Events make a splash at Ripley’s Aquarium
Located in Toronto, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, one of the world’s leading aquariums, plays host to more than 20,000 aquatic animals.
It also plays host to a variety of unique and cool events each year.
You can even book the Aquarium for private, custom events.
To introduce you to the events at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and some key details, ThriftyTourist.ca has put together this Guide.
It contains some insights, highlights how you can save money on certain events and, in the case of one event, how you can attend for free.
Ripley’s Aquarium events you will learn about:
- Paint Nite
- Plant Nite
- Friday Night Jazz
- Night at the Aqueerium
- Birthday Parties
- Sleepovers
- Private Custom Events
1. Paint Nite event at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, the Paint Nite event at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada makes a fun evening out in Toronto. Bring a date, a friend, family member or go solo.
What’s included with this event
The class runs from 7:00-9:00 PM but your ticket to the Paint Nite event grants you entry into the Aquarium beforehand.
Arrive a few hours early so you can weave your way through all the exhibits (allow 1.5 to 2 hours) and draw artistic inspiration from the striking colours and graceful movement of the Aquarium’s stunning marine creatures.
Just before 7:00 purchase yourself a cocktail from the bar and head to class.
To assist you in creating your masterpiece there is a painting instructor on hand.
At the end of the night you will have created a 16’ X 20’ underwater-themed canvas to proudly display in your home.
Plan ahead
Paint Nite at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada takes place every few months. It’s a popular event so book your tickets in advance.
2. Plant Nite event at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Plant Nite at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a great event to attend if you want to get in on the terrarium craze.
Terrarium making has always been around, but its popularity has had a resurgence in the last few years in Toronto and around the world.
What is a terrarium?
A terrarium is a small, self-contained garden.
They take up very little space, making them ideal for the office, or in a condo or apartment.
And once they’ve been created a terrarium requires very little maintenance to thrive.
No wonder Plant Nite has proven to be another well-attended Toronto event at the Aquarium.
Make it a night out with your better half, a group of friends or with a family member.
What’s included with this event
The class runs from 7:00-9:00 PM but your ticket to Plant Nite grants you entry into the Aquarium beforehand.
Arrive a few hours early so you can check out all the exhibits (allow 1.5 to 2 hours). You’re sure to get some ideas for the design of your terrarium from the underwater plant life in the Aquarium’s many displays.
Class starts at 7:00 sharp so give yourself time to purchase a cocktail from the bar before.
Don’t worry if you’re an inexperienced gardener.
The class will be led by an instructor who will guide you through the process required to create your terrarium.
Book early
Plant Nite at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada takes place every few months. Book your ticket in advance to ensure you’re spot to this event.
3. Friday Night Jazz event at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Looking for a chill night out in Toronto? Friday Night Jazz at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is the event for you.
Every second Friday of the month, from 7:00-11:00 PM, the Aquarium sets up the cocktail bar, turns the lights down low and cues up a live jazz band.
An event with a very cool atmosphere
At Friday Night Jazz the music can be heard throughout the Aquarium.
With the live music playing in the background, walking around and taking in the sight of marine animals cruising by makes for a cool experience, especially at the jellyfish viewing area.
The overall vibe of this Toronto event is relaxed. So is the dress code but if you’re making it a date night it just feels right to take it up a notch.
Tickets for Friday Night Jazz at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada can be purchased at the door or online at the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada website.
How to get into Friday Jazz Night for free
If you have a Annual or Family Pass to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, admission to the Friday Night Jazz event is free. At the time of writing this article that equaled a savings of $44 + HST.
Learn about the savings & benefits
Read our article “Is a Family or Annual Pass to Ripley’s Aquarium Canada worth it?”
4. Night at the Aqueerium event at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
In Toronto during Pride Month celebrations in June? Don’t miss the Night at the Aqueerium event at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.
On this night the Aquarium goes all out.
The décor becomes undeniably rainbow.
There’s a live DJ, awesome lights, dancing, drag performances, drinks and you get to walk throughout the Aquarium to explore the amazing displays.
This adult-only event gets started at 8:00 PM and runs until 12:00 AM.
One of the most popular Pride Month events in Toronto, tickets sell fast to a Night at the Aqeerium so get yours well in advance.
How to save on admission to Night at the Aqueerium
If you have a Annual or Family Pass to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, admission to the Night at the Aqueerium event is 50% off. At the time of writing this article that equaled a savings of $30 + HST.
5. Birthday Party event at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Want to make your child’s birthday an eventful one? Throw it in Toronto at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.
A birthday party at the Aquarium comes jam-packed with everything you need to make it a day to remember.
The standard birthday party package is for up to 25 guests and lasts for 90 minutes.
