Cincinnati Museum Center is the place for birthdays! Children ages 1 - 12 years old will love our educational and engaging parties. With eight Birthday Party themes to chose from, we have something for your family!

A Birthday Party at Cincinnati Museum Center includes admission for 25 guests to the selected museum, two parking passes, programming led by one of our educational presenters, paperware, a half-sheet themed birthday cake by Servatii’s, juice, basic decorations, a gift for the birthday child, and clean up. The fee for Birthday Parties is $200 for Members; $225 for non-Members.  All parties take place on Saturdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., or 3 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m., 1 p.m., or 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).

Parties in the Duke Energy Children’s Museum (Ages 1 - 10)

Animal Toddler Party
Come practice your lion’s roar as we explore the wild world of animals! Meet one of our animal friends and show us your best animal imitations.

Construction Party
Learn about bridges and arches and see if you have what it takes to be an architect!

Pet Party
Bring your favorite stuffed animal and learn about what animals need to stay healthy. 

Tea Party
Design your own tea party hat and learning about tea drinking traditions from around the world.

Parties in the Museum of Natural History and Science (Ages 7 - 12)

Dinosaur
Examine fossils and visit our Dino Hall as we explore the world of paleontology.

Cave
Meet a live bat and spelunk in the world’s largest artificial cave in our Cave exhibit.

Space
Expand your space knowledge as we visit our space exhibit and make our own glow-in-the-dark space painting.

Egypt
Calling all budding archeologists! Take a trip to ancient Egypt as we visit Umi, our resident mummy and create our own amulets.

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?
Payment is due at the time of registration with a credit or debit card.

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. 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 increases the closer the cancellation is to the party date.