BIRTHDAY PARTY FAQS

Booking

How early should I book my party?

Parties may be reserved up to 6 months in advance of the current month and must be reserved at least 2 weeks prior to the party date. If you are interested in a date in less than 2 weeks, you can check our availability by contacting the birthday party coordinator: birthday.museum@naturalsciences.org or at 919.707.9881.

What is the difference between the Deluxe and Standard packages?

The Deluxe Party package is available for ages 4-12, depending on the theme. The Deluxe Package includes a party room decorated with the selected theme (banner, tablecloth, and decorations) for a total of 90 minutes. There will be 45-50 minutes of themed activities led by a Museum Educator with a live animal program for 15 participants and 20-25 minutes of celebration time for the birthday child and 14 of their friends/siblings.

The Standard Party package is available for celebrations of all ages (including adults). Booking the Standard package includes 3 self-led activities for up to 20 participants and a decorated party room (birthday banner, tablecloths and decorations) for 90 minutes for up to 25 guests, 5 of which must be adults. This party package DOES NOT include programming led by a Museum Educator.

I am a Museum Member, do I get a discount?

Yes, Museum Members with a Family level or higher membership will receive $30 off at checkout.

What is the cancellation policy?

• Full refund (minus a processing fee) if cancelled at least four weeks prior to party date.
• 50% refund (plus tax) if cancelled at least three weeks prior to party date.
• 25% refund (plus tax) if cancelled at least one week prior to party date.
• NO refund if canceled less than one week prior to party date. You may reschedule. Last-minute/day-of cancellations wishing to reschedule will include a fee to cover staffing/set up.

Do you provide invitations?

Yes, we will send you a digital invitation 48-72 hours after your booking.

When are birthday parties offered?

We offer birthday parties on Saturday and Sundays with 3 timeslots to choose from:

• 10:15-11:45am
• 1:00-2:30pm
• 3:30-5:00pm

We do not offer birthday parties on the following days:

• Weekdays
• BugFest (third Saturday of September)
• Astronomy Days (next to last Saturday & Sunday in January)
• Día de la Ciencia y la Cultura (July 26)
• Holidays such as Easter, Christmas Eve, and Christmas

Where are birthday parties held?

Birthday parties are held in the Curiosity Classrooms on the 3^rd floor of the Nature Exploration Center. Please note that there are two entrances to the Museum. Below are the directions to the Curiosity Classrooms from both entrances:

• From the Nature Exploration Center (NEC) entrance, 11 West Jones Street (across from the History Museum off Bicentennial Plaza): Take the elevator to the 3rd floor, turn left and go past the snake exhibit and bathrooms. The Curiosity Classrooms are located through the double-glass doors on the left.
• From the Nature Research Center (NRC) entrance, 121 West Jones Street: Walk up the stairs to the 2^nd floor of the NRC. Walk towards the SECU Daily Planet Theater and continue past it to cross the bridge into the Nature Exploration Center. Once in the NEC, go up to the 3^rd The Curiosity Classrooms are on the 3^rd floor through the double-glass doors near the snake exhibit and the bathrooms.

Can I tour the party room before my celebration?

We do not offer tours of the party room. Photos of the room can be requested: birthday.museum@naturalsciences.org.

How can I customize my party?

You can customize your party by adding goody bags or sweet treats to your celebration. All customizations need to be purchased at least 7 days prior to your celebration.

Can I bring my own activities to do in the party room?

Outside activities and crafts are NOT allowed in the party room.

How should I contact party staff the day of my party?

On weekends, Party Staff can be reached at 919.707.9910.

Is there a limit on the number of people allowed at a party?

The total number of individuals in the party room is not to exceed 25. Adult guests may tour the Museum, stay and enjoy the party if the room capacity has not been reached or hang out in the party room foyer.

Can I add additional time or people to my party?

No, we cannot accommodate additional time or guests in the room.

Food & Decorations

Can I bring my own food and drink to the party?

