Weddings & Rentals

Birthday Parties at Tyler Arboretum

Weddings and Rentals

Birthday Parties

Bring your budding naturalist for a memorable celebration at the Arboretum.

Surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, your child’s special day will be one of exploration, discovery, and fun. Enjoy a one-hour program or walk followed by a full hour of your own activities and refreshments in a private room.

Choose from a selection of specially developed themes, each designed to appeal to children with personal, up-close interactions with nature.

Sugar from Trees Late January – early March

Maple syrup is a favorite treat! Birthday partiers try technique to tap a tree and watch the sap flow, view the boiling process, and enjoy a taste of the finished product.

Stream Safari May – September

Turning over rocks in the stream or using dip nets in the pond, party-goers discover what inhabits our watery depths. Take a hike along the stream and visit what lives nearby. Be prepared to get wet; wear appropriate clothes and shoes (no flip-flops).

Bountiful Bugs and Beautiful Butterflies May - September

Don your antennae and step into your exoskeleton as you and your party guests fly, jump, and crawl around the world of insects. Go on a bug hunt, turn over some logs in search of beetles, meet our resident butterflies, and learn about the beneficial bugs in your backyard!

Fairy Wonderland Year-round

Fairies, gnomes, and hobbits – oh, my! Party participants will learn about these mystical creatures as they search for fairy rings, fairy wings or the secret hobbit house.

Amazing Mammals Year-round

You may not see them, but signs of them are all around! Fur on the fence, tracks in the mud, and piles of shells are all signs that mammals call the Arboretum home. Learn how to track down and find signs of these elusive furry animals.


Birthday Party Guidelines
Party Package Includes:
  • A staff-led, one-hour Nature Program
  • A staff member on duty for entire event
  • Private room with tables and chairs
Price:

$225 for Tyler members
$250 for non-members
$50 nonrefundable deposit is required; balance is due one week prior to the party

Time:

Two hour program with additional 30 minutes to set up and 30 minutes to take down.
One hour nature program provided by our highly qualified education staff; one hour birthday party.

Ages:

Ages four to six; maximum 12 children including siblings, with at least four adults.
Ages six to 11; maximum 15 children with at least two adults.
Extra children: $11 each with approval of Youth Education Coordinator.

Scheduling:

Parties can be scheduled no more than two months in advance and no less than three weeks in advance.

When:

Timing is flexible depending on season and other Arboretum activities.

What to Wear:

Most programs are held outdoors. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather, including sturdy shoes or boots for nature explorations.

Weather Issues

Programs run drizzle or shine; some great nature experiences happen in the drizzle! Slickers and boots are advisable in these conditions. If outdoor conditions are unsuitable or dangerous, a suitable indoor rainy day program will be substituted.

In the event of severe weather and you elect not to come, please call the number provided for staff contact. Programs must be cancelled a minimum of two hours prior to start time.

You provide:
  • Paper goods, table liners, party fixings, and any extra activities
  • Decorations (banners and streamers are permitted if all tape and/or string are removed; noise makers, balloons, and piñatas are not permitted).
  • Food (which can be brought or delivered; there is a refrigerator available for your use).
Party Clean-up:

You are responsible for clean up after the birthday party. Please dispose of any trash to the trashcans; and recycle bins provided for plastic, glass, and metal.

Supervision:

You are responsible for the discipline of all children.

Guest Drop-off:

Parents dropping off guests should escort them down to the Sequoia Room in the Barn. If parents and siblings of guests wish to stay to visit the Arboretum during the party, they must pay admission when they arrive at our Visitor Center.

Registration:

For information or to schedule a party call 610-566-9134, extension 202.

The Gift of Giving

Go green! Help support the Tyler Arboretum education program and suggest donations in honor of your budding naturalist instead of gifts.