BIRTHDAYS

PARTY PACKAGES AND THEMES

Please choose your party package and theme below. Each includes 1.5 hours in party room. Times below denote start time of room rental.

WHAT DATE AND TIME WOULD YOU LIKE TO REQUEST? PLEASE LIST YOUR TOP 3 CHOICES.

PARTY PACKAGES AND THEMES

Please choose your party package and theme below. Each includes 1.5 hours in party room. Times below denote start time of room rental.

Booking, Payment, and Cancellation:

Submit your request form and the Sales Team will contact you as soon as possible to discuss availability. Your party is not reserved until payment in full is received for the party package (credit card, check, cash accepted).

3 weeks advance booking and payment are required. 4-6 weeks are suggested for preferred date and time.

Parties cancelled with 31 days notice will be refunded minus a $50 cancellation fee. Parties cancelled within 30 days may not be refunded, but may be rescheduled (based on availability).

Arrival & Departure:

Parking is available in the Heritage Green public parking deck located behind the Hughes Main Library. Parking is free on weekends and $.50 per half hour (up to $4) on weekdays. Handicap parking is available with permit in the employee parking lot directly behind the museum.

You and your guests have all-day admission, regardless of the party start time, and may arrive as early as 9am on Saturday and 11am on Sunday. Birthday Party Check in takes place at the Cafe Vestibule Entrance on Academy Street (signs at the front of the building point the way). When you first arrive, you will be greeted by a staff member, receive wristbands and stamps, and drop off any party supplies or gifts on your designated party cart. If you have items to drop off or set up in the party room, you may do so 15-20 minutes before your party. Some families choose a gathering spot in the museum where they and their guests can meet and enjoy shared playtime before the party (strongly suggested for 3pm parties). An announcement will be made over the intercom at the party start time.

Leave the crumbs to us! Museum staff will take care of clean up so that you’re able to play after your party ends. You are welcome to stay until museum closing time. Your party cart will be taken to the check-in area or behind the admissions counter for safe-keeping until you’re ready to leave. The carts will be looked after by museum staff, though the museum cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items. Carts must be unloaded and returned empty before 4:55PM. Note: Birthday party check in will close at 4:00 pm. After this, any party items and exit will be at admissions on the main floor.

Please note that we do not schedule time to open gifts during the party. Your gifts will be collected for you to open at home. If you want to make sure there is time for gifts, please let us know in advance, and please understand that this will take time away from the party activities.

Guests:

Please submit your guest or invitation list as soon as possible. This list ensures admission for your invited friends and family. This may include guests you’ve not confirmed. You will not be charged for additional guests until a headcount is completed on the day of the party. Additional guests are $10 each. Please give us as much information as possible. Alphabetical order is much appreciated!

There is not a limit on adult guests but each party room has a comfortable capacity. Generally, we encourage no more than 1 adult per child. Please note, for the Little Dipper, more than 12-15 adults; for the Vega, Castor & Pollux, and Nova, more than 25-30 adults, will become uncomfortable. Your host’s focus will be on the children. We want to ensure everyone enjoys the party experience, but service to more guests may require more time and patience.

If you plan to have additional child guests, please inform the Party Coordinator so that we can plan accordingly. There is space on the guest list form to give instructions on how you want to us to handle additional guests. The additional guest fee may be paid by the party family or the guest family.

Museum membership may apply to adult guests. Membership status is not considered for child guests due to consumables and experience beyond the scope of membership.

FOOD AND DRINK

Each package includes one cupcake and one juice box for each child, along with cups of water for everyone.

The only outside food or drink permitted is birthday cake. Anything else must be ordered through the museum. We offer Papa John’s pizza and a limited catering menu from Publix Catering. You can see our full list of offerings in the list above.

We can certainly make an exception for allergies and/or dietary restrictions. Please call to discuss options with the Party Coordinator.

Decorations:

Please note that our party packages are designed so that you can enjoy your child’s birthday and let us do the heavy lifting. Themed decorations are included in the package and each room is colorful and festive. If you’d like to bring something specific, you are welcome to do so (though there’s no discount if you don’t use ours). Please, no latex balloons (choking hazard) or hanging decorations that could damage the walls.

Food & Add ons:

No outside food or drink is allowed, except for birthday cakes. We have a diverse selection of catering options; please consult the list of add-on items available. If you are still concerned about a dietary or allergy restriction, please consult the Birthday Party Coordinator at the time of booking a party. Please be aware that TCMU is not responsible for late deliveries from catering vendors such as Papa Johns, Publix.

As a gift to the birthday star, your child will receive a Museum goody bag. The lime green, drawstring bag comes with 2-3 quality toys and novelties, a museum pencil, and museum sticker. Also available for purchase for your child guests ($5 each).

Also available are $5 gift cards for the museum’s More To Explore Store (there are many $5 and under items in stock). These make wonderful party favors.

Also available are “I Celebrated My Birthday at TCMU” T-shirts. $15 each.

Photo Release:

TCMU reserves the right to photograph or video visitors. If you prefer your party not to be photographed it is your responsibility to inform TCMU staff upon arrival.