Guppyween

The Florida Aquarium is bringing back Guppyween from October 24 to 31, their annual Halloween event for families. It runs every day during that window from 9 AM to 5 PM, so you've got a full week to pick the day that works best for you. They describe it as "fun under the deep boo sea," and it's aimed at the littlest monsters, merfolk, pirates and princesses.

Presented by BayCare Kids, the event is built around a few different activities. There's complimentary trick-or-treating on select days, animal encounters featuring creepy critters, costumed divers, and underwater pumpkin carving. If you're bringing kids, the trick-or-treating is the big draw, but the animal encounters and the divers give you something to do while you're there beyond the candy. The pumpkin carving happens underwater, which is a nice twist on the usual October tradition.

One thing worth knowing is that the Aquarium runs a sensory-friendly version of the event before the doors open to the general public. They adapt the lights and sounds for guests with sensory differences and their families, so you can get through the activities in a quieter environment before the main crowd arrives. If that's something your family would prefer, it's a good option to keep in mind.

As for the cost, children in costume get free admission with a paid parent or guardian, and you redeem that at the Aquarium ticket window. The event runs October 24 through 31, 9 AM to 5 PM, at The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr in the Port of Tampa.