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 three themed programs, which are led by an Aquarium educator.
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 2010 - April 30, 2011 (not available in the summer)
Times: 10 a.m. - noon; 2 - 4 p.m.
Bay Lab Beach Party (for ages 7-12)
Go seining for fish, dig for mole crabs, and search for shells along the shore at Bay Lab, Virginia Aquarium's teaching facility at First Landing State Park.
Location: Bay Lab at First Landing State Park (Bay side entrance on Shore Drive)
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays; September 2011 - October 10, 2011 (not available in the winter or spring) Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays; June 5 - August 29, 2011
Times: 10 a.m. - noon
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 a.m. - noon and 2 - 4 p.m.; June – August from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Party Fee:
$175 for Aquarium members
$225 for non-members
Fee includes materials and activities for 15 children and 8 adults.
(Because of room size and the interactive nature of our activities, we are unable to accommodate additional guests.)
For more information about birthday parties, contact Jenny Hill, (757) 385-0278 or at programs@VirginiaAquarium.com.
For your party, the Aquarium provides…
- Invitations and envelopes
- Aquarium educator to lead activities
- A room for the party
- An activity booklet for each guest to take home
- Party hats
You provide…
- Cakes or cupcakes (all other food items including drinks must be purchased through our onsite catering company, Sodexo)
- If you require refrigeration for your cake, please bring your own cooler with ice
- Paper products
- Decorations
Please note when planning your party…
- Please do not include balloons in your decorations. Deflated or discarded balloons usually end up in the marine environment and are a threat to sea turtles and other ocean creatures.
- Sodexo is the exclusive foodservice provider for the Aquarium; deliveries of pizza or other food to your party from outside restaurants cannot be accepted.
- No refrigerator or freezer space will be available at either the Aquarium or Bay Lab. You will need to bring your own cooler with ice, if needed.
- The party fee does not include admission to the Aquarium after the party. Ask the Children's Program Coordinator for details on a discounted rate.
Let the Osprey 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 - a minimum of 7 days prior to your party is required.