Birthday Parties

Send your kids outdoors to explore nature for their birthday! With a variety of themes to choose from, our nature-based birthday parties are sure to be a hit for your outdoorsy child. Your party activities will take place outdoors with an experienced educator. Check out what’s included in our parties below:

Included:

  • 1 hour of instructor led nature-based and outdoor activities
  • 1 hour of self led party time
  • Use of Lodge classroom for party space.
  • Lodge porch seating for additional party space.
  • Adults and parents are included in the booking fee.
  • White plastic tablecloths are provided for the tables.
  • Easy access to nature playground.
  • TNI handles the clean up!
  • Exclusive TNI hat for the birthday child.

Learn all about animals tracking. Once you’ve gotten ahold of the basics, your group will head into the forest to track down a special species of bear.

Illinois has so many species of amphibians and reptiles! Join us for a slimy and scaly celebration by meeting our resident box turtle, creating your own ‘frog slime’, and heading out on a scavenger hunt.

 Explore all things gross in this ewww inducing birthday party. Learn about animal vomit and scat!

Play tag games and examine animal skulls up close to determine what they eat. 

Have a magical birthday experience at TNI. Play a round of Quidditch and craft your very own wand to take home. Recommended for 12 guests or more.

Do you have what it takes to survive in the wild? Learn survival basics and then build a shelter from sticks.

Have an idea for a party that you don’t see here? Contact Lauren at lscull@thenatureinstitute.org to see what we can provide! Some custom programs that have been provided in the past include mushrooms, art in nature, archery (ages 8+), bug catching, and more.

Cost: $250/non-members. Members receive 15% off.

Deposit: Full balance is due at the time of booking. Additional fees incurred after booking will be due one week out, such as additional children or add-ons. Fees are non refundable if canceled with less than 2 weeks notice.

Group Size: Includes up to 15 children, including the birthday child. Additional children cost $8 each. Max of 20 kids.

Availability: Birthdays are available in time slots on Saturday and Sunday from 10 – 12, or 1:30 – 3:30. Please check with our calendar for availability or contact lscull@thenatureinstitute.org.

Booking: To book a birthday party, please fill out the form below. Birthday parties must be booked 2 weeks in advance.

Add-Ons:

  • 30 minute campfire – $25 (provided during the last 30 minutes of self led party time unless otherwise requested)
  • 30 minute campfire with s’mores fixings – $50 (provided during the last 30 minutes of self led party time unless otherwise requested)
  • Additional Party Time – $50/30 minutes
  • Additional child (after 15 included in booking) – $8/each

General Rules for Families:

  • You can arrive up to 30 minutes early for set up.
  • Table decorations are allowed, but do not nail or staple decorations on walls or other areas. All tape must be removed after the party has ended.
  • Outside food and drinks are permitted.
  • 2 large refrigerators and a chest freezer are available for use.
  • No glitter, confetti, piñatas, or balloons are allowed.
  • No alcohol allowed.
  • Parties take place in our classroom and on the covered wrap around porch. In inclement or cold weather, we will move to the indoor classroom space.
  • If there are storms, the party will take place indoors with alternative activities. All activities will occur as usual if there is rain.
  • Parents/hosts are responsible for the second hour of the party, including serving food and supervising children.
  • You may wish to bring a wagon or stroller to transport gifts and food from the lodge to your car.
  • You are responsible for all decorations, linens, tableware, and silverware. TNI provides plain white tablecloths for tables.
  • While our educator will lead programming during the first hour, a minimum of 1 parent/host must be present during the program. This is not a drop off program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the birthday child counts towards the total count of kids for the party.

As a nature preserve, we strive to keep our environment litter free. Balloons are a hazard to wildlife. In the commotion of a party, they have a high likelihood of slipping out the door or busting. You are welcome to bring other decorations to hang on the walls or put on tables — we promise it will look just as festive!

Typically, the activities for each theme will not change between seasons. If there is a hazard to a usual activity area, like ice, then the activities may vary slightly.

We can occasionally accommodate large parties in good weather conditions. However, the price does increase since a second educator will be assigned to your party. If this is something you’re interested in learning more about, please contact Lauren at lscull@thenatureinstitute.org.

The Lodge does not have air conditioning in our main classroom space, so it’s typically cooler outdoors on the covered porch during summer months. The Lodge and outdoor bathrooms are both heated during cold weather months.