Children's Birthday Parties

All packages include the following:

• Two-hour party rental space
• One party activity (an ocean-themed game or craft)
• Aquarium Educator to facilitate party activity
• Aquarium admission following the party
• Hidden message scavenger hunt
• Validated parking for party family and guests
• Digital invitations

Ultimate Package also includes:

• Second party activity (an ocean-themed game or craft)
• Second Aquarium Educator
• Navy blue cloth tablecloths

When do we need to pay?
After you submit your request, we send an initial quote incorporating your expected number of guests (adults and children). We recommend planning for your maximum headcount. To secure the date, a non-refundable and non-transferable deposit of $110.00 must be paid.

The full payment will be processed the Monday before the party, incorporating confirmed number of guests and other add-ons (like activities and keepsakes). For a full payment breakdown, check out the birthday brochure.

How much does it cost to add additional guests?
The base price for the party includes 15 guests for Classic, or 40 guests for Ultimate. Additional guests are added in groups of 5 for $80.00 ($72.00 for Passholders). See the birthday brochure for the full breakdown.

What if I am unsure of the number of guests at the time the full payment is due?
Final headcount is needed the Monday before the party for the Aquarium team to prepare the appropriate staff and supplies. If RSVPs are still uncertain when full payment is due, ask about accommodations.

What if my guest count is close to the borderline between Classic and Ultimate Package?
If there is a possibility your guest count exceeds 35 (adults and kids), we recommend that you book an Ultimate Package. It is easier to scale back the space versus scale up, since the Ultimate Package requires additional preparation and additional staff.

Does the deposit go toward the full payment for the birthday party?
Yes, the $110 nonrefundable, non-transferable deposit is applied toward full payment of the party.

Am I able to come view the space before I book?
Yes, but it must be scheduled in advance with the Program Coordinator. The party spaces are often used during the week and are not always available to view.

Could I book a birthday party package to celebrate a different special moment for my child?
Yes, you can celebrate other special moments for your child at the Aquarium. Consider booking a birthday party package for a bat mitzvah, bar mitzvah, adoption, reunion, or any other special moment. Please note this occasion in your request form. This may alter the decorations provided.

Do you offer party favors?
We offer a variety of keepsake options that can be added on as favors or gifts. Check out the birthday brochure for additional details.

What is the earliest I can arrive to set up?
The host family may arrive up to 30 minutes before the start of your party for set up. It is recommended the birthday party host arrives at least 15 minutes before the party starts to meet with the Aquarium host. Arrival time should be coordinated when full payment is made.

How much time do I have to clean up? What clean up am I responsible for?
Birthday party host will also have 30 minutes after the party to clean up and remove any personal items from the space. The host family is responsible for removal of personal decorations and insuring trash/recycling make it into the bins.

An Aquarium team member will be responsible for the following cleaning: activity clean up, sanitizing surfaces, vacuuming and emptying trash/ recycling bins.

When can guests enter the Aquarium?
As guests enter the party space, they receive a wristband that gives them entry to the Aquarium. You can choose whether they enter the Aquarium during or after the party. Guests cannot enter the Aquarium before the party.

All kids entering the Aquarium must be accompanied by an adult.

What types of food do parties usually bring in?
Many parties bring pizza or sandwich platters with sides. Morning parties sometimes bring breakfast foods like bagels or donuts. Others just bring snacks. Please note that the Aquarium does not have a way to heat up or keep food cold.

Keep it simple. Messy foods (like spaghetti) could result in a cleaning fee.

Can I bring in a chaffing dish?
We do not allow chaffing dishes with open flames, for safety reasons. We do allow slow cookers.

Do you have any recommendations for decorations?
Both spaces are decorated as shown in the birthday brochure. If you choose to bring in additional decorations, focus on tabletop decorations for food/cake tables.