Birthdays at The Carle
Enjoy a special semi-guided visit through the Carle Museum with a birthday scavenger hunt, reserved tables in the Art Studio, a special selection of birthday books in the Reading Library, and a decorated space in the Café to end the morning with your birthday treats and party favors for each child!
General Info
Birthday Parties are available on Saturday mornings from 10:30am-12:30pm and can accommodate a maximum of 12 youth* and 13 adults (includes birthday child and hosts). You can choose from two schedule options and will be guided through your visit by a staff member.
Each Birthday visit includes:
- 2-hour party with ½ hour before and ½ hour after for set up and clean up.
- A Museum Helper to greet your group and guide you through your chosen schedule (see below for options).
- Reserved and festively decorated space in the Cafe for birthday snacks. We’ll set up the party decorations (see details below), you just bring the food and tableware (plates, utensils, cups, napkins)! Storage space will be provided in the cafe kitchen fridge/freezer.
- Reserved space and time in the Art Studio for your group to make the current Everyday Art Project (EAP) together.
- Fun Birthday Scavenger Hunt to explore the West Gallery
- Favor bag for each youth attending the party
- Personalized “Happy Birthday” slide on the digital display celebrating your child’s special day.
Fees and Booking
The Birthday Party fee is $400 and includes 8 youth and 13 adults. Additional youth are allowed (up to 4) for $15 each. Birthday Parties must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance; a signed contract and deposit are required to hold your spot.
A Friends and Family Membership is required to schedule a party at the Carle.
Check the website for available dates, then submit the Birthday Party Inquiry Form. A staff member will follow up to schedule your visit.
Birthday Party options
Option 1 with Storytime
Recommended for toddlers- 4yrs
- 10:00am - Hosts may arrive ½ hour early to set up in the Café
- 10:30am - Program begins, Welcome party guests!
- 15 minutes - Gallery with Birthday Scavenger Hunt
- 30 minutes - Storytime in the Reading Library
- 25 minutes - Everyday Art Project at reserved tables in the Art Studio
- 30 minutes - Café Celebration at reserved table
- 12:30pm - Party portion ends, guests are welcome to stay and enjoy the Carle
- 12:30-1pm - Hosts clean up
Option 2 with extended time in each area
Recommended for 5yrs and up
- 10:00am - Hosts may arrive ½ hour early to set up in the Café
- 10:30am - Program begins, Welcome party guests!
- 20 minutes - Gallery with Birthday Scavenger Hunt
- 40 minutes - Everyday Art Project at reserved tables in the Art Studio
- 20 minutes - Birthday Books in the Reading Library
- 30 minutes - Café Celebration at reserved tables
- 12:30pm - Party portion ends, guests are welcome to stay and enjoy the Carle
- 12:30-1pm - Hosts clean up
Birthday Party Decorations
Choose one theme for your party: ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ or ‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear’
Each theme includes a decorated birthday chair for the birthday person, colorful table covering, birthday coloring placemats, festive hanging decorations, and a ‘Happy Birthday!’ banner.
You will provide your own items needed for serving and enjoying food and beverages. Please note the museum does not permit candles, balloons, confetti, or potted plants. Check out party themed tableware available at our Museum Shop online!