Birthday Party FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Explorit's Birthday Parties.
How do I reserve a party?
Explorit takes Birthday Party reservations with at least 3 weeks notice for Saturdays and Sundays. There is a morning and afternoon time slot available each day. Other days and times may be made available through special arrangement. We can usually accept reservations for dates 6-8 weeks in the future. If you want to schedule a party with less than 3 weeks notice, please inquire as we may be able to accommodate you.
To reserve your date you need to leave a $45 deposit to secure the party. (We will only hold a reserved date through the end of the business day without a deposit.) If reserving over the phone, we accept Visa or MasterCard. If you would like to pay with cash or check you must reserve the party in person at Explorit’s Nature Center, 3141 5th Street. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 9am – 4:30pm.
When you contact us to reserve a party, please have your preferred and alternate dates and times available as well as the following information:
- Select from one of 6 themes. (click here to view themes)
- Provide: Parent name, birthday child name, child’s age, child’s t-shirt size (Super Party only), membership status, address, phone number, e-mail, and approximate number, age and gender of guests
- Optional extras: additional children, use of outdoor picnic area
What does Explorit provide? What should I provide?
Explorit provides:
- A room for party activities
- One hour of educator-led science activities
- Space, tables and chairs for refreshments and celebration
- Refrigerator, freezer, and microwave for food
- Admission to the exhibit hall for everyone in your group
- Party coordinator to check your guests in and provide an orientation to the space
- Acknowledgment of birthday child at entrance to Explorit and a certificate for the child
- Map with date and time of your party to include in your invitations
You provide:
- All food and paper products (Don’t forget the candles and matches!)
- Decorations (Please, no use of staples or push pins.)
- Additional indoor games or activities, if desired
- 1 adult supervisor for every 5 children during time in the exhibit hall
How involved is Explorit in facilitating the Birthday Party?
For the Super Party, Explorit provides an hour of educator-led activities that typically take place at the beginning of your 2-hour party. The remaining hour is for your group to split between the celebration (refreshment, cake and presents), activities or games that you provide and time in the exhibit hall. The educator will spend the second hour cleaning up from the science activities, but will be on hand to answer questions. You and other adult chaperones are responsible for supervising and providing activities for your party guests.
What types of activities or games should I provide?
This could vary from a simple craft activity of decorating a party hat to a group game like “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”
What theme for the Super Party package is the most popular or best?
All of our party themes are designed to accommodate a wide range of ages and abilities. We have built in specific activities that are for younger or older children. We do recommend the “Scientastic Sleuthing” theme for ages 6 and older, but 4 and 5 year olds can enjoy this theme with extra adult assistance with reading station directions. In selecting a theme, consider the interests of your child and his or her friends. All themes include hands-on activities and provide a “make-and-take” component for each party guest.
Can I come early to set up my food and decorations? How late can I stay to clean up?
You may come 20 minutes early to set up and decorate the space and stay 20 minutes later to clean up. Please remove all of your decorations, including tape, and throw away all garbage. Excessive trash from gift wrap may need to be taken out to the Explorit dumpster by you. A sponge and paper towels will be provided to wipe down tables after refreshments have been cleared.
Who is included in my guest count?
All children age 4 and older participating in the party activities and exhibit hall will be counted as a party guest. Adult guests participate for free. Children 3 and younger should be supervised by an adult guest at all times.
What if I have last-minute guests added? How many total guests can I have?
You may add guests up to the limit for your party package up until the day of the party. Each party package includes up to 10 guests. You can add up to 5 extra guests for $9 each. Plan to have at least 1 adult supervisor for every 5 party guests, though.
Can my group play or eat outside?
There are some picnic tables that can be reserved for your group near the entrance to Explorit, but they are in a public area. Please let us know in advance if you would like to reserve these tables. Also, there are benches and space to play in the park area. All of these areas will require adult supervision.
Can I extend my party? Can my guests stay longer at Explorit?
The Super Party may be extended if no other groups are scheduled that day for a $25 additional room rental fee.
Where does my group check in once they arrive at Explorit?
Your party guests will check in at the reception window. There will be a cart available if needed.
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
If you give Explorit at least 3 weeks notice, we will refund your deposit. If you cancel less than 3 weeks in advance, we cannot provide a refund.
Can I have pizza delivered to Explorit?
Make sure you have someone available to receive and pay for the pizza (or, ideally you may pay for it in advance). Discount packages are available from Woodstocks Pizza in Davis and they also provide a discount for Explorit members.
How many tables are available and how big are they?
There are 2-3 tables that are about 4-6 feet long.
