Picnic and Play Birthday Parties
Looking for a place to host a small scale gathering to celebrate your child’s special day? Children’s birthday parties are held in Mordecai Children’s Garden on Saturdays and Sundays. Children's birthday parties are recommended for children up to age 10. For older youth and adult parties visit our private event pages to learn about space rentals in the main gardens.
Our children’s birthday parties provide you with a party space for gathering and birthday festivities. You and your guests are encouraged to explore the outdoor and indoor garden spaces on your own.
Includes:
- 90 minutes in the decorated Morrison Discovery Center outdoor or indoor classroom. Decorations include tablecloths, a “happy birthday” banner and plants.
- A potted plant and pollinator seed packets for each party child to take home as a party favor.
- Free admission for your guests
Birthday Party Rental Fee: $200 / $180 member for up to 30 people over the ages of 2
Party dates and times must be reserved at least three weeks in advance. Capacity, policies and procedures for birthday parties are subject to change as needed in response to the changes in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ready to book your child’s birthday party? Fill out the Birthday Party Request Form. Now accepting reservations through August.
Email familyprograms@botanicgardens.org with questions.
FAQ
How many adults and children can I invite?
The party rental fee includes up to 30 people over the age of 2. To provide a safe, positive experience for party guests and Gardens visitors, the Gardens is unable to accommodate more than 30 people over the age of 2. The birthday child and host family are included in this headcount.
I don’t know how many adults and siblings will attend with the children we've invited. How do I make sure people don’t bring their whole family to the party?
We suggest including wording like this in your invitation: "This invitation includes birthday party admission to Denver Botanic Gardens for one child and one grownup. You are welcome to bring other members of the family, however you will need to pre-purchase admission tickets to the Gardens and explore on your own."
Are masks required?
Masks are strongly encouraged indoors for non-vaccinated guests ages 3 and up. Mask requirements are subject to change as needed in response to the changes in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where does my party take place? What spaces are available for my guests to explore during the party?
Children's birthday parties take place in the Morrison Center outdoor classroom located on the north end of the Children's Garden. On days with inclement weather, your party will be moved indoors to the Morrison Center indoor classroom. You and your party guests have access to the party space, Children's Garden and main gardens.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my party?
Your birthday party rental fee is nonrefundable. If you need to reschedule the date and time of your party the Gardens will work with you to find another date and time to hold your party. Please keep in mind, during spring, summer and fall we have limited flexibility in our scheduling availability.
How much time do I have to set up the party space? Can I drop off materials before the party or store my party materials after the party?
The party space will be available to you 15 minutes before your scheduled party time to bring in and set up any materials you choose to bring with you. You have an additional 15 minutes at the conclusion of your party to remove all your items from the party space. The Gardens is unable to store/receive materials outside these timeframes.
Can I bring in food and beverages for my guests to enjoy during the party? Can I hire a caterer?
You are welcome to bring in food for your party guests to enjoy. Prepackaged individual servings of snacks and beverages are encouraged. Buffet/self service food setups are strongly discouraged. Alcohol is not permitted at children’s birthday parties.
Due to space constraints onsite caterers are not permitted.
How is the party space set up?
The standard party set-up includes tables and chairs. Tables are decorated with plants and tablecloths. The space also includes counter space for any refreshments you many want to provide for your guests, a “happy birthday” banner and additional potted plants for decorations.
Glitter, loose confetti, piñatas, balloons and dry ice are not permitted.
Do you provide tableware? Is there a refrigerator to store my refreshments?
At this time the Gardens is unable to provide tableware. A refrigerator is available if needed.
Is there a Denver Botanic Gardens staff person present at my party?
A Gardens staff person is onsite to assist you during your reserved party time but will not be present with you and your guests during the party. Staff assistance includes logistics during party set-up and take-down and materials management. The staff person does not attend the party but will be available on an "as needed" basis.
What happens in the party space? Do you lead any special activities?
During your party time, the party space is intended for you to use as a celebration space. Celebrations may include cake, food, presents, etc. The Gardens will not lead activities in this space. Please remember that the party space is only part of your experience and that you will also have access to the Gardens outdoor and indoor garden spaces to explore.