Department Resources

Related Resources

Hidden Oaks Nature Center Birthday Parties

Create an unforgettable experience for your child's special day with a nature-themed birthday bash. Go green with our low-waste party options.

Participate in a 45-minute program led by a naturalist, featuring an age-appropriate nature talk, live animal encounter, a craft, and a guided nature walk. Choose from topics like dinosaurs, insects, reptiles and amphibians, mammals, woodland animals, or Eastern Woodland Indians, or themes can be tailored to your child's special interests for a more unique experience.

Party Times: Saturdays and Sundays, as available:

Morning: 10 to 11:45 a.m.
- Set up food and decorations at 9:30 a.m.
Afternoon: 1:30 to 3:15 p.m.
- Set up food and decorations at 1 p.m.
The naturalist session starts 15 minutes after the beginning of the party time.

Families provide refreshments, and only designated tables can be used for food and drinks. Supervision and cleanup are the party host's responsibility.

Eco-Friendly, Low-Waste Parties: Host an eco-friendly birthday party at Hidden Oaks Nature Center for a fun and educational experience on nature conservation.

Eco-friendly parties include:

Reusable (plastic) plates, cups, and utensils (up to 40 sets)
Two vinyl table cloths
Staff to help collect these items at the end of the party for washing and reusing

Check availability by emailing kim.young@fairfaxcounty.gov or calling 703-941-1065.
Upon acceptance, complete the party agreement form and submit it with the full fee.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made more than two weeks from the party date receive full refunds minus a nonrefundable $25 administrative fee. No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of the party date.
For morning party options, arrive at Hidden Oaks by 9:30 a.m. with your party supplies and food. For afternoon party options, arrive at Hidden Oaks by 1 p.m. with your party supplies and food.
No red colored beverages or alcohol is permitted.
While decorations aren't necessary, feel free to bring some including table coverings (included in the eco-friendly party option). Balloons are not permitted.
To rent space only, check Room Rental information on our webpage.

Reduce paper and consider electronic invitations.
Suggest carpool possibilities in your invitation.
Keep your party décor simple—the nature center is exciting enough! If you must have decorations, consider reusable ones. Please, no balloons.
Choose food and beverages with minimal amounts of packaging, such as:
Lemonade or iced tea in a reusable pitcher.
Use our provided water pitchers and ditch the bottled water
Bring food in reusable containers rather than throw-away.
If serving pizza, cut any nongreasy top lids off and ask to place them in our recycling bins.
Skip the goodie bag and enjoy the craft created during the party.
If a goodie bag is a must, a nature-oriented token or something homemade is suggested over plastic trinkets.
For gifts, suggest guests bring a gently used toy from home rather than buying a new one.
Try a books-only party or a gently used book swap. Outgrown books at home can be donated to the local library to be replaced with new gifts.
Invite guests to wrap their gifts in comics, old artwork, fabric or reusable gift bags.
Discuss green parties with the birthday child and how the low waste parties impact their birthday party. Brainstorm ideas on extending sustainability at home and in other areas of family life.
Ask about our Animal Sponsorship Program and celebrate the birthday child with this special gift. By sponsoring one of our exhibit animals in the birthday child’s name, they will receive letter, photo, memento from their animal and their name on display near the animal’s tank! Sponsorships start at $10 and make an excellent gift!

Parties that complete a minimum of five tips, including using our reusable dishware, will be featured on our Growing up Green bulletin board.

Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Alert:

Department Resources

Related Resources

Hidden Oaks Nature Center Birthday Parties

Party Highlights: