We offer children's birthday parties right here at the Aquarium, IMAX birthday party packages that include dinner at local restaurants and on-the-road birthday parties that come to you. Birthday parties are for kids ages 3 and up—the birthday child must be turning 3 regardless of the age of other participants.

The Aquarium is also available to host other private functions such as wedding receptions, parties and corporate events.

Birthday Parties at the Aquarium

Aquarium members have the exclusive privilege of hosting their child’s birthday party at the New England Aquarium. Choose one of our age-appropriate themes and let us put together the perfect two hour party for you. All party themes include a specific focus on an Aquarium attraction such as penguins, sharks or turtles in addition to a variety of aquatic games and activities. Our tide pool themes include handling live tide pool animals like sea stars and hermit crabs. Aquarium admission is included so guests can explore the Aquarium after the party.

Parties Include:

  • Private studio for your guests
  • Aquarium admission for young guests and chaperones after the party
  • Aquarium educators
  • Take home project (not included in IMAX parties)
  • Birthday cake (contains nut products) with the wording “Best Fishes”
  • Hoodsie ice cream cups
  • Drinks for the children.
  • Thematic decorations and paper products

Optional (for an additional fee):

  • Lunch or snacks
  • Goodie bags can be ordered
  • Special visit from one of the Aquarium’s costumed characters
  • Aquarium invitations and thank you cards

Sample Schedule of Programs

Please note times given are sample times. Your party may begin at 10am or 2pm as scheduled.

  • 10:00AM Arrival, name tags & coloring activity
  • 10:15AM T-shirt painting activity and hand washing
  • 10:45AM Thematic educational activity
  • 11:30AM Lunch (if requested) and cake
  • 11:55AM Escort guests over to the Aquarium and members parking validation.

Reservations and Additional Questions

Party fees are $380 for up to 10 children, and $16.50 for each additional child. There is a 15 children maximum for ages 3 and 4. There is a 20 children maximum for ages 5 and up. A ratio of one chaperone for every five children is required. One chaperone per child is included in the cost of the party. Parties are available during mornings and afternoons on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

To make a reservation, please call 617-973-5206, option 2, for Central Reservations.
For more questions, call Family Programs at 617-226-2149 or email kids.ed@neaq.org.