Have your birthday party at the Evanston Ecology Center!

• The Evanston Ecology Center offers two-hour birthday party programs every Saturday and Sunday.
• A staff member leads an engaging nature-oriented party, based on the theme that you select, which includes games and hands-on activities for 45 minutes.
• Each party theme includes a craft for the child to take home with them
• The rest of the time is open for treats and activities of your own.

Amenities

• Parties are held in the classroom space, surrounded by the Ecology Center's resident critters.
• Two 8 ' tables and chairs are available for food. Two craft tables will also be set up for crafts.
• There are ADA compliant washrooms and drinking fountains available but no kitchen facilities.
• Decorations are allowed but please no sequins, confetti or piñatas.

Typical Birthday Schedule

• 9:30-10:00: Set-Up and Decoration
• 10:00-10:15:  Guest Arrive
• 10:15-11:00: Instructor Time
• 11:00-12:00:  Food, cake and any planned activities by birthday family
• 12:00-12:20: Clean up

 Availability 

• Parties are available year round on Saturdays and Sundays during two time slots:
  • 10am-12pm
  •  2pm-4pm.
• Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance.
• A $25.00 deposit will be required to hold your date.
• Not all dates are available due to other Ecology Center programs.

Fees:

• Birthday party fees are $230 R/$300 NR.
• Fee includes a 2 hour room rental for the birthday child and 15 children.
• Up to 5 additional children can be added for $5 per each additional child
• A ratio of 1 adult to 5 children is requested for the party.
• The maximum number of people for the party is 30 people

Birthday Themes

Animal Party (ages 4 & up)
Meet some of the Ecology Center's resident animals. We'll take out some of the Ecology Center's critters for a visit. Make an animal craft to take home.

Birds of a Feather (ages 4 & up)
Discover some astounding facts about our flying feathered friends - birds! We will look at feathers, nests, and eggs, look for birds outside, and make a bird craft to take home!

Bug Party (ages 4 & up)
Get to know the most numerous of the Earth's inhabitants - insects! Meet an insect, learn about their exciting lives and even go on an insect scavenger hunt! Make your own bug craft to take home.

Dino Party (ages 4 & up)
Learn about the prehistoric creatures that lived here millions of years ago. We will imagine what it was like to live in the time of the dinosaurs and compare dinos to animals alive today. Make your own fossil replica to take home.

Rocking Rocks (ages 4 & up)
Discover the wondrous properties of rocks and minerals. We will learn how to find, sort and identify rocks and minerals. Party goers will leave with a rock craft.

Potions and Concoctions (ages 6 & up)
Discover the science of chemical reaction through hands on experiments that fizz, goop and explode. Kids will make their own concoction to take home.

Geocaching (ages 8 & up)
Party goers will learn how to navigate using GPS units then test their skills in this outdoor treasure hunt. See how many caches your team can find!

Custom Party (ages 4 & up)
Custom parties are available! We have access to canoes, snowshoes and all sorts of materials and locations, including the fire circle and fishing. Please call to talk with program staff, they will help you develop your perfect birthday party. An additional minimum of $50 is added to all custom parties.

For more information email ecologycenter@cityofevanston.org or call (847) 448-8256.

Evanston Ecology Center

2024 McCormick Blvd.
Evanston, IL 60201
847-448-8256