Costumes, Candy, and Creatures: Guppyween Returns to The Florida Aquarium

October 20, 2025

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The Florida Aquarium is diving into Halloween with the return of Guppyween presented by BayCare Kids, a Tampa Bay family tradition that combines aquatic adventure with festive fun.
On Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26, guests are invited to dress in their best costumes and enjoy a weekend of trick-or-treating, character appearances, and not-so-spooky surprises around every corner. This is all included with general admission.

Kids in costume receive free admission with a paid adult (redeemable at the ticket window only), making Guppyween the perfect way for families to celebrate the season together; no tricks, just treats!

Guppyween Highlights

• Trick-or-treating trails throughout the Aquarium
• Costume Parades at 11 a.m. & 1:15 p.m. invite guests to join the fun and follow fan-favorite mascots Rocky the penguin, Tango the turtle, and Xochi the axolotl as they lead the way!
• Creepy critter encounters with some of the Aquarium’s most fascinating animals
• Costumed divers & underwater pumpkin carving throughout the day

Guests can also enjoy limited-time Halloween-inspired menu items in Café Seventy One, including Uncle Fester’s Feast and Witches Brew Parfait Jars, plus spooky sips like the Witches Brew and Purple Potion at The Cove Bar, available all October long.

Sensory-Friendly Guppyween
Sunday, October 26 | 8 a.m.
For families who prefer a quieter experience, the Aquarium will host Sensory-Friendly Guppyween presented by BayCare Kids. With softer lighting and sounds, this early opening ensures all the fun without the fright.

Tickets: $10 per guest | Free for Members

Activities include:

• Trick-or-treating
• Creepy critter encounters
• Meet-and-greets with Rocky, Tango, and Xochi
• Costumed divers & underwater pumpkin carving

**CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO &
PHOTOS OF GUPPYWEEN**
Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium

AquaTots: Spooktacular Sights
Wednesday, October 29 | 9:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Perfect for ages 3–5, this hands-on class blends pre-K learning with Aquarium fun and includes a Halloween party.

Cost: $16 per class for one child + one adult (Aquarium admission not included).

Día de los Muertos with Xochi
Saturday, November 1 & Sunday, November 2 | 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
The season doesn’t stop at Halloween! Celebrate The Florida Aquarium’s first-ever Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) weekend and experience a colorful tribute to life, love, and remembrance. Included with general admission.

Join Xochi, The Aquarium’s beloved axolotl costumed character, as she debuts a special Day of the Dead look inspired by her home in Mexico City. Guests can explore the Aquarium surrounded by vibrant décor, festive music, and family-friendly activities that bring this cherished cultural tradition to life.

Event highlights include:

• Sugar skull-inspired décor and habitat enrichment
• Sugar skull mask-making craft
• Sugar skull face painting by Goofy Faces
• Tamale specials at Café Seventy One, including Short Rib Tamales and Apple & Fruit Compote Tamales
• Performances by Grupo Folklórico Mahetzi in the outdoor plaza
• Día de los Muertos-themed music throughout the outdoor plaza
• Photo opportunities with Xochi
• Pet Ofrenda: Honor the memory of a beloved pet or farm animal. Guests are invited to bring a photo for the pet ofrenda, located near Café Seventy One on the first floor.