the party date?
o If you have any more questions about your party, we are more than happy to answer them for
you! You can contact either the reservations office at 813.273.4015 or email the party lead at
[email protected] or Community Programs Coordinator at
[email protected]. We will get to your question as soon as we can, but please allow at
least 24 hours for replies.
The Day of your Party
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What do my guests need to do in order to enter the aquarium for the birthday party?
o Guests will enter through the main entrance of the aquarium, they do not need to go to the
ticket office first. Please provide the invitation for the party or mention that birthday child’s
name to get admission into the aquarium. Party Hosts will be at the door 15 minutes prior to the
start of the party to begin escorting guests to the party area. For guests that arriver earlier, they
are welcome to enjoy the aquarium until time to be greeted by the Party Hosts near the Guest
Services desk in the main lobby.
Where do I park my car?
o Free parking in the Aquarium’s surface lot is provided if it is available for the birthday child’s
family and invited guests. Due to high attendance the lot may fill on weekends, especially during
holidays. The Aquarium will not validate offsite parking. Guests must mention that they are here
with a birthday party in order to get free parking. Entrance to the lot is just north of the
Aquarium on Washington Street.
How do I get to the Aquarium?
o Location and hours, as well as links to provide directions to the aquarium can be located at this
link: HERE.
What if I or any of the party guests arrive early for the party?
o Because of the time frame between parties, party areas will not be available to visit until fifteen
minutes prior to your party time. However, if you or your guests arrive early, you are more than
welcome to explore the aquarium on your own. Be advised, we cannot store gifts brought by
your guests prior to the party. This means any items or gifts your guests bring that day will have
to be stored in their own vehicles or carried around the aquarium with them until the start of the
party. Just arrive back near guests services at your party time to be escorted or directed to the
designated party location. Only the birthday child and their immediate family is allowed into the
party space early fifteen minutes prior to the party start time to allow any final set up before
your party guests are directed to the party space.
I have brought a box of decorations or favors for the party. Can I store them at the birthday area prior
to the party?
o Unfortunately we cannot store any decorations, favors, or gifts in your party location more than
fifteen minutes prior to your party time without prior arrangements made with birthday party
staff due to limited space, liability, and Florida Aquarium Policy. You are more than welcome,
however, to drop off decorations at a reserved time prior to your party date to be stored. To
reserve a time to drop off decorations and favors, please contact that party lead at
[email protected]. We ask that drop off dates are not earlier than the Tuesday before
your party is scheduled.
Can I know the schedule for my birthday party?
o Birthday hosts will go over the schedule of the party at the beginning of your party time as well
as go over any questions and concerns with you. All activities will be included in your two hour
party time period.
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Can I bring outside entertainment to my party?
o Due to Florida Aquarium Policy, outside entertainment is not permitted at the party. Examples
include balloon artists, face painters, and performers.
Can I order more food on the day of my party?
o Party food is specially ordered ahead of time and made according to order. Unfortunately we
cannot provide more food the day of the party. All food orders must be finalized by 4 PM on the
Tuesday before your party date.
What is the Birthday Dive Show?
o Aquarium Parties in the Coastal room or Green room include a personal greeting form a SCUBA
diver at our Coral Reef exhibit (weather permitting). Your party host will escort you and your
party guests through the aquarium to the Coral Reef to where the presentation will be. A diver
will come down in our large coral reef tank full of sharks and fish, and present a sign to the
Birthday Child. Then everyone in the Coral Reef exhibit will join together as they sing Happy
Birthday to the Child. Photos can be taken after the show with the diver during the allotted time.
Due to the fact that there can be two indoor parties at a time, some birthday shows might have
two children being recognized.
What is a scavenger treasure hunt?
o Aquarium Parties held in the Open Ocean room receive a guided scavenger treasure hunt from
one of our birthday hosts. The birthday child will be the lead treasure hunter as they play games
and solve interactive puzzles utilizing the entire room and its hidden secrets. The birthday party
works together to find the treasure and reap the rewards for the birthday child.
Can my birthday child open his or her gifts at the party?
o Because we have many activities planned for the Birthday Party, we are unable to set aside time
for the child to open their gifts, as well as for the health and safety of animals inside the
aquarium and at the port of Tampa Bay. We kindly ask that parents bring the presents home to
open them up there.
Who will be my party host, and what are his or her responsibilities?
o A Birthday Party Host will be at your party. The host will be assigned to the party during that
party date. The host is there to set-up, clean up, and make sure your party runs smoothly. Parties
of fewer than 30 people will have one host. Parties with 30 or more are assigned two hosts (if
available). Adults are responsible for the supervision of your children.
What happens if there is inclement weather in the area?
o We cannot refund your party because of weather conditions, but we will try to the best of our
abilities to accommodate your party. Activities that are weather permitting are the birthday dive
show and play time in Explore A Shore. We will either fill the time with another activity or
accommodate that specific activity based on the weather.
Can I use the party area after my party time is over?
o Activities at the aquarium are based on a reservation system. Your birthday party has only been
reserved for the specific allotted time. Therefore, as soon as the party is over, we ask that all
party guests leave so the area can be cleaned up in the proper amount of time for the next
event. However, each guest gets admission to the aquarium after the party, and is more than
welcome to find another public area or lockers to store their belongings.
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What can my guests do after the party is over?
o All birthday party guests get admission to the aquarium the day of the party, as it is included in
the package price of the party. After the party is over, the guests are more than welcome to
explore the areas of the aquarium that might have been missed or passed by during the party.
The aquarium closes at 5 PM with Explore A Shore closing at 4:45 PM.
I would like to stay to explore the aquarium after the party is over. Is there anywhere you can store my
belongings from the party?
o Due to Florida Aquarium Policy and liability reasons, we are unable to store your belongings or
left over food items while you explore the aquarium. All gifts must be brought to your vehicle
after the party is over. We can provide carts and a helping hand for better transporting your gifts
to the vehicle.