Halloween season is swimming into Tampa with one of the city’s most beloved family traditions. Guppyween, presented by BayCare Kids, returns to The Florida Aquarium from October 24 to 31, 2026, turning the aquarium into a not-too-spooky underwater playground made for the littlest monsters and merfolk, pirates and princesses, and everything in between.
The big treat for parents: children in costume get FREE admission with a paid parent or guardian (redeemable at the Aquarium ticket window only). It is the perfect excuse to debut this year’s costume a few days early — and to let the kids trick-or-treat among sharks, stingrays and sea turtles.
What families can enjoy at Guppyween
- Complimentary trick-or-treating on October 24, 25 and 31.
- Creepy critter animal encounters — a playful look at the aquarium’s most misunderstood residents.
- Character appearances by Rocky, Tango and Xochi, the aquarium’s friendly mascots.
- Costumed divers and underwater pumpkin carving inside the tanks — a Guppyween signature moment families never forget.
- A sensory-friendly morning on October 25 from 8 to 9 a.m., for families who prefer a calmer, gentler visit.
Aquarium members get an extra perk: Member Night on Friday, October 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. — a free sneak peek of all the Guppyween fun with trick-or-treating, free for members with a valid membership (online RSVP required).
A week of Halloween, not just one night
Unlike a single-evening event, Guppyween stretches across eight full days, so families can pick the day that works best for them — including a weekday morning for smaller crowds. The Florida Aquarium is one of Tampa’s most visited family attractions year-round, and during Guppyween the whole building gets into the spirit: decorations, themed activities and plenty of photo moments. Costumes are encouraged for the whole family, and the free-admission offer for costumed kids makes it one of the best-value Halloween outings in the Tampa Bay area.
Guppyween runs during regular hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so families can pair the Halloween fun with everything the aquarium does best: the Coral Reef habitat, the Wetlands of Florida, Stingray Beach, the Tide Pool and the new MORPH’D gallery. The aquarium sits at 701 Channelside Drive in downtown Tampa, right in the Channelside district.
Happy City News loves Guppyween because it checks every box for a perfect family day: it is affordable (free for costumed kids), it is educational, and it gives Tampa families a safe, joyful place to celebrate Halloween together. Get your Guppyween tickets on the official Florida Aquarium website and mark your calendar for October 24–31.
