by Tampa, FL – The Florida Aquarium welcomed hundreds of families for its annual Guppyween event, combining the excitement of trick-or-treating with the wonder of marine life. This year’s celebration stood out by including a sensory-friendly morning session, ensuring a fun and comfortable experience for children with sensory sensitivities.
Held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, Guppyween featured interactive Halloween-themed activities and an opportunity for kids to trick-or-treat alongside fascinating marine creatures, creating a unique holiday tradition for Tampa families.
A Spooky, Yet Family-Friendly Marine Celebration
The Florida Aquarium opened its doors early at 9 a.m. for the sensory-friendly session, allowing children and their families to explore exhibits at a gentle pace. From there, public access opened for the main event, where attendees enjoyed trick-or-treating throughout the aquarium.
Corey Romberg, Director of Guest Engagement, shared highlights of the event:
“A real octopus hanging out in a pumpkin or our underwater pumpkin carving – it’s a captivating experience for all ages.”
One of the standout attractions was divers transforming an exhibit into an underwater pumpkin carving station, a rare and captivating sight.
Morgan Brandon, a marine operations specialist, added,
“It’s something to add to your resume – underwater pumpkin diving. It’s fun for us and for the animals. They love pumpkins and enjoy picking at them.”
Engaging Creepy Creatures and Community Traditions
Beyond marine exhibits, the event featured encounters with Halloween-themed critters like toads, spiders, and a majestic Eurasian eagle owl. Maddie Davidoff, a biologist, described the owl:
“She is just about fifteen years old, and she is a Eurasian eagle owl, a species not native to Florida.”
Longtime visitor Rebekah Rizali praised the aquarium’s approach:
“The Florida Aquarium does a great job of making it not be spooky, so it’s good for little kids.”
Read Also: New Jersey DoorDash Driver Loses Patience with Silent Customer Over Single Drink Order
- Guppyween’s sensory-friendly start makes it inclusive for children with sensitivities.
- Divers perform underwater pumpkin carving, creating a memorable visual display.
- Families interact with diverse creatures, combining education and fun.
Looking Ahead: Day of the Dead Celebrations
Building on the success of Guppyween, the Florida Aquarium is set to host a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event on Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2, continuing its commitment to engaging, cultural programming for the community.
For more details about these events and more, visit the source at FOX 13 News.
Join the Celebration and Share Your Experience
What do you think about the Florida Aquarium’s innovative approach to Halloween events? Have you attended Guppyween or plan to visit the upcoming Day of the Dead celebrations? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