Families may bring their own cake, drinks or snacks for their party guests. Alcohol is not permitted at birthday parties.

We do not have storage space or room on tabletops for large trays and cannot supply ice or freezer space. Hosts are responsible for setting up and cleaning up their own outside-food items. We have carts available for transporting your items to and from the party room. These carts are available 15 minutes before and after your party. To request a cart, visit the Curiosity Classrooms on the 3^rd floor of the Museum 15 minutes before your party begins.

Can I bring my own decorations?

Outside decorations are allowed! The Museum does NOT allow confetti, glitter, piñatas, or balloons of any kind. All decorations must be hung up with painter’s tape and no decorations can hang from the ceiling. Any other kind of tape, command strips/hooks and tacks are not allowed on the wall. Families are responsible for bringing painter’s tape when bringing your own decorations.

Can I have mascots or characters dressed in costumes attend my party?

Mascots or adults dressed in costumes are NOT permitted at birthday parties for the safety of all guests and staff members. Children are welcome to dress up for the party.

Can I drop off supplies or store supplies in the room before or after the party?

Due to lack of storage and open space, we cannot offer a space to leave items before or after the party.

Will paper products and serving utensils be provided by the Museum?

Compostable tableware for 25 guests is included in all packages. We cannot provide additional paper products. You are welcome to bring your own paper products if you do not wish to use ours.

We highly encourage you to use the tableware provided as they are all compostable!

How can we help the birthday parties’ green initiative?

Our birthday parties are a reduced waste program and we try to encompass green initiatives, including composting and dual-stream recycling. Here are some ways you can help when hosting your party with us:

• Use the tableware we provide. They are all compostable, including our cups. If you do bring tableware, please bring white paper plates that are not glossy—these can be composted.
• Avoid single-packaged items and opt for bigger bags that can be served in bowls or trays.
• Bring beverages in jugs, cans or boxes so they can be recycled.
• Follow our waste signs in our party room.

If you have any questions about our green initiatives, please contact the birthday party coordinator or talk to our Party Staff the day of your celebration.

Setup & Cleanup

When can I set up the room?

Party host and family may enter the room 15 minutes prior to the party start time. Carts are available in the party room for you to bring items to and from the car. If you would like to use one, please visit the Curiosity Classrooms on the 3rd floor of the Museum 15 minutes before your party begins to request a cart.

When do guests need to exit the room?

All guests must exit the room by the end of the scheduled party time. Party Host/Family have 15 minutes after the end of the party to clean up. Please note Party Staff will also be cleaning the room during this time.

If personal items and waste remain in the room beyond the 15-minute clean up time, the party host will be charged a $30 fee for delaying party room turnover.

Am I responsible for cleaning up the party room?

Yes, the party host or family is responsible for cleaning up any waste or food from the party. Hosts get 15 minutes to clean up the party room after their party end time. Party Staff will also be cleaning and can help answer questions about cleaning the party room.

Parking & Accommodations

Where can I park the day of my party?

There are several parking lots located close to the Museum and in Downtown. See our parking map for available parking options.

Downtown Raleigh hosts many events on the weekends that have associated road closings. To plan your route to the party, we recommend checking the Downtown Raleigh Events or City of Raleigh Special Events Calendar to see if there are any races or parades downtown that will impact your usual route when driving to the Museum.

What accessibility accommodations are available for birthday parties?

The Museum aims to provide a friendly, accessible environment for all visitors by offering the widest possible access to our building, exhibitions, events and programs.

Available accommodations:

• Automatic doors located at the entrances to the Nature Exploration Center (NEC) and Nature Research Center (NRC). There are automatic doors on the second-floor bridge that connects the two buildings. Please note that there are currently no automatic doors on the third-floor bridge that connects the two buildings, nor the doors that lead to the classrooms where the parties are held.
• Elevators operate between each level of the NEC and NRC.
• Assisted Listening Devices are available upon request.
• Quiet Cubes are available upon request.
• An ADA Accessible Bathroom is located outside of the Curiosity Classrooms (where birthday parties are held) for party guests to use. This is a single-stall restroom complete with a changing table and manual flush.

