Black Hill is the place to have your
child’s birthday party…Naturally
Birthday Parties at Black Hill
Choose from a variety of unforgettable party themes that promise adventure and education rolled into one! Whether it’s roasting marshmallows around a campfire, creating nature art to take home, or embarking on a hike to uncover nature’s hidden treasures, our parties cater to every budding explorer’s curiosity. Don’t miss out on the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime. Book your nature-inspired party today!
Black Hill Discovery Center offers stand-alone birthday parties or the ability to combine a birthday party with a Campfire Rental or a SEED Classroom Rental. See below for more information and then reach out to blackhillnature@montgomeryparks.org or call the 301-528-3489 to book.
We offer three birthday party options:
- Three-hour SEED Classroom rental, including a one-hour birthday party program for $350
- Three-hour campfire rental, including a one-hour campfire birthday party for $275
- One-hour, stand-alone birthday party program for $125
General Party Information
SEED Classroom parties can be any theme EXCEPT the Campfire party and Campfire Rentals can ONLY be combined with the Campfire Birthday party. See our Rentals page for more information on what equipment and services are included with the rentals. Stand-alone birthday parties take place entirely outside in the park and do not come with an indoor or outdoor party space.
All birthday party options include a naturalist-led program for up to 20 children and all supplies needed for the activities for the chosen theme. All parties spend time outdoors. Party specifics, such as the length of certain activities, can be tailored to best fit your birthday child. Depending on the pace of the group, the group will not do every activity listed for a party theme. Group size and age limits for parties are firm and non-negotiable. Please review the party’s description to make sure it is the right fit for your group. Full payment is due at the time of registration.
Picnic Shelter Rental Information
If purchasing a stand-alone birthday party, you may be interested in a Picnic Shelter Reservation as a site to celebrate. Picnic Shelters are available for rent for private party time. You can rent a picnic shelter either through ActiveMontgomery or by emailing the Park Permits office. Click here for more information on Black Hill Regional Park picnic shelters.
Animals in the Park Party
Parks aren’t just for people! Come learn what animals live in Black Hill Regional Park and get to touch and feel furs, antlers, and bones. Party-goers will then go on an outdoor adventure to see what animals and animal signs, like tracks and scat, they can find in our park’s habitats. Offered year-round. Ages: 3 to 10.
Art in Nature Party
Step into the world’s biggest art studio—the great outdoors! Kids will craft using nature’s treasures for their very own masterpieces. They’ll also discover the magic of how the earth itself creates art—through sunsets, patterns in flowers, and the shapes of trees. It’s a joyful mix of creativity and adventure. Children will make art in the outdoors and a craft to take home. Offered year-round. Ages: 5 to 10.
Busy Beavers Party
Looking for a literal build-your-own-adventure? Come step into the world of beavers — nature’s master builders — and learn how these hardworking animals shape their environment. Weather and time-permitting, kids will hike to a creek, explore, and get to practice building their own dams and lodges. Offered April through October. Ages: 5 to 10. Kids should come dressed in water shoes and prepared to get wet.
Nature’s Rhythms Party
Get ready to dance, sing, and play with the sounds of the wild! At our Nature’s Rhythms Party, kids become both explorers and musicians. We’ll listen to birds chirping like flutes, frogs croaking like drums, and streams splashing like cymbals. Then we’ll join in—creating our own rhythms and tunes. Children will explore their sense of hearing through outdoor activities and make an instrument craft. Offered year-round. Ages: 3 to 10.
Fairy Party
Gather for a magical adventure! Together, we’ll wander into an enchanted forest and explore, imagine, and discover the secret places where fairies might live. With wings, wishes, and woodland wonders all around, we’ll celebrate the joys of nature together. Children will explore parts of the park, build fairy houses, and create a fairy craft. Ages: 3 to 10
Campfire Party
Gather around the crackling campfire for a time of fun and friendship! Children will learn basic fire safety, play one to two games, and get to have a campfire classic – s’mores! S’mores materials are provided. Offered year-round. Ages: 5 to 12.
The campfire party must be booked with a three-hour campfire rental, for a total cost of $275.
To book a Birthday Party please email blackhillnature@montgomeryparks.org with as much information as possible, including: Preferred date(s) and time(s) (multiple options make it easier to schedule), desired birthday party theme, and your Active Montgomery account information. Our Administrator will then get back to you, and, if the date is available, will add the reservation to your account on Active Montgomery. You will then need to log on to Active Montgomery to pay your balance. *Please note that reservations must be made and payments completed at least 14 days ahead of your desired date*
Payment is due in full at the time of reservation.
