Birthday Parties

We have an updated registration and reservation system- the site is still ActiveMontgomery.org and you should have received an email with login instructions if your account was rolled over or if you need to create a new account.  Reservations are now open for March dates (14 days ahead).  All February dates are either full or being held for reschedules of current reservations due to weather.  Thank you for your patience. The new system will be easier to view availability and create reservations while checking out all on one receipt and will be an improvement in service!

*Birthday Party Reservations are open again and capacity has returned to original numbers (online reservation form only allows # of party guests).  We are still booking parties only at the Cabin, but the cabin is now open for year-round use.

All birthday party packages include:

• A three-hour room rental (3 hours total includes 30 min setup/cleanup)
• A one-hour nature program led by a Locust Grove Naturalist for up to 20 children/ 30 total people present. (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.
• Fee (and time frame) includes 30 minutes before the party to set up and 30 minutes after the party to clean up.
• 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.
• Evening time slot from 6-9pm available for Campfire birthdays- great for older kids!   See Night in the Park programs page. Temporarily on hold- we suggest using a fire ring rental for a campfire.

Fee: $350, (includes room rental, campfire ring rental (campfire birthday) and the nature program).  Fast and easy online booking now available- see instructions after you choose your timeline and theme below.  There is a $50 cancellation fee (see policy below).  We anticipate security/cleaning/damage deposits and bonus items will be available in the new system soon.

Your timeline options are:

9:30am-12:30pm: 9:30-10 am setup, 10:00-11:00 am naturalist led program, 11:00-12:00 your party time, 12-12:30 pm cleanup- room clean and clear by 12:30 pm

1:30pm-4:30pm: 1:30-2 pm setup, 2-3 pm naturalist led program, 3-4 pm your party time, 4-4:30 pm cleanup- room clean and clear by 4:30 pm

Birthday programs at Locust Grove are in keeping with the season, fun and fascinating for the birthday child and their friends!

Choose from the following birthday themes:

Animal Homes

What do local animals call home? See how their homes are like yours, how they change with the seasons, and look for some on a hike.  Year-round.  Ages 3-10

Buggy Bash

Learn about the world of insects and related creepy critters. Meet some of our local bugs and hunt for some in the park.  March-October. Ages 3-10

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 3-10

*Special night time slot for older kids with Night at the Park* Ages 10- teens

Dinosaur Discovery

Let’s hunt for dinosaur fossils in the park! DO a dino dig, play games, and learn all about being a paleontologist.  March-December Ages 3-10

Fairytale Fantasy- temporarily unavailable

Ever wonder why nature is in every fairy tale? Discover the roots of some great stories and find their traces in nature.  Year-round. Ages 3-10

Nature’s Treasure Hunt- temporarily unavailable

Can you find your way in the woods? Join us to learn how, follow the clues, and go on a scavenger hunt for nature’s treasures!  Year-round. Ages 3-10

Reptile and Amphibian Encounter

Learn about what makes these slimy and scaly animals so special and meet some of our animal ambassadors up close! Year-round- This program is indoors at the Nature Center in Winter.  Ages 3-10

Stream Splash!

Splash around in Cabin John Creek! Search for fish, crayfish, aquatic insects, and animals that live in and around the water.  April-November.  Ages 3-10

Room Rental only

Have your own party idea that you want to run? Choose the room rental only option for just 2 hours of room use.

To book your party visit Active Montgomery (this link already has the birthday option)- you can view availability for different dates (check out the new display view: calendar), 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 has the most up to date calendar and 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, birthday parties are available at any of Montgomery Parks’ four Nature Centers.

Armstrong Cabin (private party space) available for 9:30am and 1:30pm parties, available year round (best option for larger groups) includes indoor furniture (4 six foot tables with benches) and outdoor tables (4  six foot picnic tables)– we are booking this space with the adjoining patio- 30 people maximum to remain at allowed capacity for the indoor space.  With your waiver you will accept responsibility for your group following all current county and state guidelines including wearing masks and physical distancing between household groups. 

*Update 6/16/21 for Nature Center children’s programs

“Although county face covering mandates have been lifted, we are requiring masks for children’s and family programs. For the safety of all our unvaccinated participants, we ask that staff, parents, and participants wear a mask when participating in a program indoors and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Feel free to take any necessary “mask breaks” at a safe distance from the rest of the group.”

You can see the Armstrong Cabin Birthday Set-up here.  The Cabin is easily accessible from the parking lot for unloading and provides an excellent space for indoor/outdoor parties.

Armstrong Cabin Interior

Program room (public space) available for 9:30am parties only year round (recommended only for smaller groups or extra parents are welcome to hang out on the deck)– temporarily unavailable- the program room will remain closed until further notice for rentals

Reminders:

• Please remind guests to dress appropriately for the weather, as all parties include an outdoor activity.
• 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.
• Because we are an eco-friendly facility, we encourage your efforts to use compostable 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 if needed. Trash and recyclables must be disposed of in appropriate receptacles.

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.