Picnic and Play Birthday Parties for Children
Looking for a place to host a small scale gathering to celebrate your child’s special day this summer? Picnic and Play Parties are held outdoors in Mordecai Children’s Garden and accommodate social distancing recommendations and small group restrictions. Birthday parties are offered on Saturday and Sundays from 9:30-11 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m.
Our Picnic and Play Birthday Party provides you with a private party space for gathering and birthday festivities. You and your guests are encouraged to explore the wonders of the Children’s Garden on your own.
Includes:
- 90 minutes in the decorated Morrison Outdoor 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
Picnic and Play Birthday Party Rental Fee: $200 / $180 member for up to 25 people
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.
Party dates and times must be reserved at least three weeks in advance. Capacity, policies and procedures for Picnic and Play 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 October 31.
Email familyprograms@botanicgardens.org with questions.
FAQ
How many adults and children can I invite?
The party rental fee includes up to 25 people ages 3 and up. To provide a safe, positive experience for party guests and Gardens visitors, the Gardens is unable to accommodate more than 25 people per birthday party. 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 pre-purchase admission tickets to the Gardens and explore on your own."
Are masks required?
Non-vaccinated visitors are strongly encouraged to wear masks. Mask requirements are subject to change as needed in response to the changes in the COVID-19 pandemic.
What spaces are available for my guests to explore during the party? What happens if it rains?
All children’s birthday parties take place in the Morrison Discovery Center outdoor classroom located on the north end of the Children’s Garden. You and your party guests have access to the party space and our 3-acre Children's Garden.
Only in the event of severe inclement weather will your party space will be moved indoors to the Morrison Discovery Classroom.
Will the Mordecai Children’s Garden be open to the public during my party?
Mordecai Children’s Garden is open June 1 - Oct. 31, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily and will be open to the public during your party.
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? How is the party space set up?
Yes, you are welcome to bring in food for your party guests to enjoy. Buffet/self-service food setups are not permitted. Snacks and beverages should be prepackaged, individual servings. Alcohol is not permitted at children’s birthday parties.
Due to space constraints onsite caterers are not permitted.
The standard party set-up includes child-sized chairs and tables. 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?
No, at this time the Gardens is unable to provide and tableware or access to a refrigerator.
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 to explore and play.