Birthday Parties

What is the payment, cancellation, and schedule change policy?

Pay for your party in full when you book the date. Party hosts should pay any balances due for add-ons day of party. 

If you must cancel your plans, please do so at least 15 days before your party. We offer refunds for the cost of the party, minus a $75 processing fee. If you cancel less than 15 days prior to the party we are not able to offer a refund.

Can I transfer my Birthday Party to a different date and/or time?

We cannot accommodate direct transfers to a new birthday party date or time. If you need to change the date or time of your birthday party, our cancellation policy will apply.

Can I host a party at Thinkery without reserving a room?

Out of courtesy to other visitors, all parties must be scheduled in advance in one of our program rooms. Parties cannot take place in our café seating area. Please schedule your party with Thinkery in order to ensure a comfortable visit for all guests.

How many guests can attend my party?

Due to fire code, the maximum party capacity is 35 people, including all adults and children.

There is a $50 overage fee for up to 40 guests and $14 for every additional guest after that. Your party fee will be doubled if the capacity is over 70.

Based on room capacity limits, the total number of combined children and adults allowed for Deluxe Birthday Parties and Private Birthday Party Rooms is 35 people maximum. Deluxe Birthday Party fees include activities and supplies for up to15 participating children. The birthday child is included as a participating child. Non-participating children, such as older and younger siblings are included as part of the overall count of party guests, with a total of 35 people maximum.

Can the adults participate in the activities?

Yes! In order to keep supply costs reasonable, we ask that grownups work with children on activities rather than creating additional projects.

If my party guests are currently Members, do they count toward my child’s invitees?

Yes. Member and Non-Member invitees equally count toward the total birthday party attendees (adults and children).

What if I am inviting a child that is not participating in the activity? Will there be a charge for that child?

Room capacity is 35 including adults and children.

If your total attendees exceed the 35 room capacity you will be charged a $50 overage fee. Deluxe Birthday Parties include activities and supplies for up to 15 participating children. The birthday child is included as a participating child. Non-participating children, such as older and younger siblings are included as part of the overall count of party guests, with a total of 35 people maximum.

For Deluxe Birthday Parties, what if I am inviting a child that is not participating in the activity? Will they receive a free pass to return to the museum?

No. Only participating children will receive a free pass to return to the museum. Deluxe Birthday Parties are limited to 15 participating children. A $14 fee will be charged for each additional participating child over the 15-child limit.

Free return passes are not offered with the Private Birthday Party Room option.

Can we bring outside entertainment for the party?

If you are interested in a party with additional entertainment, please consider a facility rental. Outside entertainment vendors are not permitted for Deluxe Birthday Parties or Private Birthday Party Rooms. Parents are welcome to bring their own activities; parents are responsible for setting up and running their activities.

When can hosts arrive to set up the party room?

Hosts may enter the party room 20 minutes in advance to check in with the party support staff and set up any food. If needed, a cart will be provided to carry party items in from your car.

One of the advantages of hosting your party at Thinkery is that we’ve done the prep work for you! By the time you enter the party room, space will be decorated with bunting, table coverings and a sign for the birthday child. We have on 10-foot-long pinboard in each party room that we allow outside decorations to be hung from. We do not allow any outside decorations to be hung on our walls, or from the ceiling.

What should I wear to the party?

Thinkery encourages hands-on exploration. When choosing that special outfit for the big celebration, we hope you will select shoes and clothes with the goal to feel comfortable investigating the various materials you may encounter at our interactive museum and party. Please know there are exciting opportunities to climb on our Climber in Our Backyard, get wet in our Currents exhibit, we even hope you might get on your hands and knees building and creating in many of our other exhibits.

How do party attendees check in on the day of the party?

Please check-in at Admissions with the birthday child’s name. Our staff will direct you to the correct party location.

When should guests arrive?

To be sure that your party is set up and ready to go, guests can enter the party room at the start time. Early arrivals to the party room may find our staff preparing for your party. We work as quickly as possible to make sure your party is ready for your guests to enter.

Can we bring cake and other foods?

You are welcome to bring in your own snacks and cake. Thinkery does not provide food service.

We are excited to announce that we are partnering with a local business – Lady Quackenbush’s Cakery—as Preferred Birthday Caterer.  You can find more details here.

Do I need to clean up afterward?

We’ll take care of it for you! Thinkery staff and volunteers remove trash, clear tables, sweep and wipe the room after your celebration. Of course, we appreciate any assistance you can offer in maintaining a clean atmosphere.

Can I bring balloons in the museum?

We do allow balloons.

Can we have open flames in the party room?

For the health and safety of our customers, Thinkery fire safety regulations prohibit the use of open flame Sternos in party rooms. Birthday candles on cakes are allowed but must be lit and supervised by Thinkery staff. Trick candles of any kind are prohibited.

Is alcohol permitted for parents at birthday parties?

Alcohol consumption is not allowed on the premises during regular operating hours.