KEMAH AQUARIUM FIELD GUIDE
Under-the-Sea Celebrations: Birthday Parties at Kemah’s Aquarium Restaurant
Birthday packages for ages 2–12 include Stingray Reef and exhibit access, themed kid’s meals and keepsakes, plus optional mascot visits and an exhibit tour—this guide lays out what’s included and how to plan.
Under-the-Sea Celebrations: Birthday Parties at Kemah’s Aquarium Restaurant.
Set on the second floor of the Aquarium Restaurant at Kemah, Bottom of the Sea Birthdays stages semi‑private, ocean‑themed parties for children amid undersea artwork and a 38,000‑gallon dining tank. Hosts choose from three tiered packages that bundle Stingray Reef and exhibit tickets, kid’s meals, themed decorations and keepsakes, with upgrades that add a mascot visit and an exhibit tour—designed specifically for ages 2–12.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Three Tiered Birthday Packages
Choose Skipper, Captain or Admiral packages, each including Stingray Reef and exhibit tickets, a kid’s meal, birthday cake, a plush item, decorations and a party host; Captain adds a Sharkey mascot visit, Admiral includes the mascot and an aquarium exhibit tour.
Stingray Reef & Exhibit Access
All packages include admission to the Stingray Reef and aquarium exhibits; programs and tours are tailored for child participants and subject to participant limits, and the operator cannot reserve specific animals for a program.
Semi‑Private Dining Tank Party Zone
Parties are held in a semi‑private section of the Aquarium Restaurant near the 38,000‑gallon dining tank, with ocean decor and a reserved party zone for two hours; party set up and spaces may vary and the space has a capacity of 40.
What the day feels like
What the Celebration Feels Like
For two reserved hours the restaurant converts into a child‑focused aquarium experience: kids move between the party zone and the exhibits, open themed meals and cake, receive plush keepsakes and, depending on the package, get a meet‑and‑greet with Sharkey or a guided exhibit tour. The mood is deliberately marine — coral décor, undersea artwork and views of Galveston Bay set the scene for a compact, curated celebration.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this celebration is built for — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Parties come with a two‑hour reserved window (which may be extended with add‑on purchases); the operator recommends giving two weeks’ notice for best availability and requests email contact at [email protected] for adjustments.
No outside food or beverages are permitted except additional birthday cake, cupcakes or candy for goodie bags; decorations are allowed with explicit prohibitions on sparklers, silly string, confetti, glitter, piñatas and any items taped or attached to restaurant décor.
A minimum of ten children is required (ten packages will be charged even if fewer attend); total party size cannot exceed 40; package pricing is listed per child and an 18% service charge will be added to the bill subtotal at the event’s conclusion.
Parties are held on the Aquarium Restaurant’s second floor near the large dining tank; because the Kemah Boardwalk runs events on weekends, guests should arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow for parking and ensure the party starts on time.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages are eligible for Bottom of the Sea Birthdays?
Children must be ages 2–12 to participate in the party packages.
Is there a minimum number of children required to book?
Yes. A minimum of ten children is required and ten packages will be charged even if fewer children attend.
What is the maximum number of guests allowed?
Total party size may not exceed 40 guests.
Can adults enter the Stingray Reef with the party?
Two to three adult chaperones may enter the Reef free of charge; additional adult admission tickets to the Reef and exhibit are available for purchase at the Treasure Chest Gift Shop (adult price noted on site).
Can I bring outside food or hire outside entertainers?
No outside food or beverages are permitted except additional birthday cake, cupcakes or candy for goodie bags; outside entertainers such as face painters, characters or magicians are not permitted.
How much time is reserved for the party?
Parties are reserved for two hours; that window may be extended only through additional purchases or add‑ons.