Special Programs & Events

Birthday parties in the Duke Energy Children's Museum are for children ages 4 to 10. Themes available include: Pet Parties, Construction Parties, Tea Parties, and Fish Parties. Birthday parties in the Museum of Natural History & Science parties are for children ages 5 to 12 with themes of Dinosaurs and Caves. Cincinnati Museum Center does offer a party appropriate for children younger than 4. This is in the form of the Toddler Party, held in the Duke Energy Children’s Museum. Adults are welcome to assist, observe and/or participate during birthday parties.

A birthday party at Cincinnati Museum Center includes admission for 15 guests (including two adult chaperones) to the selected museum, two parking passes, a 75-minute birthday party with party presenters, a theme-related program with activities, a half-sheet themed birthday cake by Servatii’s, juice, basic decorations, plates, napkins, a thank you gift list filled out by one of our staff members, and clean up. The fee for Birthday Parties is $160 for museum members; $185 for non-members. We can accommodate extra guests up to 25 attendees with a $10 fee for each guest over the 15-guest limit. All parties take place on Saturdays (10 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.) and Sundays (11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.).

To register for a Birthday Party or for more information about party themes, call the Information & Registration office Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (513) 287-7021. Parties must be scheduled two weeks in advance, and payment is required at the time of registration.

Please note: Helium balloons are not permitted at Cincinnati Museum Center due to fire regulations. Additional food is not allowed within the party room (with the exception of birthday cake because of dietary restrictions).

Fish Tales (ages 4-7)

Hear the story of Gumpy the goldfish, participate in a puppet show, and go looking for fish friends in the “Animal Spot” exhibit.

Pet Party (age 4-10)

Bring your favorite stuffed animal and learn about pet care as you visit the “Kids Town” veterinarian’s office. Enjoy a visit from one of Cincinnati Museum Center’s educational animals!

Construction (ages 5-10)

Learn about bridge and arch construction while you use the giant crane in the “Kids at Work” exhibit.

Dinosaur (ages 5-10)

Examine fossils and visit the “Dino Hall” exhibit as you delve into the fascinating world of dinosaurs.

Cave (ages 6-12)

Enjoy a visit from a live bat and tour the exciting “Cavern” exhibit as you discover the “ins” and “outs” of cave life.

Tea Party (ages 4-7)

Bring your best friends and learn the basics of Tea Etiquette. Play dress-up and plan your ideal tea party when you visit the grocery store in the Kid’s Town section of the Children’s Museum! *Note: Apple juice, not tea, is served at the tea party*

Toddler Party (ages 3 and under)

We now offer an open party for our youngest visitors. It is held in the Duke Energy Children's Museum. We provide cake, refreshments and a staff member to assist.  The group has the use of the birthday room for an hour and fifteen minutes. The fee of $200 for members and $225 for non-members covers the room rental, cake, and drinks for up to 25.

Birthday Parties—FAQ

When can I have a birthday party at Cincinnati Museum Center?
Parties at the Duke Energy Children's Museum and the Museum of Natural History & Science can be scheduled on Saturdays at 10 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. and on Sundays at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.

How far in advance do I need to schedule a birthday party?
You may schedule as soon as you decide that you would like to host a party here, but you must schedule at least two weeks in advance. Because party dates fill up, we advise that you schedule at least a month in advance.

What is the payment procedure for birthday parties?
We must receive payment of the base price when you schedule. Payment can be made by check or credit card. If you want to pay with a check, you can call, give us your reservation information and mail us a check, however the slot is not held for you until payment is received. Checks may be brought to Museum Center in person during regular office hours only—Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. If more than 15 are present for the party, we can automatically charge your credit card and send you a receipt, or we can invoice you if you prefer.

When can I get into the room?
Parents can meet the presenters 15 minutes before the scheduled start time for the party, even when that is before the opening time for the museum. (The presenter is actually present an hour early.) For Duke Energy Children's Museum programs, meet the presenter in the Children's Museum lobby near the birthday party sign. For Museum of Natural History & Science programs parties meet at the ticket taker station near the door to the museum. Guests should gather at the same location five minutes before the start time.

Can I bring extra food?
Cake and a drink is all that can be accommodated within the party time. Lunch can be purchased at the food court, and tables are set up in the Rotunda for picnics. Custom parties can be arranged through our Special Events department, but cost at least $300 for a party for 15 people. If you want to provide a special cake or drinks because of dietary restrictions, this is acceptable.

Can we stay in the room after the party?
Museum parties run one hour and 15 minutes, but the group can potentially stay an extra 15 minutes (with no charge). Depending on the availability of the room later in the day, we may be able to hold presents and leftover cake while you visit the museum.

What if I need to cancel the party?
When you cancel more than 14 days before the party, we refund your payment in full; if you must cancel 14 or fewer days in advance there will be a fee deducted, which is larger the closer you cancel to the party date (a $25 fee is deducted for cancellations made seven to 14 days in advance; $50 is deducted for one to six days in advance and $75 for cancellations made the day of the party).