Birthday Parties FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can younger siblings attend the party?
Yes. You will only be charged (and receive enough party favors) for the children who participate in the building/craft activity. Parents are welcome to keep the younger kids entertained while the older kids are building, or they can take the younger siblings to the Museum’s Building Zone on the first floor for the first part of the party, and then bring them back up to the party room for the last half hour for birthday cake. Please note that guests must check in with the Information Desk staff about available space in the Building Zone.

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, enter the museum through the 4th Street/Employee entrance, then meet the Museum Teacher at the 4th Street Security Guard's 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 is 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 5 ft round tables. Each table sits approximately 7 children, and you'll need one additional tablecloth for the refreshment table.
2 tablecloths for 0-7 children
3 tablecloths for 7-14 children
4 tablecloths for 14-21 children
5 tablecloths for 21-30 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. The building orientation is an introduction to the Museum and its historic home. It is usually done using an eye-spy or interactive discussion, and takes the children to the 4th floor and the Great Hall. It 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 us 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?
At the Craft Activity Birthday Parties, each child takes home the project they completed during the party, as well as a hat (construction or train engineers cap), mini sticker or coloring book, and package of crayons. At the Brick City Birthday Parties, each child takes home a mini-lego kit, as well as a construction hat. The birthday host may bring additional favors or purchase them from the Museum Shop by calling 202.272.7706.

How large is the classroom?
Our two smaller party rooms can comfortably accomodate 15 children plus parents, and the larger party room can accommodate 30 children plus parents.

How many children can you accommodate? Do you have a maximum number of children?
Please check your email confirmation. Your email confirmation letter specifies whether you are restricted to a 15 or 30 child maximum. 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 6-11 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.

What kind of food should we bring?
Most families choose to bring light snacks such as small sandwiches, veggie or fruit trays, yogurt, goldfish snacks, crackers & cheese, or chips and dip. At the birthday parties children tend to eat for a few minutes and then are eager to return to playing with their friends.

Can we order pizza for the party?
Please do not order pizza or other food to be delivered to the museum. Food deliveries cannot be delivered to the classroom. If you would ilke to provide pizza or other food from a restaurant, please pick up the order at the restaurant.

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 Craft Activity Parties, the birthday party program will last two hours and include:
(30 minute set up);
30 minute welcome activity and building orientation;
60 minute hands-on project; and
30 minute period for birthday celebration (led by birthday host).

For Brick City Parties, the birthday party program will last two hours and include:
(30 minute set up);
15 minute welcome activity & introduction
80 minute hands-on project using thousands of LEGO bricks; and
25 minute period for birthday celebration (led by birthday host).

Can we visit the exhibitions?
You and your guests will receive complimentary tickets to visit the Museum's exhibtions. These tickets are valid for use on the day of the party, following the conclusion of the facilitated portion of the party. If guests are interested in visiting the Building Zone, they must check for space availability with staff at the Admissions desk.

Birthday Parties FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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