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parties

facility & room rental

birthday party FAQs

1. When can I schedule a birthday party at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center?
Scheduling is open six (6) months beyond the current date.

2. When do you hold birthday parties?
We hold birthday parties in several pre-selected timeslots on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays, depending on room availability. Please refer to the Birthday Party Availability Chart on this website. Other days/times may be requested and will be considered depending on availability.

3. What is included in my birthday party package?
The birthday party package includes a two (2) hour room rental; an animal program OR wildlife encounter and a 15% discount at the Wild Birds Unlimited Store located here in the Center.

4. How many people can I bring?
The maximum number of people in the room is forty (40).  We request a 1 to 4 ratio of adults to children.

5. What is the cost for my birthday party?
The cost is $250 and available to Center members only. Family memberships can be purchased at the time of party registration for $50.

6. When do I pay for my birthday party?
Payment in full is due at time of scheduling.

7. What if I need to cancel my birthday party?
Party fees will be refunded, minus a $25 Service Fee, only if the Center is notified at least TWO WEEKS prior to the scheduled date of the birthday party.

8. Can I bring food?
Yes, you may. You will have access to a kitchen that includes a refrigerator and freezer (for ice or ice cream). The kitchen also has a sink, counter space for storage and prep and a SMALL microwave.

9. What else do I need to bring?
In addition to food, you need to supply any favors, candles, decorations (table top only), party supplies, cake, beverages and ice.

10. How will the room be setup?
Three tables with vinyl coverings and 24 chairs are set up down the center of the room.  There is one table on the left side of the room by the kitchen (also covered with vinyl table covering) that is ideal for food. There is one additional table on the left side of the room that is not covered for the placement of crafts or birthday presents.  If you have an animal program, there will be a table along the right side of the room that we ask you to leave empty for the animals.

11. What do I do when I come to the Center on the day of my event?
You will check-in with the Welcome Desk upon arrival. Your host(ess) will show you your room and the kitchen, answer any questions and assist you in your preparations. Your host(ess) will help you determine the timing of your animal program.

12. Can I get into the room early or leave late?
The room rental time is set at two (2) hours. You may access the room 30 minutes prior to your assigned timeslot. The Center will assess a fee of $25 for each additional 15 minutes of room use after the scheduled departure time.  Depending on availability, you may extend your reserved timeslot at the above rate – please speak with your host(ess) prior to the date of the Party to schedule extended time for your Party.

13. What is the difference between the animal program and the wildlife encounter?
The animal program is a thirty (30) minute formal presentation. All quests are expected to be able to sit and listen for the program. This choice is great for older children and smaller parties.

The wildlife encounter is your host(ess) walking around the room with the animals and presenting them in an informal setting to your guests. This choice is great for young children that cannot sit for 30 minutes or for larger parties.

14. How many animals are in the animal program?
The usual lineup for an animal presentation is two (2) fuzzy mammals, one (1) snake, one (1) turtle and one (1) bird of prey.  However, we cannot guarantee any particular animal for the program.

15. What do I do during the birthday party?
You can play games, make a craft, open presents, eat or other activities. You are welcome to tour your guests around the Center to both the indoor Exhibit Hall and the outdoor Wildlife Garden but we ask that you be courteous of all our Center visitors.

16. What do I have to clean up?
Please remove all debris from the tables and floor, clean the kitchen and dispose of all items into the garbage cans.  If there is a mess on the floor, please ask your host(ess) for a vacuum cleaner. Your host(ess) will remove all garbage from the garbage cans. Please leave the room exactly as you found it.

17. Will I receive any paperwork after I schedule my party?
You will receive two copies of a confirmation with a Birthday Party Agreement on the reverse side.  Please review both copies, sign one ( front and back) and return it to us.

18. How do I schedule my birthday party?
After checking the Birthday Party Availability Chart and reading the Birthday Party FAQ’s, please call Lake Erie Nature & Science Center at 440-871-2900.

Click here for the brochure!

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