Arrival, Check-In, and Departure

FAQ’s

Arrival, Check-in, and Departure

What time does the event start?

Check-in for the overnight begins at 6:30pm. The ZZZ’s in the Seas overnight program begins at 7:00pm. No participants will be allowed into the aquarium before 6:30pm.

Can I arrive late?

Yes, if you will be arriving after 7:00 pm, please call GCA security at (216) 673-6099. Let them know you are a program participant, and they will contact the event staff so that you can be accommodated to the best of our ability. Participants that arrive after 7:00pm will miss portions of the overnight program.

If you know in advance that your group or any participant in your group will be late, please notify Amber Walden by emailing [email protected] or calling (216)862-8803 ext. 7718.

Is parking available for the event?

Overnight parking is available for a fee in the Greater Cleveland Aquarium/ Nautica Complex parking lot at a cost. The parking lot is owned by a separate company and accepts cash only. Drop-off/ pick-up parking is available free of charge for up to 30 minutes. Those participating in drop-off/pick-up parking will need to tell the parking attendant that they are dropping off participants for the Greater Cleveland Aquarium overnight.

Where do we enter for the event?

Participants should enter the Greater Cleveland Aquarium (located in the FirstEnergy Powerhouse) through the main entrance. Can we leave before 9 am?

Yes. Group leaders must notify the Greater Cleveland Aquarium staff at check-in if members of the group are leaving early.

Can our group tour the aquarium during the day on Sunday after the overnight?

Yes. Next day admission is included in your overnight package. However, all participants must exit the Aquarium at 9am when the overnight program ends. Participants may reenter any time between 10am-4pm when GCA is open to the general public. Participants must show their ticket from the ZZZ’s in the Seas program dated for that weekend.

Cancellations and Refunds

What happens if our group needs to cancel?

If your group needs to cancel, no refunds will be given, but you may reschedule for another available date. If single participants from a group are unable to attend, no refunds will be issued, but you may find another participant to take their place. Please notify Amber Walden at [email protected] as soon as possible with any changes to your roster.

What happens if the Greater Cleveland Aquarium needs to cancel the event?

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium reserves the right to cancel an event at any time. If your event is cancelled, you will be notified by phone and a full refund will be made within 30 days. Your refund method will be based on your original method of payment.

Food and Beverages

What food will be provided?

A light evening snack and continental breakfast will be provided for each guest. All participants should eat dinner before arriving for the overnight program.

What can you do to accommodate a food allergy and/or dietary restrictions? We will do our best to accommodate any type of food allergy or dietary restriction. If any participant in your group has a food allergy and/or dietary restriction, please contact Amber Walden by calling (216)-862-8803 ext. 7718 or emailing [email protected].

Will bottled water be provided?

No. Groups may bring their own bottled water. We encourage participants to bring refillable water bottles as we do have water fountains available throughout the Aquarium.

Is alcohol allowed?

No. If groups are found with alcohol, they will be asked to leave the Greater Cleveland Aquarium immediately with no refund.

Can groups bring coolers with food and drinks?

Other than bottled water, outside food or drink is not allowed inside the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.

Event Details

What will we be doing at the overnight?

The ZZZ’s in the Seas program typically includes the following activities:

o Guided aquarium tour

o Animal encounter

o Scuba dive presentation

o Scavenger hunt

o Touch pool experience

*The ZZZ’s in the Seas overnight program activities are subject to change without notice.*

Will we get to see all the exhibits during the overnight?

Yes. Participants will be able to see and explore all areas of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium during the overnight program. Sleeping Accommodations

Where do participants sleep?

Participants will sleep next to one of our exhibits in the Coastal gallery, the Shark Sea Tube or Freshwater gallery. Participant sleeping locations will be assigned by GCA staff ahead of time.

Are electrical outlets accessible in the sleeping areas?

Yes. Please ask a GCA staff member for assistance.

Can I bring an air mattress or tent?

Tents are not allowed. Space for twin sized air mattresses can be reserved in advance for a $5 fee by calling (216)-862-8803 ext. 7718. Some good alternatives to air mattresses include inflatable pool mats, yoga mats, or camping pads.

Does the aquarium get cold at night?

Temperatures vary from one sleeping area to another. Dressing in layers and bringing an extra blanket will help you maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature.

Is it very dark after lights out?

We turn off all unnecessary lights after lights-out. For animal and human safety, some lights will remain on during the night. If you require complete darkness to sleep comfortably, consider bringing an eye mask.

Can we use flashlights?

Outside flashlights are prohibited. Bright lights and flashes can cause stress in many of our animals, and animal safety is a top priority for us. Aquarium approved flashlights will be available for chaperone and staff use only.

Safety and Security

What are the supervision requirements for children? An adult chaperone is required for any child participants ages 5-18. For every set of five children attending, there must be at least one adult chaperone. For example:

 1-4 children – require one adult chaperone; that adult chaperone must pay $45

 5 children – require one adult chaperone; that adult chaperone is free; additional adults in the group would pay $45

 6-9 children – require 2 adult chaperones; one adult chaperone would be free; other adult chaperone would pay $45; additional adults in the group would pay $45

 10 children – require 2 adult chaperones; both adult chaperones are free; additional adults in the group would pay $45

What precautions are taken to ensure participant safety?

Participant safety is one of our top priorities. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium has 24 hour security that is trained in first-aid, CPR, and the use of an AED. At least one security guard will be on-duty during every overnight and will be making rounds throughout the entire night. You may want to inform participants (especially young ones) in your group beforehand that there will be security walking around after lights out. At least one Greater Cleveland Aquarium staff member will stay overnight with participants as well and they will be available to assist you at any hour. The aquarium is equipped with fire alarms and extinguishers and GCA staff have evacuation plans in place should it become necessary to leave the Greater Cleveland Aquarium for any reason. If you need help at any time during the overnight, please contact the nearest GCA staff or security member and they will assist you.

What is the responsibility of the adult chaperones?

Children must be accompanied by an adult chaperone for all activities as well as while sleeping. After lights out, chaperones have full responsibility of the children in their group and it is the chaperones responsibility to make sure participants stay in their designated sleeping areas.

Miscellaneous Questions

Where can I smoke cigarettes?

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium has a no smoking policy so there will be no opportunity to smoke during an overnight. Once participants have entered the aquarium for the overnight program, they will not be allowed to leave and re-enter unless there is an emergency.

Will the gift shop be open during the overnight?

The gift shop will be open at some point on Sunday morning. Where will our gear be stored during activities?

Prior to night space set-up/lights out, participant gear will be stored together in the lobby of the Aquarium separated by group. We suggest that you leave valuables at home or carry them with you during the overnight activities. We do not have individual lockers or areas where personal items can be safely secured from other participants.