Aquariums are some of the most fascinating and educational venues for you to hold fun and exciting events. Whether you’re hosting a corporate gathering, wedding reception, or birthday party, an aquarium event venue can provide an environment that is both unique and memorable. From coast to coast in the United States and Canada, fascinating aquaria offer inspiring settings to host any type of event. Now let’s go swim with the fish and visit sea otters that hold hands while they sleep (but really, have you seen anything cuter?) and visit these amazing underwater venues to host your next event!
Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk | Norwalk, CT | Get a Quote
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, in Norwalk, CT offers special event options with an educational twist. Guests will not only be able to explore the stunning exhibits during the event, but they can also enjoy dining and dancing among species native to the Long Island Sound. This Fairfield County venue has a capacity of 800 with four main spaces that include The Hokin Aquarium, Newman’s Own Hall, Sound and Beyond and the Cascade Café. You won’t feel guilty when you’re “shuckin’ down” some oysters or savoring some buttery New England lobstah – the staff at Norwalk works hard to use sustainably-sourced seafood and goes above and beyond to make good choices that help care for the oceans.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography | La Jolla, CA | Get a Quote
At Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, found in beautiful La Jolla, CA, you can host your event with an eye-catching backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. This aquarium’s exhibits focus on coastal habitats, so attendees will be immersed in the wonders of Southern California’s aquatic wildlife. Its spacious courtyard is perfect for hosting wedding receptions, corporate events, and private parties. Always dreamed of finding yourself inside a kelp forest? Us too! Dive deep in this enveloping exhibit, or one of the several other marine habitat experiences at Scripps like their virtual exhibits. Come face to face with exciting creatures including a rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Leopard Sharks (ok, maybe avoid getting face to face with their chompers), Seahorses, and more!
Vancouver Aquarium LTD | Vancouver, BC | Get a Quote
Grab 2,000 of your closest friends and head to the Vancouver Aquarium for your next party! This unique space can hold all your guests and offers a wide range of event options from holiday celebrations to birthday parties and weddings. Attendees will be able to explore galleries, watch sea lion shows, experience a penguin meet and greet, and more! When you’re the host of an event at the Vancouver Aquarium, you do more than provide your guest with an amazing experience; you are also supporting a non-profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. This includes conservation, education, and research programs such as our Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, Ocean Wise™, Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup and the Coastal Ocean Research Institute.
Image Credit: https://www.mysticaquarium.org/visit/events/host-an-event/
Mystic Aquarium | Mystic, CT | Get a Quote
Put on your Marine Biologist lab coat because you are going to want change professions after a day at Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT. This aquarium and immersive learning experience provides stunning views over the Long Island Sound and Mystic Harbor as well as up-close-and-personal access to its unique collection of exhibits featuring marine life from around the globe. You’ll love seeing California sea lions, Beluga whales from Russia and Alaska, and African penguins, just to name a few! Guests at this venue can enjoy cocktails with Tiger Sharks, tour the galleries, or take a stroll on the outdoor ocean walk. It’s perfect for corporate events and wedding receptions alike – and their catering partner, Lancer Hospitality, will whip up unforgettable dishes that your guests will love!
Image Credit: https://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/ downtownaquariumhouston/default.asp
Downtown Aquarium | Houston, TX | Get a Quote
Downtown Aquarium in Houston, TX is an ideal setting for hosting small weddings and corporate events, Bar Mitzvahs, anniversaries, or birthday parties. The 6,000 square foot banquet room, the Nautilus Ballroom, serves as an elegant backdrop for any formal function for up to 450 people. Want to be a little more casual or kid-friendly? Throw a “Bottom Of the Sea” birthday party – the aquarium’s on-site staff will help create unforgettable fun and even provide an ocean-themed birthday cake! Even host an event where kids can sleep over in the museum — who hasn’t dreamed of doing that!? This unique event space is truly one of a kind and provide hours of fun for all your guests, no matter their age!
Image Credit: https://www.seattleaquarium.org/exhibits/underwater-dome
Seattle Aquarium | Seattle, WA | Get a Quote
Looking for a memorable event space in the Pacific Northwest? Look no further than the Seattle Aquarium in Seattle, WA. With a capacity of up to 800 guests, corporate events, weddings, and social gatherings are just a few of the event types you can host at this gorgeous space. The aquarium’s on-site staff will help plan every detail of your gathering – from table settings to DJs, florals, and catering – they’ve got you covered! So, kick back and enjoy the breathtaking views of Elliott Bay as well as access to its unique collection of over 330 species of fish and aquatic animals from the Pacific Northwest region.
Image Credit: https://www.odyseaaquarium.com/host-your-event-new/#venue
OdySea Aquarium | Scottsdale, AZ | Get a Quote
OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, AZ offers a variety of event options including private tours of the exhibits, special access to its interactive touch tanks, and exclusive VIP experiences. Try one of their Animal Encounters, the OdySea Voyager, or even SeaTREK® Underwater Ocean Walking Experience! Up to 2,800 event guests will be able to explore galleries featuring species native to the Arizona desert as well as aquatic wildlife from around the world in their 200,000+ square feet of space. It’s perfect for birthday celebrations, corporate events, and wedding receptions alike. With tons of catering options like a buffet line, a plated meal, or a strolling reception, Smith Hospitality, OdySea’s catering provider, will knock your goggles off with all its delicious offerings!
For an unforgettable experience at one of these amazing aquarium event venues, contact one of our event specialists to find the perfect setting for your next occasion! If you feel like you’re *drowning* in venue options, we’re here to throw you a life preserver! We’ll find you a unique event space to host your gathering – and help you stay afloat throughout the process!