Nature Inspired Birthday Parties
Celebrate your child’s next birthday with Bartlett Nature Center. Choose from one of our popular themes. We will help coordinate the fun and as a bonus, your very own home will stay clean. Parties are available on Saturdays, Sundays and Weeknights, as availability allows. All parties include a 1-hour room rental, and 45-60 minutes chosen activity led by a nature center instructor. The room will be set up with tables and chairs. Due to high volume our party dates fill quickly. You must submit a party request form for consideration (see below).
🌿 Nature Detectives (Ages 4-10) – Put on your explorer hats and uncover the mysteries of nature through hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, and exciting outdoor discoveries. Young detectives will follow clues, investigate animal tracks, and unlock the secrets of the great outdoors!
🦎 Animal Encounter (Ages 4-12, Adult) – Get up close and personal with fascinating live animals in this wild and unforgettable party! Guests will learn about reptiles, amphibians, and other creatures while having the chance to see, touch, and explore the animal kingdom.
🥾 Trekking Trails (Ages 4-12) – Lace up your hiking boots and set off on a nature adventure exploring scenic trails, spotting wildlife, and discovering hidden wonders in the great outdoors. Along the way, party guests will enjoy interactive games and challenges to test their trailblazing skills!
🌱 Gardening (June-September, Ages 5-12) – Dig in and get your hands dirty while planting, watering, and learning how to care for flowers, veggies, and pollinator-friendly plants. Each guest will take home their very own green thumb creation to nurture and watch grow!
🏕 Camping (Ages 5-12) – Experience the thrill of the great outdoors with a fun-filled camping-themed party featuring shelter-building, nature games, and survival skills. Gather around for campfire stories, knot-tying, and a mini wilderness adventure!
🐞 Bugology (June-September, Ages 5-10) – Dive into the fascinating world of insects as party guests catch, observe, and learn about butterflies, beetles, and other tiny critters. With bug hunts, magnifying glasses, and exciting up-close encounters, this party is buzzing with fun!
🔥 Campfire “S’more Fun!” (March-October, Ages 7-12) – Gather around the crackling campfire for a night of stories, games, and classic s’more-making fun! Guests will enjoy roasting marshmallows, singing campfire songs, and experiencing the magic of an outdoor evening celebration.
🏹 Archery Birthday Party (Ages 8-Adult) – Take aim and celebrate with an action-packed archery party where guests will learn the basics of bows, arrows, and hitting the bullseye! With expert instruction and exciting target challenges, everyone will have a blast shooting for fun and bragging rights!
🎉 Throw Your Party Here – Room Rental (All Ages) – Need a space for your special event? Our party room rental provides the perfect setting for birthdays, celebrations, and gatherings of all kinds—bring your own decorations, food, and fun to make it your own!
Choose from these themes: $225 Nature Detectives ages 4-10, $225 Trekking Trail age 4-12, $225 Gardening age 5-12, $225 Camping age 5-12 , $225 Bugology June to Sept. age 5-10, $225 Campfire March-Oct. age 7-12, $275 Animal Encounter age 4-12, $235 Archery age 8-Adult, or book a Room Rental only and do it yourself party. There is a limit of 30 guests including chaperones for the party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How will I know if my birthday party request has been approved?
A. If there is a problem with the date(s) you have requested, you will be notified. If there is no problem with the date(s), a confirmation form will be mailed out to you within 3-4 business days.
Q. Is there a Deposit needed and when is it due?
A. Full payment is expected within 3 days from receiving the confirmation letter.
Q. May I book an ADULT Birthday Party?
A. Yes Please! Just complete the form and let us know what you have in mind. We will try our best to accommodate your happy celebration!
Q. Am I allowed to arrive early to setup for my party?
A. You may arrive a maximum of 15 minutes early to begin your setup and 15 minutes extra to leave.
Q. Will a staff person be designated to my party?
A. Yes, you will be assisted by a Staff Member who will help you get settled in your room and/or activity and answer any questions you may have.
Q. Can we use other areas to congregate for our party?
A. No, please use only the specified spaces as marked in your agreement during your stay.
Q. How many tables and chairs are in the Party Room/Classroom?
A. Each Party Room has a total of 2 seating tables, 1 food table and chairs. Two rooms can be combined to allow seating for up to 32 guests and 2 food tables in the Prairie Classroom(s). Other Program Rooms may be used as needed and set up as well as fees will be determined.
Q. Are we allowed to bring food into the Party Rooms or the Arts & Crafts room?
A. Yes, you are allowed to bring in food and/or order pizza through the Bartlett Nature Center; however, there are no warming facilities or refrigerators available for the food that you bring in. For an additional charge, the park district will provide a pizza package. White table covers can be purchased for an additional fee.
Q. Birthday Party Supervision Guidelines
A. Children must be supervised at all times at an adult/child ratio of see below: The Supervising adults must be actively assisting. Supervisors need to be 14 or older for children 7 & up or 18 or older for children under 7. No playing or running unsupervised in the nature center museum exhibit area.
Q. What is your refund policy?
A. Refunds, minus a $25 service charge will be given for cancellations if the following notice is given to the district: 21 or more working days prior to rental-rental fee will be returned; 20-0 working days: no refund. Guest Services at Bartlett Community Center processes refunds. The hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am-6pm and Saturday 9am-12noon.
Birthday Parties are also available at the Bartlett Community Center and the Schrade Gymnasium.
