• • When should I book my party?
  • Where are birthday parties held?
  • What is the difference between the party packages?
  • Are birthday parties sensory friendly?
  • Do you provide food, drinks, and gift bags?
  • Can I bring my own food/drinks?
  • Can we ride the train for the party?
  • Can I bring my own decorations?
  • What’s the typical party timeline?
  • How does the headcount work?
  • Where do my guests and I park and check-in?
  • Do my guests have to arrive at the same time I do?
  • Can I access the party room early to set up?
  • Can I drop off or store food/supplies early or after the party?
  • What tableware is included?
  • When will food add-ons arrive?
  • What’s expected for cleanup?
  • What if I need to cancel or reschedule my party?

When should I book my party?

We recommend that you book your party 4–6 weeks in advance. We are unable to book a party less than 7 days before. Parties are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, and full payment is required at the time of booking.

Where are birthday parties held?

Butterfly and Bug Parties are held in our LepLab classroom on the top floor of the Butterfly House Building. All other parties are held in our standalone classrooms on the Southside of campus, which is across the street from the main museum building.

What is the difference between the party packages?

All party packages include the following:

• Exclusive Museum T-shirt for the birthday child!
• Admission for up to 30 people total, including up to 15 children ages 3 – 12
• A private party room with refrigerator, sink, private bathrooms, and 5 tables and 30 chairs
• Table coverings, birthday banner & toys, games, and coloring materials
• Access to a wireless Bluetooth speaker with aux cord
• Toolbox including a pizza cutter, cake cutter, lighter, and candles
• Free printable invite for you to share with your guests
• Tableware for 30 people

Are birthday parties sensory friendly?

With all the excitement of partying with your friends, birthday parties can sometimes get overwhelming. All party rooms have a Cool-Down Kit available with resources such as fidgets and headphones for guest use. Please contact your booking coordinator to discuss potential needs or adaptations to programming to make your party the best possible experience for all guests.

Do you provide food, drinks, and gift bags?

Food, drinks, gift bags, and other add-ons are available for purchase after your party has been booked. Ask your booking coordinator for more information!

Can I bring my own food/drinks?

Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own food and beverages if our food add-ons don’t meet your needs. Please be aware that alcoholic beverages and outside deliveries are prohibited; all food must be brought in by party hosts/guests.

Can we ride the train for the party?

We do have a Private Train Ride add-on available for purchase! Please contact your booking coordinator for pricing and availability. Regular train rules/policies apply. Individual tickets are also available for purchase at the Admissions Desk starting at 9am the day of your party (standard rates apply).

Can I bring my own decorations?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own decorations. Please note that balloons and confetti/glitter are prohibited. Piñatas with a pull-string are permitted (those without a pull-string are not allowed).

What’s the typical party timeline?

For Deluxe and Seasonal Parties, we usually start the educational program about halfway through the party time, but we can be flexible to meet your needs! The rest of the schedule is up to you, but we’re happy to provide pointers as needed.

How does the headcount work?

Your party includes up to 30 guests, including up to 15 children ages 3-12. Everyone in attendance will be included in the headcount (members too!) except for the birthday child and up to 8 children ages 2 and under. For extra guests, please see the pricing structure below.
0 – 30 guests; 0 – 15 children: No additional charge.
31 – 40 guests; 16 – 20 children: An additional fee of $15.57 per extra guest
Over 40 guests; over 20 children: Party Upgrade required (must be purchased at least 2 weeks prior to the party date. Reach out to your birthday party coordinator for questions and availability.)

Where do my guests and I park and check-in?

Museum parking is free and party guests can park anywhere in either lot or the parking deck. The Southside parking lot is closest to the party check-in! Party hosts will have one reserved parking spot near their party room, available all day.
You and your guests will check in at the Group Check-In window on the Southside of campus (not the main museum entrance), where you’ll receive wristbands for Museum admission and directions to the party room.
Carts are also available at check-in for you to transport supplies from your car to the party room.

Do my guests have to arrive at the same time I do?

Nope! Your guests can check in and explore the Museum anytime the day of your party.

Can I access the party room early to set up?

No. Your party room rental includes setup and cleanup time, so you will not have access to the party room outside of that window.

Can I drop off or store food/supplies early or after the party?

Yes! Just let a staff member at the check-in desk know. Please note that refrigerator and freezer space are limited and all items must be picked up by 4:45 pm.

What tableware is included?

Each party includes 30 lunch plates, cake plates, napkins, sporks, and cups (eco-friendly, white/tan). Additional sets are $30 (no extras of individual items available). A toolbox with cake/pizza cutters, candles, lighters, and painter’s tape will also included.

When will food add-ons arrive?

Food add-ons will be waiting in your party room when you arrive. If anything is missing, let your educator know!

What’s expected for cleanup?

Please remove any personal items and clean up any decorations or activities you brought with you by your party end time. Trash disposal and toy cleanup are appreciated but not required.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my party?

Cancellations:
More than 15 days before party date: Full refund except for a $50 cancellation fee
15 or fewer days before party date: 50% refund
Within 72 hours of party date: no refund available, add-ons non-refundable except gift bags

Rescheduling:
Each party is allowed 1 complementary reschedule. The rescheduled party date must be chosen within 3 months of the original party date and is subject to availability.
If the new party date is not chosen within 3 months, the party will be considered cancelled, and no refund will be issued.
Each additional rescheduling request after the first will incur a $50 administrative fee.

All party cancellation or rescheduling requests must be made in writing to the birthday party office.