Give a Party That Gives Back.
Support Schiff while providing a unique experience for your child. Birthday parties designed with the Earth’s health in mind significantly reduce waste and, in doing so, serve as a great way to educate children on the importance of caring for the planet.

No kid is too old to celebrate naturally with a cool nature-themed birthday party at the Schiff Nature Preserve. Party themes feature live animals, recycled craft projects, games, nature walks, natural science exploration and more. Our staff are highly-trained, professional educators that provide a safe, exciting, educational environment for your child and his or her friends!

The Schiff Nature Center will provide:

• Emailable party invitations that include directions and detailed party information
• A room in our beautiful facility complete with tables and chairs or an alternate outdoor picnic area
• A 2 hour reservation which includes the following: 15 minutes for set up before your party begins, a one hour naturalist led activity on the topic of your choice, ½ hour for refreshments and gift opening, 15 minutes to clean up at the end of the party.
• A recycled picture frame craft and a party picture for each guest.
• Non-disposable plates, cups, forks and cloth tablecloth
• Trash bags and clean up supplies (brooms, dust pans, etc.)
• Refrigerator, freezer, sink and microwave are available

You will provide:

• Your own birthday cake and party refreshments (alcoholic beverages are prohibited).
• Decorations if you desire, but they are really not necessary. Please DO NOT bring balloons, streamers, confetti or anything else that would be taped to the walls.

Please inquire about adding “green” goodie bags and customized thank you notes for an additional fee.

Booking Information:
Parties are customized for children ages 3 and up
Cost: $250 Members, $325 Non-Members (includes 1 year family membership)
Our small group size will make your child’s party more meaningful. Party size is limited to 15 children, no exceptions. Siblings over the age of 2 do count!

Full payment is due to hold your reservation. Please notify the Schiff Nature Center of cancellations at least three weeks in advance of your scheduled visit or your payment will be forfeited. The Schiff Nature Center will charge a 25% administrative fee and the remaining 75% of the reservation fee will be refunded only for cancellations made at least three weeks prior to the originally scheduled visit. Membership is considered a donation and is not refundable.

Please follow these guidelines to make your experience most enjoyable….

1. Please be on time! Your space will be reserved for 2 hours starting at your booking time. This includes set up and clean up time.

2. Parents/guardians are responsible for:

• Providing Schiff with a final number of guests one week in advance of the party.
• Collecting emergency contact telephone numbers for children who are dropped off at the party.
• Helping educators manage the children during the program.
• Leaving no child unattended. We are open to the public and there are live animals throughout the nature center and property.
• Cleaning the entire party space, which includes sweeping the floor and throwing garbage and recyclable materials in the proper receptacles.

3. Please ask in advance for approval of any planned activities beyond birthday party food, so that we can help you have a happy, enjoyable birthday party at Schiff!

Tips to make your party more eco-friendly…..

1. Use recycled paper or email your invitations
2. Make your own party favors from recycled goodies around your house or give each child that attends the party something more useful, maybe a small plant or packet of seeds.
3. Think about requesting that guests bring a used book or gently used toy from their own home for your child’s present (or no gifts at all!)
4. Ask for homemade gifts
5. Suggest that guests donate to a worthy cause rather than buy a gift. Or, ask that folks chip in to buy one large gift on behalf of the group. (For a unique gift idea check out Schiff’s new Sponsor a Reptile Program!)
6. Ask that all gifts be wrapped in newspaper, homemade wrapping paper or reusable gift bags
7. Encourage friends to carpool to Schiff for the party
8. Try supporting local farmers and using local ingredients to make an interesting carrot cake or a home made apple pie in lieu of a traditional sugary birthday cake
9. Serve as much organic, local and in-season food as you can. It is better for the environment and for your guests.
10. Think of other ways that you can make your birthday party eco-friendly and send us your ideas!