Bring your private event to life!
The Virginia Aquarium is the perfect place for a unique and memorable private event.
Currently, we are booking children's birthday parties. Please call our Private Events Coordinator for information about hosting other private events at the Aquarium.
Birthday Parties
Host your child's next birthday with us at the Virginia Aquarium! One of our engaging educators will fascinate your guests with live animal encounters, a special guided tour, and fun ocean-themed activities. You will have access to a private space that can accommodate up to 15 attendees (inclusive of the birthday child, family members, and parents of the guests). Let us help you create a birthday party to remember!
Ages: 3 – 12
Location: Classroom (in Main Building)
Days: Saturdays and Sundays
Times: 10am - Noon or 2 - 4pm
Cost:
- Members | $249
- Non-members | $299
- Non-member Guests | $5/car for parking
- Aquarium Goodie Bags* | Only $1 each!
You are encouraged to bring a special cake for your guest of honor. All other food items must be purchased through our onsite caterer. To book a birthday party, or for more information, contact our Private Events Coordinator at the information below.
Private Events Coordinator
Cecelia Campbell
CSCampbe@virginiaaquarium.com
(757) 385-0306 (Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm)
*Contact the Aquarium Store at (757) 385-0321 for more information on adding Goodie Bags to your reservation.
Facility Rentals for Private Events & Weddings
Please call our Private Events Coordinator for information about hosting private events at the Aquarium.
Call Cecelia Campbell, Private Events Coordinator, at (757) 385-0306 or email her at
CSCampbe@virginiaaquarium.com for more information. Site visits are by appointment only.
We offer a selection of rooms for evening events. Mix and match rooms to fit your needs, or rent the entire Bay & Ocean Pavilion, and amaze up to 1,200 guests!
The Promenade Room features floor to ceiling windows overlooking Owls Creek, perfect for a wedding, family gathering, or business reception. At 1,560 square feet, the Promenade Room accommodates up to 120 guests seated around a dancing area, with additional guests accommodated for a standing reception.
For a truly unique experience, enjoy dinner with the sharks, stroll by the sea turtles, or spend some private time with our octopus and jellies. The Sharks & Sea Turtles Gallery, located adjacent to the Promenade Room, accommodates up to 50 guests for dinner or 300 for a standing reception.
Include this spectacular exhibit in your event. Komodo dragons, rare crocodiles, hedgehogs, and the walkthrough Red Sea Tunnel will delight up to 350 guests.
Approximately halfway along the Nature Trail, this lovely outdoor area can be tented or left open-air for an early evening wedding ceremony, reception, garden party, or musical recital for up to 150 guests.
Our 65-foot catamaran, the Atlantic Explorer, is a great venue for casual office parties, family reunions, birthdays, receptions, and more. Up to 120 guests can relax and mingle while enjoying the sights of Owls Creek, Lake Rudee, Rudee Inlet, and the Atlantic Ocean. To book, please contact Private Events Coordinator Cecelia Campbell
at (757) 385-0306 or email her at CSCampbe@virginiaaquarium.com .
Photography Policy at the Aquarium
Paying guests are welcome to take pictures of their visit to the Virginia Aquarium.
We are currently not offering private photography or videography shoots.
More details to come regarding commercial or broadcast photography, videography, and recording, and scheduling a private photography/videography session at the Aquarium.
