News flash! It snowed about two inches in Tampa.

Well, at least it did at the Florida Aquarium.

It’s all part of their Holiday FantaSea event -- a winter wonderland where kids can experience snow the way most Floridians don’t usually get to.

The line stretched around the Florida Aquarium's outdoor courtyard with families waiting to watch their little ones play in real snow and take a lot of pictures. Twenty kids are allowed in at a time and they have about five minutes to play in the snow. 

Mackenzie Hudson had never seen snow before. She was excited to build a little snow man, but the texture was one she was not used to.

“Slippery and cold,” Hudson said.

After each five minute session, staff with shovels head to the snow and break up any ice chunks so that kids can enjoy making snow angels, snowmen or just walking on the slippery substance.

Inside the aquarium, families are treated to an exciting and festive water show where elves are dressed in scuba gear.

And in their hands: Etch A Sketches. They write messages to the kids on the other side of the glass.

Andrew Bateman loved watching the elves swim around.

“Well I think it's pretty cool,” said Bateman.

Bateman says he knows what the elves will do once they figure out what kids are naughty or nice.

“I think that since they are magical they just fly out and they go to the North Pole,” Bateman said.

Naughty, nice or somewhere in-between, all kids can stay entertained while the DJ plays his tunes and games beginning at 2 p.m. during FantaSea.

The adults can stay entertained as well as they sip a cocktail and watch their little ones play at the festively decorated bar in the aquariums courtyard.

Matthew Reisinger says it’s a great spot for parents.

“The adults can come here relax and have a drink and its really just perfect,” said Reisinger.

Holiday FantaSea is open until December 30 beginning at 9:30 a.m. with extended hours until 6:30 p.m.Their snow area opens at noon.

On December 31 from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. you can splash in the New Year by celebrating at Aqua-Eve at the aquarium. They will have entertainment, complimentary food, beer and wine, and a champagne toast and you will have a view of Tampa’s fireworks display at midnight! Must be 21 or older.