birthday parties
Make your child’s dream come true! Plan their next birthday party at National Children’s Museum for a day full of fun for everyone.
current offerings
*These party packages will be discontinued starting October 4, 2025. All parties scheduled for October 4 or later will be subject to our revamped party offering (see below).
dream factory $575
Celebrate your little Dreamer’s big day with hands-on play! Gather friends and family in a semi-private lounge that overlooks the Museum’s whimsical Entry Hall, and embark on an adventure to explore our interactive exhibits together. Recommended for all ages.
what's included:
- two-hour rental of a semi-private lounge area with communal tables, plus a 30-minute set-up period and a 30-minute take-down period
- maximum of 22 guests, capacity includes adults and children
- Museum admission for guests during party time slot
- special shirt for birthday child
- ability to bring your own snack and birthday treat
tinkerers treat $750
Ignite your child’s curiosity and ingenuity with hands-on fun in the Tinkering Corner, the creative hub of National Children’s Museum.
what's included:
- two-hour rental of private Tinkering Corner, plus a 30-minute set-up period and a 30-minute take-down period
- maximum of 30 guests, capacity includes adults and children (per fire code capacity)
- special hands-on activity (see options below; activity must be confirmed at least 2 weeks ahead of the party date)
- special shirt for birthday child
- Museum admission for guests during party time slot
- ability to bring your own snack and birthday treat
2025 activities (approximately 20 minutes)
Party hosts may choose from one of the birthday activities below.
- ramps and rollers: Investigate how different shapes roll and slide. Design your own roller to continue the play at home. For ages 4 and under.
- doodle design: Tinker with different art materials and create whimsical art to take home. For ages 3 and up.
- friendly fliers: Design and build a soaring creature out of recycled materials, then send it skyward to test how it moves through the air. For all ages.
the details
offered on saturdays and sundays
two rental start times
10:00 am (9:30 am set-up) or 2:00 pm (1:30 pm set-up)
birthday parties can be booked up to 3 months in advance and no later than 3 weeks in advance
birthday party guests are welcome to play in the Museum during the party rental
revamped party offering (starting october 4, 2025)
Celebrate your little Dreamer’s big day in DC’s favorite place to play! Filled with hands-on experiences and STEAM-filled fun, our whimsical world of wonder provides the perfect backdrop for birthday celebrations and lifelong memory making.
the party
- $750
- a party for up to 28 guests
- a 90-minute rental of our Wonder Loft with tables, seating, and digital screen
- a 15-minute hands-on activity
- New activities will be announced soon!
- special shirt for the birthday child
- all-day play in the Museum for birthday guests on the day of the event
the details
- available on Saturdays and Sundays
- three possible party start times: 10 am, 12:30 pm, and 3 pm
- rentals include a 90-minute party, a 15-minute setup, and a 15-minute breakdown
- birthday parties can be booked up to 4 months in advance and no later than 4 weeks in advance
- a refundable $125 incidentals deposit is required at the time of booking to:
- ensure parties start and end on time
- cover any damages to the Museum or its property
- pay for additional cleaning if the space is not adequately picked up
- all parties must have a ratio of 1 chaperone per 4 children; chaperones are required to be 18 years and older
plan for your party
Check out our list of frequently asked questions below!
A birthday party booking will not be considered complete until the Museum receives a signed agreement.
Agreements are included in the confirmation email you receive after completing payment.
If you have additional questions, please contact our team.
groups@nationalchildrensmuseum.org
book your birthday party!
birthday party faqs
Parties are booked on a first-come, first-served basis and can be booked up to 4 months in advance. To book your party, please choose an available date on the calendar below. Once you’ve purchased your birthday party, you will receive a confirmation email that includes an agreement to download and sign. Your booking will not be considered complete until a signed agreement is submitted to the Museum. The agreement must be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance of the birthday party date.
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