Contact birthday.museum@naturalsciences.org with any additional concerns or program modifications.

Deluxe Party

How much is a Deluxe Party?

A Deluxe Party costs $375 plus tax. Members receive a $30 discount.

What is included in the Deluxe Party?

• Choice of party theme: Ocean Creatures (Ages 4-10), Dinosaur Discovery (Ages 4-10), Space Exploration (Ages 5-8, Ages 9-12) or Weird Science (Ages 6-10)
• 2 Party Staff to lead the themed activities and live animal program for 15 participants
• Themed birthday banner, decorations and tablecloths
• Tables and chairs for 25 guests
• Compostable plates, forks, napkins and cups for 25 guests
• Digital invitation for your guests
• 15% discount off regular-priced merchandise in the Museum Stores on the day of your party (applies only to the host family).

What is the order of activities during the Deluxe parties?

• First 5-15 minutes: Welcoming guests and opening activities.
• Next 30-55 minutes: Party theme activities, including a live animal program.
• Remaining 20-30 minutes: Celebration Time!

Do we leave the party room during a Deluxe Party?

All party activities and celebration time occur in the party room. You and your guests are welcome to explore the Museum before or after the party time.

How many participating kids are included in the Deluxe Party package?

Up to 15 kids, including the birthday child and siblings. Extra participants cannot be added on.

How do you determine who is a “participating child”?

A participating child is any child, age 2 and above, who participates in the party activities and the live animal program. This excludes children under 2 years old and older siblings who are NOT participating in the party activities. Children who are not participating in the party are welcome to explore the Museum with an adult or be in the party room if not over the allowed capacity.

Can I change the theme?

Yes, as long as you select a new theme within the child’s age range. Theme changes need to be requested and approved by the birthday party coordinator at least 7 days prior to your celebration date.

My birthday child is under the age of 3, can they have a Deluxe Party?

No, we cannot offer the Deluxe Party for a birthday child under the age of 3 due to the level of instruction and age limitations for our live animal programs. Our birthday celebrators ages 3 and younger can celebrate with us in the Standard package.

If a Deluxe package is purchased for a birthday child under the age of 3, the birthday party coordinator will contact you to discuss switching your package.

What is Celebration Time?

Celebration Time is your time to sing happy birthday, serve and enjoy birthday sweet treats or open presents!

Following the activities and presentation, your group will be seated at tables to enjoy any snacks, cake, or refreshments that you have provided or ordered as an add-on to your party. Birthday Party Staff will not be present in the room while guests are eating. Hosting families are responsible for serving refreshments.

Expect to have approximately 20 minutes to enjoy refreshments or open gifts. If you need additional time for these activities at the end of your party, let staff know in advance so that they can adjust the length of the program time. If you are finished with the party early or do not want to serve refreshments, you and your guests are welcome to end the party early and go enjoy the Museum.

How will the room be decorated for the Deluxe Party? Can I bring my own decorations?

The celebration room will be decorated with a themed birthday banner, festive tablecloths for the celebration tables and minimal themed decorations. Families are allowed to bring in their own decorations for the party but will be responsible for setting up and cleaning up any additional decorations within your party time frame. Families will have access to the party room 15 minutes before your scheduled party time to set up any decorations or refreshments.

The Museum does NOT allow confetti, glitter, piñatas, or balloons of any kind. All decorations must be hung up with painter’s tape and no decorations can hang from the ceiling. Any other kind of tape, command strips/hooks and tacks are not allowed on the wall. Families are responsible for bringing painter’s tape when bringing your own decorations.

Standard Party

How much is a Standard Party?

A Standard Party costs $300 plus tax. Members receive a $30 discount.

What is included in the Standard Party?

