Birthday Party Package
Birthday party packages are $350 and include:
- A three-hour room rental (includes 30 minute setup, 2 hour party, and 30 minute cleanup)
- A one-hour nature program led by a Locust Grove Naturalist for up to 20 children. The capacity of the cabin is 30 people. Please do not exceed this limit. (Please use total people for reservation form)
- The program includes outdoor activities related to a nature topic (see below for themes).
- The remaining hour is yours to lead other activities, serve refreshments and/or cake, open gifts, and enjoy fun with friends.
- Depending on Nature Center schedule and staff availability, party times are available on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9:30-12:30pm or 1:30-4:30pm.
- For evening birthdays, consider a fire ring rental instead.
- Cancellation: $50 fee, see cancellation policy for details.
Available Times
9:30 am to 12:30 pm:
- 9:30 am to 10 am: setup
- 10 am to 11 am: naturalist led program
- 11 am to 12 pm: your party time
- 12 pm to 12:30 pm: clean up and pack up by 12:30 pm
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm:
- 1:30pm to 2 pm: setup
- 2 pm to 3 pm: naturalist led program
- 3 pm to 4 pm: your party time
- 4 to 4:30 pm: clean up and pack up by 4:30 pm
Themes
Check out our newly upgraded birthday themes. Please note the yearly availability and age limits, as some have changed. All parties are customized for the age of the group.
Forest Friends
Locust Grove Nature Center is home to many forest friends. Learn what makes the local wildlife so unique and special. Your group will take a short nature walk to explore areas of the park that these animals call home. This theme focuses on our wild mammals and birds. During winter and inclement weather, this program is hosted indoors. Year round. Ages 3-5.
Campfire Caper
Celebrate your big day around the campfire! Learn about building a fire, roast marshmallows, and enjoy a nature walk with one of our naturalists. Year-round. Ages 6-10
Dinosaur Discovery
Let’s hunt for a dinosaur fossil in the park! Do a dino dig, play games, and learn all about being a paleontologist, learn what animals are related to dinosaurs. March to November. Ages 3-8
Amazing Animals
Locust Grove Nature Center is home to some amazing animals. Learn what makes the local wildlife so unique and special. This theme focuses on our wild reptile, amphibian, and insect friends and gives your child an opportunity to meet our amazing animal ambassadors. During winter and inclement weather, this program is hosted indoors. Year round. Ages 5-10.
Stream Explorers
Let’s explore Cabin John Creek and learn about the flora and fauna that make up the ecosystem of the creek. April-October. Ages 7-10.
Room Rental only
Have your own party idea that you want to run? Choose the room rental only option for 2 hours of room use.
How to Book
To book your party visit Active Montgomery. Select Facilities, then Nature Centers, then find Locust Grove NC Armstrong Cabin. You can select different dates, select an available time, then choose your theme and confirm your reservation. *please note that all reservations must be made at least 14 days ahead of the date for your party*
Active Montgomery shows immediate booking info. The online system supersedes the in-house calendar at the nature center. Your reservation is not final until you have booked online and paid your fees to complete the reservation.
If your date is not available with us, contact the other Nature Centers of Montgomery Parks for their availability: Black Hill, Meadowside, Maydale and Brookside Nature Center.
Armstrong Cabin (private party space) is available year-round. The facility includes:
- indoor furniture (4 six-foot tables with benches)
- outdoor tables (4 six-foot picnic tables with 2 umbrellas)
- use of patio
- 30 person maximum capacity
- indoor heating when outdoor temperature is below 55 degrees Fahrenheit
With your waiver you will accept responsibility for your group’s behavior and care of the space.
The Cabin is easily accessible from the parking lot for unloading and provides an excellent space for indoor/outdoor parties.
Reminders:
- Please remind guests to dress appropriately for the weather, as all parties include an outdoor portion often on trails.
- Guests are responsible for providing all party food and supplies. The nature center does not provide ice or kitchen facilities.
- To protect local wildlife, piñatas and balloons are NOT permitted. Alcohol and smoking are also NOT permitted on park property.
- Because we are an eco-friendly facility, we encourage your to use compostable or reusable materials and to plan a waste-free event.
- Guests are responsible for cleaning up after the party and leaving the room as they found it. The nature center will supply brooms or mops as needed. Trash and recyclables must be disposed of in appropriate receptacles.
- The renter (typically birthday parents) 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. 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.
Cancellation Policy:
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 less 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 illness due to COVID. 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.