What you get with a birthday party event
A birthday party event takes place in a colourful, private party room and is hosted by a Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada educator.
The fun includes creating a take-home craft, doing a science experiment, learning about one of the Aquarium’s cool creatures and playing a fun game.
Every child attending the party receives a loot bag, plus they have access to the Aquarium before or after your birthday party time slot.
A few things to note
- No outside food or drink is permitted.
- If you would like to serve pizza and/or cake at your child’s birthday party event, you can pre-order it from the Aquarium. Keep in mind these items are considered add-ons to the standard birthday party package so there will be an additional charge.
- To ensure availability for your birthday party event, the Aquarium suggests you submit your request to book 8 weeks in advance.
How to save on your birthday party event
If you have a Annual or Family Pass to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, you will receive 10% off the purchase of a Birthday Party event at the Aquarium. At the time of writing this article, that equaled a savings of $60 + HST.
6. Sleepover event at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
The only thing better than having a sleepover at a friend’s home is having a sleepover at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.
Sleepovers at the Aquarium take place throughout the year.
Who can sleep over at the Aquarium?
The Aquarium offers four types of Sleepover events: Family, Girl Guides, Scouts and School Groups.
To participate in a Family Sleepover event children must be between the ages of 5 and 18. Adult (19+) supervision is required with a minimum supervision ratio being 1 adult to 8 children.
Girl Guide and Scout Group Sleepover events require a minimum of 40 people, to a maximum of 60. Girl Guide Sleepovers at the Aquarium are female-only events.
For more details about a School Group Sleepover event, the Aquarium says to contact them at: sleepovers@ripleysaquariumofcanada.com
What’s included in a Family Sleepover event?
A Family Sleepover at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a fun-filled night in Toronto.
Upon arrival you and the kids get to explore the Aquarium’s displays.
That’s followed up by a craft; a behind-the-scenes tour; a snack consisting of your choice of fruits, veggies, crackers, yogurt, cookies, milk, juice or water; a break to change into your PJs and a story time.
When the last word is read, it’s time to pump up your air mattress and roll out your sleeping bag in the Dangerous Lagoon tunnel. This is the highlight of the night.
Why?
Because instead of sleeping under the stars, you’ll be sleeping under the sight of sharks, sea turtles, eels, angel fish and other aquatic life gently gliding overhead.
Sweet dreams.
In the morning, the Family Sleepover event continues. A scrumptious continental breakfast awaits you complete with waffles, whip cream, fresh fruit and bagels.
And when your done your morning feeding, you get to explore the Aquarium’s displays again.
A few tips for your Family Sleepover
- If you have a battery pack for your cell phone, bring it as there are a limited number of outlets available.
- Carrying a sleeping bag and an air mattress is heavy. Pack them in a large suitcase along with your PJs and toiletries.
- Make sure you use a suitcase with wheels—it will be a lot easier to move your gear from place to place.
Booking your Sleepover
Your best chance of booking a Sleepover event for the date you want is to book it as far in advance as possible.
How to save on your Sleepover
If you have a Annual or Family Pass to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, you will receive 20% off the purchase of ticket to a Sleepover event at the Aquarium. For example, at the time of writing this article, that would equal a Family Sleepover savings of $22 + HST per person.
7. Private Custom Event at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
With its incredible underwater world as the setting, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is one of the most dramatically different venues in Toronto to hold your private, custom event.
The Aquarium has played host to events such as corporate meetings, galas, fundraisers, weddings, celebrations and holiday parties.
The facilities can accommodate up to 1,200 people for a cocktail occasion and up to 200 guests for a function that requires a seated dinner.
If your event is more intimate, it can be presented in specific areas of the Aquarium such as the Dangerous Lagoon or Atlantic Room.
A great venue for mingling
Any private, custom event at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada includes access to the Aquarium’s 9 galleries.
Guests are free to explore, with cocktail in hand, the various displays which serve as natural conversation starters.
Educators are available throughout the Aquarium as well to answer any questions guests may have.
Aquarium add-ons for your private custom event
Like to add to the fun of your private, custom event?
For an additional cost Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada can include extras such as a dive show, behind-the-scenes tour and/or a photo package.
Work with top caterers in Toronto
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada engages some of the city’s most experienced and regarded caterers for their events.
Once you have chosen a caterer from our carefully selected list, they will assign you a dedicated person to collaborate with.
Together you will plan and coordinate all that’s required to transform the Aquarium into the event you’ve envisioned.
To learn more about holding your private, custom event at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada visit their website.
Memorable events take place at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
No matter what type of event you’re planning to attend or organize at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, it will be unique and unforgettable.
With its stunning underwater worlds as the backdrop, the Aquarium truly makes every event a one-of-a-kind Toronto experience.
Photo Credit: Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
