Birthday Parties FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where can we park?
• Is there a refrigerator we can use?
• How many tablecloths do we need? What size tablecloths do we need?
• Is the Birthday Party Building Orientation appropriate for our child?
• What happens if more children show up on the day of the party?
• What party favors do the children receive? Can we bring our own favors?
• How large is the classroom?
• How many children can you accommodate? Do you have a maximum number of children?
• My child is turning 6. Should we do one of the 3-6 year old activities or one of the 6-8 yearold activities?
• Can we order pizza for the party?
• Can we bring and hang a piñata?
• Can we bring balloons?
• Are we allowed to bring alcohol for the adults?
• What is the party schedule?

Where can we park?
The birthday host receives one parking permit to park in the Museum parking lot on the 4th Street side of the building. Please find an empty space to park, then meet the Museum Teacher at the Information Desk where you can pick up your permit. Place the permit on the dashboard in your car. All other birthday participants will need to find other parking or use the Metro. There is metered street parking (free on weekends) available on all sides of the building. Nearby parking garages are available at the Verizon Center's 6th street entrance and at the corner of 7th and H Streets.

Is there a refrigerator we can use?
No, the birthday host does not have access to any refrigerator in the Museum. You are welcome to bring a cooler box to keep drinks and snacks cool.

How many tablecloths do we need? What size tablecloths do we need?

Tablecloths should fit 6 ft round tables. Each table sits approximately 7 children.
1 tablecloth for 0-7 children
2 tablecloths for 7-14 children
3 tablecloths for 14-21 children
4 tablecloths for 21-28 children

Is the Birthday Party Building Orientation appropriate for our child? What does the Building Orientation include?
The museum teacher adapts each building orientation to make it appropriate for the age of the children at the party. When all guests arrive at the scheduled time, the orientation may include a tour of the building. The tour is usually done using an eye-spy or follow-the-leader theme, and takes the children to the 4th floor for a view of the Great Hall. The tour does not include visiting the exhibitions. You may visit exhibitions before or after the party on your own.

What happens if more children show up on the day of the party?
You can pay for additional children on the day of the party. However, to ensure that there are enough supplies for all children please provide an estimate of how many children will attend the week before the party. A museum staff person will contact you before the party to confirm the party and answer any last questions. If you expect 20 or more children, you will need to let the assistant youth groups coordinator know well in advance (3 weeks) due to additional staff needed to help the party run smoothly.

What party favors do the children receive? Can we bring our own favors?
Each child takes home the project they completed during the party, as well as a hat (construction or train engineers cap), Museum patch, and pencil. The birthday host may bring additional favors or purchase them from the Museum Shop by calling 202.272.7706.

How large is the classroom?
The party spaces can comfortably accommodate 30 children.

How many children can you accommodate? Do you have a maximum number of children?
The Museum will need to know if 20 or more children are expected because two or more staff are needed to facilitate the party. The birthday space is quite large and can comfortably accommodate approximately 30 children. Most birthday programs have about 10-15 children attend the party.

My child is turning 6. Should we do one of the 3-6 year old activities or one of the 6-8 year old activities?
The Museum recommends that you choose an activity in the age range in which the majority of participants will fall. If your child is turning 6 but the majority of the participants are 5, please choose one of the 3-6 year old activities. The activity will still be interesting for the few older children. Also, the younger children will feel more comfortable doing the activity and they will not become frustrated with an activity that is too advanced for them.

Can we order pizza for the party?
No. Pizza deliveries cannot be delivered to the classroom.

Can we bring and hang a piñata?
No, the Museum does not have the facilities to hang a piñata. The ceilings of the rooms are too high.

Can we bring balloons?
No, the Museum does not allow balloons within the building.

Are we allowed to bring alcohol for the adults?
No, due to legal restrictions parents are not allowed to have alcohol at the Museum's birthday parties.

What is the party schedule?
For 3–6 year olds, the birthday party program will last one-and-a-half hours and include:
(30 minute set up);
25 minute welcome activity and building orientation;
45 minute hands-on project; and
20 minute period for birthday celebration (led by birthday host).

For 6-11 year olds, the birthday party program will last two hours and include:
(30 minute set up);
35 minute welcome activity and building orientation;
65 minute hands-on project; and
20 minute period for birthday celebration (led by birthday host).