Celebrate your child's birthday at the Virginia Aquarium! The birthday child and guests are treated to special activities and have a chance to touch live animals. Choose from two themed programs, which are led by an Aquarium educator.

Restless Planet Party (for ages 3-12)

Touch animals from around the world in the classroom and see Komodo dragons, Spotted Eagle rays, and Tomistoma crocodiles while you tour our newly renovated Restless Planet exhibits.

Location: Classroom in the Bay and Ocean Pavilion
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays; year round
Times: September – May from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 4: 00 p.m.; June – August from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Marsh Animal Party (for ages 3-12)

Touch amphibians and reptiles in the Discovery Room, go on a bird scavenger hunt in the Aviary, and observe the river otters while our special birthday guest provides them with a snack!
Location: Discovery Room in the Marsh Pavilion
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays; September - April (not available in the summer)
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Party Fee:

$175 for Aquarium members
$225 for non-members
Fee includes materials and activities for up to 25 participants.

To reserve a date for a birthday party or to receive additional information, contact the Guest Services Office at (757) 385-0300 or email programs@VirginiaAquarium.com.

 

Let the Aquarium Café take care of your refreshment needs.
The Café staff can provide pizza and other fun foods for your party. Download Order Form

 

Add Goodie Bags for your birthday child and guests!
To order Goodie Bags at $1 each, contact the Aquarium Store (757) 385-0324 or contact the Program Coordinator.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

How do I register for a Birthday party? 

Please contact the Guest Services Office to place a reservation.  You will need the following:

·         Date of Birthday party you would like to reserve               .

·         Deposit payment Method.

Note: Birthday Parties are reserved based on availability. 

What is the cost?

The cost for a Birthday party is $225.00.  The cost for Aquarium Members is $175.00.

You mentioned a deposit.  How much is it?

A deposit of $50.00 is required to reserve a Birthday party date.

When are final payments for the program due?

Final payment for Birthday Parties must be made no later than 10 days prior to the reserved date.  If payment is not received, the reservation will be cancelled.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept the following payment methods:

·         Personal Check * ^, **

·         Money Order *

·         Cashier’s Check *

·         Visa

·         MasterCard

·         American Express

*     Payable to Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.

**  Returned checks will be charged an additional fee.

What is the refund policy?

To receive a full refund, cancellation must be made 30 days or more prior to the reserved birthday party date.  A refund, less the $50.00 deposit, will be given if your cancellation is received less than 30 days prior to your birthday party date. Refunds are not issued for cancellations less than ten days prior to the Birthday party date.

Party

What is included in a Birthday party at the Aquarium?

All birthday parties include the following:

• Invitations and envelopes to send to your guests
• Aquarium educator to lead activities
• Activities that include a live animal 
• An activity booklet for each guest to take home
• Private room
• Party favor

Do I need to provide anything for the party?

You will be responsible for providing your own Birthday Cake or Cupcakes.  If you would like to decorate the room, you will be responsible for providing those decorations.

Can I bring my own decorations?

If you would like to purchase and bring specifically themed items, you are more than welcome to do so.  This can include themed tableware.  Balloons of any kind are not permitted in the Aquarium. Deflated or discarded balloons usually end up in the marine environment and are a threat to sea turtles and other ocean creatures. In addition, items that must be taped or adhered to walls are prohibited.

I see you offer Goodie Bags.  What does that include?

The Aquarium offers Goodie Bags at $1.00 each.  Each Goodie Bag includes the following:

1 Bag with Aquarium Logo

1 Aquarium Pencil

                1 Aquarium Post Card

                1 Shark Tooth

                ​1Plastic Animal Replica

Goodie Bags can be ordered by contacting the Youth Programs Registrar at least one week prior to the party.  Payment will be due to the Aquarium Store on the day of the party.

I see that the party fee includes 25 participants. We have young children attending the party, so their parents will probably attend.  Do the parents count in the 25 person cap?

Yes, all persons in attendance are counted toward the 25 person cap.  Typically, parents will drop their children off for parties, or choose to stay and tour the Aquarium on their own during the party.  Note: Aquarium Admission must be paid for parents to tour the Aquarium on their own.

Why is there a participant limit on Birthday Parties?

To ensure the best possible experience for the Birthday Child and their guests, we limit parties to 25 participants.  With more than 25 participants we are unable to provide hands on activities and live animal experiences.   Please plan accordingly when sending your invitations to your guests. 

Can our guests tour the Aquarium when the party is over?

Aquarium Admission is not included in the Birthday party Price.  A discounted admission price of $2.00 is available for each Party participant. 

Food and Beverages

Can we bring our own food or drinks to the party?

Cake or Cupcakes are the only approved food and beverage items that you may bring to the party.  All other food items will need to be ordered from our onsite Caterer, Sodexo.  Sodexo is the exclusive foodservice provider for the Aquarium; deliveries of pizza or other food to your party from outside restaurants cannot be accepted.

Do I need to bring plates, cutlery, cups, or other tableware?

If you have purchased food or beverages from Sodexo, our onsite caterer, they will provide all of the necessary tableware.  If you have not purchased any items from Sodexo you will need to bring the necessary tableware for your Birthday Cake. 

I’m planning on bringing an Ice Cream Cake.  Is there somewhere I can store it until we sit down for refreshments?

Refrigerator or freezer space is not available at the Virginia Aquarium or the Bay Lab.  You will need to provide your own cooler and Ice.  Please note that outside food and drinks are prohibited in the Aquarium, with the exception of a Birthday Cake or Cupcakes.

 

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