Birthday Party General Info

What do I need to bring to the party?

• Food and Beverages. Food can be ordered from a restaurant and delivered or brought to the Museum or you may bring store bought food. Homemade refreshments and alcohol are not allowed to be served. 
• Plates, cups, napkins, utensils
• Decorations for classroom

Please note that all decorations, food and drink must stay in the classroom. Piñatas are not allowed.

What do I do before the party?

• Upon arrival, please check in at the front desk. They will direct you to the classroom.
• When you book a birthday party, you will be given a 30 minute set-up time. This time is for the host family only. You may use this time to set up and decorate the classroom.
• You are welcome to rearrange furniture. Please be sure to return all furniture to its original position at the end of the party.
• You will have a birthday party docent available if you need assistance.
• If your child(ren) are with you during the set-up time, they will not be able to enter the Children’s Museum unless they have an adult with them. Please note that for parties that take place before the Museum opens, the host’s children will not be able to enter the Children’s Museum until the party begins.
• Guests will be able to go upstairs at the beginning of the party. Guests arriving early may be asked to wait downstairs until the party begins. This is to help you have ample time to set up.
• For standard birthday parties, guests will check in at the front desk. For private parties, a birthday party docent will be at the front door letting guests in and directing them to the party.

What happens during the party?

• It is up to you to decide your party schedule, but we are more than happy to make suggestions!
• It is best to allow 30-45 minutes for eating. If you are having something delivered, like pizza, it is best to schedule that toward the beginning of your party in case there are unexpected delays.
• Guests have private access to the classroom during both a private and standard birthday party. During a standard birthday party, the Children’s Museum is shared with the public.
• Children cannot be left unsupervised. There must be one adult for every five children to help with supervision in the Museum. It works best if you, the host, pick several adults to be in the Museum to help supervise your guests and encourage them to follow the Museum rules. The Museum rules are as follows:
  • Walk at all times
  • Use inside voices
  • Keep shoes on unless you go in a bed
• If you are doing a group activity, like refreshments and cake, guests may be asked to stay in the classroom until the entire group is finished. This is to be sure there is ample supervision in the Children’s Museum and that your birthday party docent can focus on one area at a time.
• Please note that the Museum environment outside the classroom is designed to be interesting and appealing to children. If you are planning activities such as games or crafts, be aware that the exhibits may compete with your guests’ attention.
• Alert the birthday party docent when you have an announcement. They can gather guests and assist in transitions.
• Conclude the party about 10-15 minutes prior to the actual end time. Guests need this time to use the restroom, gather belongings, bundle up during the cold weather months and say good-bye.

What do I do after the party?

• All guests must exit the Museum at the end of the party. This will give you time to clean up.
• The birthday party docent will assist with much of the clean-up. Trash bags and cleaning supplies will be provided.
• Please be sure the furniture in the room is put back in the proper places.
• You may pay your birthday party docent your remaining rental fee (if applicable).