By Anna Snyder
Families looking for dinosaur birthday parties in Southwest Florida may be surprised to learn that one of the area’s most unique entertainment businesses was started by a 12-year-old. Fort Myers area sixth-grader Mia Soto turned her lifelong love of dinosaurs into Prehistoric Parties and Events, bringing Venice, a lifelike animatronic velociraptor, to birthday parties, schools, libraries, festivals, and community events. With the help of her mother, Marta, and older sister, Anayah, Mia is creating unforgettable experiences for children and families across Southwest Florida.
Marta and Mia talked with SWFL Family about how the idea for Prehistoric Parties and Events
came to life and the role the business plays in their family.
Tell us about your family.
Mia: I am 12 years old and going into 8th grade. I am the owner of Prehistoric Parties and Events. Yes, at just 12 years old, I decided I wanted to have my own business. I really didn’t have a lot of hobbies – I wanted to pursue something unique that would bring joy to others.
Marta: I work as a firefighter and paramedic alongside my older daughter. Anayah also helps us out as much as she can with the business. Being inside the velociraptor is not easy, so we take turns. Being trained as firefighters has prepared us to become the velociraptor. I love being a mom to my two daughters – they have always been my biggest motivation, and I want to help them accomplish their dreams.
Tell us about Prehistoric Parties and Events.
Mia: We bring a realistic, life-sized animatronic velociraptor named Venice to birthday parties, schools, libraries, festivals, corporate events, and community celebrations. The experience is about much more than simply seeing a large, realistic-looking dinosaur. We create an interactive show where guests meet Venice, learn fun dinosaur facts, participate in games and activities, ask questions, and take photos. Our goal is to combine education with entertainment and create unforgettable memories.
Who typically books a velociraptor visit?
Mia: Most of our bookings are children’s birthday parties, but we’ve been invited to lots of types of events. I love watching both kids and adults react to Venice. The children are amazed, and the adults often get just as excited. We’ve had kids who were initially nervous become brave enough to “train” the raptor by the end of the event. Seeing families laugh together and create memories is so rewarding.
What inspired the idea for the business?
Marta: It was all Mia. She has always loved dinosaurs. She saw animatronic dinosaurs online, and one at Universal Studios. She thought it would be amazing to have her own dinosaur, especially a velociraptor.
Mia wanted to create an experience that brings people together. She wanted to build a business focused on joy, excitement, and making lasting memories. The idea was to offer something truly unique – an experience that children can’t get anywhere else. We wanted families to feel like they had stepped into a real adventure.
Is it difficult to balance the business and your career as a firefighter/paramedic?
Marta: It takes planning and organization. Firefighting comes first, but I can plan most dinosaur events around my days off. Both careers require dedication, preparation, teamwork, and excellent customer service. Mia also has to prepare herself with a customized skit for each show. I love being involved in her creativity and imagination, and watching her learn and grow from each event.
What do you love about the business? What’s challenging about it?
Marta: The best part is experiencing children’s smiles and watching their excitement when they meet Venice. It’s so rewarding knowing we’re creating lasting memories.
Like any small business, there are challenges – marketing, scheduling, transporting equipment, and managing everything can be demanding. Building this business takes patience and consistency.
If I could change one thing, I would make Venice lighter. Venice weighs around 30 pounds. Venice was custom-built in China. It took about six months to build her. Mia got to pick out eye color, the voice, how she wanted the teeth, the claws, the color of her skin, the sounds that she makes. Venice is open-leg (others are closed leg) – we thought that it looked more realistic. She has a camera on her chest. I have a screen inside, and that’s how I see. Wearing Venice feels like being back in firefighter bunker gear. It gets very hot. We have two fans inside and take plenty of water breaks. Anayah and I manage her pretty well together.
What’s your vision for growth? What advice would you give others starting a side business?
Marta: We’d love to add additional dinosaurs, but we’ll see as we go. We’d love to add a smaller baby velociraptor, which would make the events more accessible for younger kids.
I’d tell others considering starting a side business not to wait for the perfect moment, because it rarely comes. If you have an idea you’re passionate about, start small and learn as you go. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Success doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from showing up consistently, listening to your customers, and continually improving your business. Most importantly, choose something you genuinely enjoy because your passion will show in the experience you create. Hard work, perseverance, and believing in yourself can turn a simple idea into something truly special.
Where can we meet Venice? I’m very interested in seeing her out and about!
Marta: We try to take her out to public events. We’d like to promote her at movie theaters, particularly when there’s a new movie featuring dinosaurs. We’d also like to take her out to farmers markets and other outdoor events. We want to connect with people in public settings! Until you’re around Venice and see her, you don’t understand how special and amazing she is. People really want to interact with her and take pictures of her. Dinosaurs will always be in. They’re so exciting!
For more information, go to their website, www.prehistoricpartiesandevents.com. Follow @venicethevelociraptor on Instagram or Prehistoric Parties and Events on Facebook.
Meet Venice at SWFL Family’s Back to School Expo on Aug. 1 at North Collier Regional Park in Naples!