Chicago Botanic Garden

Illustrations

Birthday Party Basics

Party Themes

Feathered Friends (ages 5 & up)
Discover how birds and plants interact! Partygoers will explore what birds eat and where they live. Children will take home bird feeders and a bird nest kit, and plant a seed that grows into a plant that birds love!

Plant Part Art (ages 5 & up)
Let nature inspire your creativity! At this party, children will find about the parts of a plant and use them to make beautiful art. Guests will take home a seed collage and a flower “stained glass,” and plant a seed that grows into a colorful plant!

Gumballs & Superballs (ages 6 & up)
Explore the ways we eat and play with plants! During this celebration, children will learn about products from the tropical rainforest. Everyone will take home several pieces of gum and a bouncing ball, and plant a seed that grows into a water-loving plant!

Days & Times

  • Parties can be booked year-round on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Morning parties are from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Afternoon parties are from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Cost & Capacity

  • There is a $400 base rate for up to 15 children for Garden Plus Members only.
  • The cost is $20 for each additional child (up to 25 children maximum).

Ages

  • Parties are geared towards children turning ages 5 or 6 and up.
  • Children ages 2 and under are welcome at no additional charge and do not count toward total capacity with a responsible adult per child.

Chaperones

  • 2 chaperones minimum; 6 maximum
  • One chaperone should be available to serve as a greeter to guests at the party.

Booking Process

  • Call (847) 835-8275 or fill out a Request Information form on our website. You will be contacted by Garden staff.
  • Parties must be booked a minimum of three weeks in advance.
  • Nonrefundable, a 50 percent balance is due at booking; the remainder is due three weeks prior to the party.
  • If the party is booked at three weeks, the entire balance due upon booking.
  • You will receive a confirmation letter and invitation inserts including the date, time, and drop-off location for the party. The insert will serve as the free parking pass for guests.

Cancellation Policy

  • You may cancel or change the date of your party up three weeks prior to the date of the party.
  • If the birthday child is unable to attend due to medical reasons, an alternate date may be scheduled by providing a doctor’s note.
  • Programs cancelled by the Garden due to Garden closure will automatically be fully refunded. You’ll be notified of a cancellation 24 hours prior to the start of the program. Should this occur, you may opt to reschedule to another date.

Location & Parking

  • Children should be dropped off and picked up at the Children’s Learning Center located in
    Parking Lot 7.
  • Guests should bring their invitation insert with them to receive free parking. Clients and guests receive free parking for the entire day. Parents not attending the party are welcome to stay at the Garden for the duration of the party.
  • Winter parties will be held indoors at the Children’s Learning Center.
  • Spring, summer, and fall parties will begin and end at the Children’s Learning Center. Weather permitting, the party will take place at the Children’s Garden via a tram ride.

What the Garden Provides

  • A fun, educational, nature-themed birthday party and all materials, including games, take-home elements, and a plant
  • Parties facilitated by Garden staff
  • Serving utensils (knife and spatula), matches, and a back-up supply of candles
  • A staff person to assist in serving cake and in clean-up. Staff will help client load-in and load-out,
    but decorations must be set up by the client
  • A Happy Birthday banner (upon request)
  • Invitation inserts including date, time, and drop-off location for the party

What the Client Provides

  • Cake, beverages, paper goods (cups, plates, napkins, and plastic ware), candles (if desired), invitations, and decorations set-up

Note: Due to licensing and insurance requirements, only cake and beverages may be brought in for a party.

Decorations

  • Approved decorations include hats, table coverings, and centerpieces.
  • Balloons, glitter, confetti, bubbles, and streamers are not allowed.
  • If desired, the Garden can display a Happy Birthday banner.

Add-ons

Attire

  • Please request that your guests come dressed for the weather. Weather permitting, parties will include time spent outside.
  • Guests should wear clothes that are comfortable for outdoor and indoor activities, and hands-on, often messy, fun. Aprons will be provided.