Birthdays!
River Bend offers a unique birthday experience! Kids will get a chance to explore nature in a fun, educational, and entertaining environment. We have several nature themes that you can choose from. If you have a specific nature theme in mind that you do not see below, just let us know! We can develop activities to match! Each birthday will include a walk through the conservatory, a visit to the butterflies in Peyton’s Place and a live animal presentation!
- All parties will include age-appropriate activities
- Birthdays can only be scheduled one month ahead of the date, and we need at least two weeks notice before the date needed
Snakes!
Each child will get up close and personal with some of our resident RBNC snakes and learn some interesting snake facts. The children will make a striking snake craft and play a fun snake game!
Dino Dig
Dig for dino bones, make a volcano erupt, go on a dino egg hunt, play “hatch the dino eggs” and much more!
Nature Detective
Children construct detective kits for exploring the trail. Along the way, they collect items, such as leaves, seeds, bark, and berries. Then after the walk, they return to the learning center to create a nature collage to take home or make a casting of animal tracks with playdoh.
Butterflies
Children learn about many aspects of butterflies, such as senses, defenses, life cycle, and anatomy. We will take a tour through our butterfly exhibit, Peyton’s Place, observing butterflies up close. Children make an antenna headband and a beautiful painted butterfly that illustrates symmetry or a coffee filter butterfly.
Bug Hunt
Discover the world of bugs by taking a tour on River Bends Wild Side Trail (weather permitting). Children will look for clues of our buggy neighbors. They will then take a tour of the conservatory and learn about the importance and impact of insects on our ecosystem. We will also create a buggy craft! Bugs are most active in warmer weather.
Critter Connection
Discover the world of native animals by taking a tour on River Bend’s Wild Side Trail (weather permitting). Children will use all of their senses to look for clues of native species on the trail, such as tracks and burrows. They will then take a tour of the conservatory and learn about the importance and impact of animals in our ecosystem. We will also create a casting of a real animal track with play-do or plaster!
Out of this World!
Children learn about our wonderful solar system with an interesting space-related craft, such as a cool straw rocket. Your young astronauts will play an out of this world space game! This birthday is best suited for kids 7 and up.
FAQ
What kind of birthday activities are included with a party?
Does RBNC provide goody bags?
River Bend does provide goody bags to participating children above the age of 3.
Does RBNC decorate?
RBNC does not decorate, but we do provide tables, chairs, goody bag (for children over 3 years old), and entertainment. Please do not decorate with glitter, table scatter, or confetti. If using helium balloons, please attach extra long strings. Balloon releases are not permitted.
When is the payment for the party due?
Full payment for the party is due at the conclusion of the party. The cost for non-members is minimum $200 for 10 children, each additional child is $10.00. The cost for RBNC members is $175 for 10 children, and each additional child is $10.00.
How do I make a birthday reservation?
Birthdays can be booked one month in advance of the birthday date, and anytime after that. Please give us at least two weeks notice so we can prepare for your party. Give us a call at 940-767-0843 to make an appt. to fill out your birthday contract. We require that you pay a $50.00 deposit when you fill our your contract in order to hold your reservation and rental time. There will be a $2.00 convenience fee if you choose to pay your deposit with a credit card.
Payment is due at the conclusion of your party. Your deposit does not go toward your party payment. You will receive your deposit back by mail if you meet the terms of your contract.
How long are parties?
Birthday parties are 2.5 hours long. Generally, the first 15 minutes are used for set up. The party includes an hour-long program, an hour for food, cake, and ice-cream, and 15 minutes for clean up. Please do not arrive early; your rental time includes set-up, event time, and break down time.
Where will the party take place?
Birthday party rentals will only be scheduled after regular business hours. Do not arrive early, your rental time includes set-up, event time, and break down time. Parties can be in the exhibit hall or pavilion.
Business hours are as follows: Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Easter, and Independence Day.
How many adults should I bring?
In addition to the field guide, trail tour birthday parties require parental or guardian accompaniment on the trail. Parents are expected to supervise their children. Field guides will be present in each party area.
How much is it for children ages 1 and under?
There is no charge for children ages 1 and under unless they want to participate in activities.
What does it cost?
The cost for non-members is $200 for 10 children; each additional child is $10.00. The cost for RBNC members is $175 for 10 children, each additional child is $10.00. Become a member here.