• 3 self-led activities for up to 20 participants
• 1 Party Staff to monitor the room
• Birthday banner and tablecloths with some decorations
• Tables and chairs for 25 guests
• Compostable plates, forks, napkins and cups for 25 guests
• Digital invitation for your guests
• 15% discount off regular-priced merchandise in the Museum Stores on the day of your party (applies only to the host family)

What is the order of activities during the Standard party?

There is no order for activities. You have the party room for 90 minutes to celebrate as you like. We suggest this timeline:

• First 5-10 minutes: Guests arrive for the party.
• Next 30-55 minutes Self-led activities and/or explore the Museum.
• Remaining 20-30 minutes: End with your add-on treats or your own food.

What are the self-led activities that are included in the Standard party?

Three self-led activities are included in this package. Party Staff will place the activities and supplies on the counter for the party hosts to determine when the activities are completed.

These self-led activities and supplies are:

Scratch-off dinosaurs and animals

• Design your own rainbow animal or dinosaur
• Includes 20 scratchers and scratching sticks

Wooden wiggly snakes

• Color a wooden wiggly snake to take home
• Includes 20 wiggly snakes and washable markers

Museum Scavenger Hunt

• 25 copies of a scavenger hunt to complete while exploring the Museum
• Golf pencils will be provided

Will the activities be led by a Party Staff member?

No, activities in the Standard package are NOT led by Party Staff. Party Staff will set out all activities and supplies in the party room for the hosts to distribute before the start time of the party.

What is the adult to children ratio in the Standard Package?

We cannot exceed more than 25 people in the room and must include 5 adults.

Can guests rotate in and out of the room if more than 25 people are present?

No more than 25 guests total are allowed at the party. Parents and siblings of guests are welcome to meet in our party foyer, explore the Museum or go to one of our two cafés during the party.

Can we leave the room during the Standard Party?

The room is there for you and your guests to explore the Museum while providing a place to celebrate your birthday! You and your guests may enter and leave the room as you please. The Museum and Party Staff are not responsible for items left in the room.

Can kids roam the Museum or occupy the party room without an adult?

All kids must be accompanied by an adult in the Museum and in the party room. At least 5 adults must be present during the duration of the party.

Can we bring food while exploring the Museum?

No, all food must be kept and consumed in the party room.

What are some things to see in the Museum during the party?

We offer a variety of educational spaces and experiences that your party can visit in the Museum! Your birthday party instructor can recommend spaces and events that are happening on the same day as your party. Here are a few highlights:

• Discovery Room, 2^nd Floor Nature Exploration Center
• Naturalist Center, 2^nd Floor Nature Research Center
• Investigate Lab, 3^rd Floor Nature Research Center
• VisLab, 3^rd Floor Nature Research Center
• Dueling Dinosaurs, 1^st Floor Nature Research Center
• Living Conservatory, 4^th Floor Nature Exploration Center (open seasonally Memorial Day —Labor Day)

When should we be back in the party room?

You and your guests should be back in the party room 15 minutes prior to the end of the party to gather your things.

If personal items remain in the room beyond the 15-minute cleanup time, the party host will be charged a $30 fee for delaying party room turnover.

Please remember that the Museum closes at 5pm and guests at a 3:30-5pm party must exit the Museum at that time.

How will the room be decorated for the Standard party? Can I bring my own decorations?

The celebration room will be decorated with a birthday banner and tablecloths. Families are allowed to bring in their own decorations for the party but will be responsible for setting up and cleaning up any additional decorations within your party time frame. Families will have access to the party room 15 minutes before your scheduled party time to set up any decorations or refreshments.

The Museum does NOT allow confetti, glitter, piñatas or balloons of any kind. All decorations must be hung up with painter’s tape and no decorations can hang from the ceiling. Any other kind of tape, command strips/hooks and tacks are not allowed on the wall. Families are responsible for bringing painter’s tape when bringing your own decorations.