Birthday Parties

The Nature Center is excited to offer birthday parties in our Discovery Room! We provide the space for you to throw your child a birthday party that will be memorable, fun, and peak their interest in the natural world.

Your Party Package Includes:

Exclusive and unlimited use of the Discovery Room for 2 hours during your party time for up to 30 people. Your party will have exclusive, private access to either our permanent interactive exhibit, OR occasional traveling exhibits.
- The permanent exhibit features two large aquariums, a 30-foot interactive screen where guests can virtually immerse themselves in three woodland habitats to experience four seasons through a variety of games. The pond overlook, lift and learn panels and more will entertain and delight your child and their guests.
- View our schedule of upcoming traveling exhibit dates.
Table and chairs in the atrium for up to 30 people where you can enjoy your food and drinks
Downloadable suggested activities packet
Bring your own snacks, cake, drinks (no alcohol), etc. and utilize our staging kitchen if needed. No food or drinks are allowed in the Discovery Room.
Private use of our outdoor areas, Discovery Trail and terrace
Free parking

Party Availability:

Sundays: 2 hour party can be scheduled for any 2 hours between 10am-5pm.
Monday – Thursday: 2 hour party can be scheduled at 6pm-8pm.

Pricing and Finalizing Your Reservation:

$450 for the 2 hour party for up to 30 people during non-traveling exhibit times. $500 during traveling exhibit times (November 19th, 2022 – February 16th, 2023).
Additional guests can be added for the price of regular Discovery Room admission. View standard Discovery Room prices. Prices may vary based on traveling exhibits.
In order to hold a date a 25% deposit is required ($112.50) and the remaining payment is due 1 week before the party date
A credit card must be on file to secure your reservation. If the party is paid for in cash or check, this card will not be charged and is only held in the event of damages or additional event attendees not included in your contract.
After the date is confirmed and the contract is signed, any date or time changes will result in a $50 rescheduling fee. Cancellations prior to 30 days of the event with written notice will be issued a full refund except for a $50 administrative fee.

Parking & Arrival

Since our birthday parties are held when the Nature Center is closed to the public, we recommend guests arrive at the scheduled start time. The family will be allowed a 15 minute early entrance to allow for load-in and decorating.

View map. Please park in the highlighted parking areas and enter through the single doors facing Green Oaks Boulevard., 2022

Do Bring:

Tabletop decorations
Tablecloths (optional – we can cover tables if you prefer)
Paper goods and eating utensils
Party hats
Cake or cupcakes
Food and drinks
Cooler for extra snacks and drinks
Bluetooth speaker to play your little one’s favorite jams
Bug spray
Closed-toe shoes if you want to play outside
Prizes or party favors
Mylar or other non-latex balloons (please weigh down or tie off)

Please, Do Not Bring:

Latex balloons
Pets or other live animals (service animals welcome)
Glitter
Alcoholic beverages
Confetti
Silly string
Thumbtacks
Non-removable adhesives

Frequently Asked Questions

CAN I SEE THE AREA IN PERSON BEFORE MY PARTY DATE?
A: Yes. Our hours of operation are Mondays – Saturdays, 9 AM – 5 PM. You are welcome to come look around the free Atrium area anytime during regular hours. Private tours can be scheduled to view our Discovery Room if desired with our Venue Rental Coordinator at birthdays@riverlegacy.org.

You can also visit www.riverlegacy.org/discovery-room to learn more about our permanent exhibit or www.riverlegacy.org/traveling-exhibits to learn more about upcoming traveling exhibits.

WHAT WILL THE STAFF PROVIDE DURING THE PARTY?
A: Staff will set up chairs and tables prior to the event. After the event, staff will takedown tables and chairs, and take out all trash. They will also assist with any questions related to the building facilities and any building-related needs (for example: adjusting the thermostat).

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE FOR MY PARTY?
A: Since our birthday parties are private and held when the Nature Center is closed to the public, guests arriving early may not be able to enter before the scheduled party start time. However, we will allow the family a 15 minute early entrance to allow for load-in and decorating.

DO YOU HAVE A FREEZER AVAILABLE TO HOLD MY ICE CREAM?
A: There will be some limited freezer and refrigerator space available for cake and ice cream.

WHERE DO GUESTS GO WHEN THEY ARRIVE?
A: All party attendees can park in the main parking lot adjacent to the Nature Center (highlighted on the map) located at the intersection of NW Green Oaks and N Cooper Street. Guests will enter through the single door facing Green Oaks Boulevard. View the birthday party parking map.

DO MY GUESTS NEED TO PRESENT PROOF THEY’RE WITH MY PARTY?
A: For your guests’ convenience, all we require is that they tell us the birthday child’s name or the name of the parent who made the reservation.

WHAT IF I WANT TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR ADULTS, A BABY SHOWER OR ANOTHER EVENT?
A: Our birthday parties are intended for kids and their family and friends to celebrate. We do have other rental options for larger parties and all types of events. Check the Venue Rentals tab on www.riverlegacy.org for basic information or email mary@riverlegacy.org.

SHOULD I TIP THE STAFF?
A: The person working at your party is paid by River Legacy Foundation so tipping is not required nor expected, but you can feel free to do so if you feel they did an excellent job! River Legacy Foundation is also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and we would be happy to accept any donations to help us continue our work of making environmental education accessible.

WHAT IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
A: If you have any further questions, please direct them to birthdays@riverlegacy.org or 817.860.6762.