A party fit for a King (or Queen)…of the jungle that is! Come explore the Museum of Natural History through the eyes of our furry friends!

Our Mammal Mania package includes:

• Awesome party for 10 kids and 4 adults (See Pricing and Additional Guests below for larger groups)
• Private party room (Biosphere Discovery Hub)
• Free printable invitation cards
• A personal museum assistant
• Special curated show and tell time featuring mammal fossils and artifacts from our private collections
• Hands-on activities
• A scavenger hunt
• Custom sheet cake and juice (including paper products & utensils)
• Party favors for all guests & a special gift for birthday child!

Age Recommendations

Birthday parties at the Museum of Natural History are for children celebrating their 6th through 12th birthdays.

Pricing

Additional Guests:

If more than the 14 included guests attend your party, we ask for the remaining balance to be paid before you leave the museum. We'll have supplies and activities prepared for 10 kids so be sure to offer advanced notice if you'll have more. The maximum capacity of our party rooms is 25 people. We must keep a 1:5 adult to child ratio at all times.

Party Schedule

Birthday parties are two hours long and can be held anytime during our regular hours.  Parties outside regular hours may be available but will incur additional fees.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10:00a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

We won't be able to extend your time if you are late; however, you may arrive up to 10 minutes prior to your scheduled time. Early arrivals are encouraged to explore the museum until the party starts. We will have someone stationed at the front entrance of the museum to assist guests in finding the party room. Please have your guests arrive promptly to ensure the maximum amount of time for your party. Our policy states that you have a designated time in the party room. After your designated party time the party room must be cleared, but you and your guests may stay at the museum until closing time.

Scheduling a Party

To schedule a party, please contact the Birthday Party Coordinator at 319-335-1508 or uimnh@uiowa.edu.

We recommend birthday parties be scheduled at least four weeks before the date of the party for best availability.  We require the full payment at the time of booking, and cannot hold the date without the payment. UI students staff UIMNH birthday parties and we work around their university schedule, therefore, we can only schedule birthday parties less than three months in advance.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

A cancellation notice is required within a minimum of 2 weeks from the party date.  Parties that have been canceled 2 weeks prior to the event will receive a refund of 50% of base price paid.  Parties that have been canceled with less than 2 weeks’ notice will not receive a refund. Parties may be rescheduled as long as the new date is scheduled 2 weeks out.

Parking

Parking is available in several public ramps within walking distance from the Museum. The Iowa Memorial Union Ramp is located at the corner of Madison Street and Jefferson Street (across the street from the Museum). There is also a City parking ramp located three blocks away, adjacent to the Old Capitol Mall. Learn more in the Getting Here section of our website.