With each reservation, there is a corresponding waiver. With your waiver you accept responsibility for your group’s behavior and care of the space.
The client ensures that all guests know M-NCPPC’s Park Rules and Regulations.
The client is responsible for the group’s behavior and safety. If there is an issue with behavior, especially concerning safety, the Naturalist has the right to pause or stop the program or rental. Parents who attend will be asked to be responsible for their child’s behavior. If parents are not present, the renter must take responsibility for unsupervised guests who are minors.
Party Room Details and Guidelines
Rental time is three hours long (Includes 30 minutes set-up, 2-hour party, and 30 minutes clean-up).
A staff member will conduct a 1-hour educational program. The program includes outdoor activities related to a nature topic (see themes above).
The remaining hour is yours to lead other activities, serve refreshments and/or cake, open gifts, and enjoy fun with friends.
A staff member will be on-site for the duration of your rental to answer questions.
We provide 5 rolling tables, 25 stackable chairs, and picnic tables outside of the SEED Classroom.
There is a composting toilet inside the SEED Classroom for usage throughout your rental time. A staff member will instruct the renter how to use it, and the renter must ensure that all guests use it correctly and appropriately.
We provide trash and recycling receptacles.
Use of the SEED Classroom deck and the surrounding lawn is included in this rental, during the rented hours.
The Black Hill Regional Park grounds are open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
Number of Guests
The maximum number of children is 20. The maximum number of people inside the building at any one time is 25. The maximum total people, if planning to use the indoor and outdoor spaces, is 35.
The maximum number of children and total people cannot be exceeded.
Hours of Rental
The rental permit defines the site and rental period, with the Event Begin, Duration, and Event End date and time.
The rental period includes setup, decorating, breakdown, and complete cleanup.
The rental period is the only time the renter and guests can occupy the rental site.
Rentals are available 7-days a week, 9 AM to Dusk, subject to staff availability.
Example Schedule:
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM Rental:
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Renter Set-Up and Decorating
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Naturalist-led Program
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Your Party Time
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Clean up and pack up by 12:30 PM
Event Staff
A staff member will be assigned to the rental.
The staff member will be available for the entirety of the rental.
For the birthday party package, the staff member will conduct a 1-hour educational program.
Staff ARE NOT responsible or authorized to set up, break down, clean up, or move non-Park equipment or supplies.
Setup, Breakdown & Cleanup
The renter is responsible for all setup, breakdown, and cleanup. The building should be left as the renter found it.
All setup, breakdown, and cleanup must occur during the rental period as stated on the rental permit. The Discovery Center will supply brooms or a vacuum as needed. Trash and recyclables must be disposed of in appropriate receptacles. Because we are an eco-friendly facility, we encourage you to use compostable or reusable materials and to plan a waste-free event.
All items must be removed before the end of the rental period.
All leftover ice and liquids must be disposed of in the sink. It MAY NOT be disposed of in the grass, beside trees or shrubs, or by the parking lot.
Equipment Included in the Rental
5 rolling tables, 25 stackable chairs, Picnic Tables
Not Included in the Rental
Refrigerator or Freezer, Ice, Carts or Dollies, Decor of any kind, Service ware including cups, plates, or utensils, Tablecloths, Hotplates, burners or crockpots, and AV Equipment
Decorating
No nails, thumbtacks, strong tape, or damaging affixations to walls, ceilings, or structures.
Balloons ARE NOT permitted.
Piñatas ARE NOT permitted.
No open flames other than birthday candles.
Painter’s tape can be used on the walls, doors, windows, tables, and chairs surfaces.
Parking
There is limited parking at the SEED Classroom, with only 8 spots.
The renter should encourage most attendees to park in Parking Lot 1 by Shelter A and then walk to the SEED Classroom via the Root Trail (there will be a sign directing the way).
Parked vehicles cannot block other vehicles, access roads, or driveways and are subject to ticketing if not legally parked.
The host facility reserves the right to cancel the rental due to hazardous weather or facility conditions including emergencies and power outages. If canceled by the host facility, every attempt will be made to reschedule the reservation. If client does not wish to reschedule, a full refund will be granted.
The client may cancel for any reason. All cancellations/changes must be made in writing via email to the host facility. If the reservation is canceled at least two weeks in advance, the fee will be refunded except for a $50 cancellation fee to cover administrative costs. If cancellation occurs less than two weeks in advance, there is no refund of fees. We offer a one-time transfer of date change. Transfer of date is subject to availability and IS NOT guaranteed.
*These policies may be waived for extenuating circumstances like severe illness. Please reach out to the host facility to discuss. We want everyone to be safe, even if that means rescheduling or cancelling a party or gathering.