Parties for Children Turning 8 & Older
  • Critter Encounter and Safari package fee - $400
  • Pond Study, Survival/Shelter Building and Young Scientist package fee - $500
  • Programs last 50 minutes

Birthday parties are limited to 20 children with one program add-on. You must be an Earthplace member to book a party.

Pond Study - We will head on down to the pond. There, we will put on waders, grab a net, and start digging in the pond. We will spend a half hour using our nets to catch things like frogs and tadpoles, dragonfly nymphs and much more. After exploring with the nets we will take a look at what we found with magnifying glasses and identify the organisms. We will return all the animals to the pond, take off the waders and return to the building. This program is not eligible for an add-on.

Survival Shelter Building - We will learn the survival rule of three - how long we can go without air, water, food, and shelter. We will brainstorm on how many different ways that we can use a bandanna.  Then we will head to the forest and discuss factors that should be considered when building a survival shelter. After discussion, the kids can work together to build their own shelter.

Critter Encounter – This party is all about getting up close with the animals. You’ll get to meet with an Earthplace naturalist before your party to decide which animals you would like to see. Once your guests arrive you’ll get to learn all about your chosen animals, and everyone will get a chance to pat them. For our Critter Encounters we have a large and wonderful collection of teaching animals including: Rabbits, doves, ferrets, snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs, salamanders, hissing cockroaches, and guinea pigs. Animals not available to visit the classroom for a Critter Encounter include the birds of prey (eagles, owls, and falcons), crow, raven, and bats.

Safari – Go on a scavenger hunt through Animal Hall and the Connecticut Birds of Prey Exhibit in search of critters of all kinds. Can you find the bird that’s 30 years old? An animal without any bones? Or a mammal that eats only insects? At the end of your search you’ll get to meet and learn about three different animals.

Young Scientist – This party is great for young scientists looking to do some hands-on experiments. We’ll have fun making slime, building bubbly rockets, and inflating a balloon without blowing - all while learning a bit about the physics and chemistry in our everyday lives. Activities will vary by age.

Email Haley to book your party today! She is available Friday-Sunday during business hours.