Frequently Asked Questions

What should children wear to the party?
All of the activities planned for the children are "hands-on"; play clothes are recommended. There are sinks in the party room for quick clean-ups.

How do we get to the Science Museum?
A map and directions are included in the confirmation packet. The invitation cards for your guests also have a map, phone number and website for more information on direction.

Where do we park?
The most convenient place to park is in our parking ramp. The fee varies. For more information, call (651) 221-9444 or see our website at www.smm.org/directions.

When should we arrive? / Where can we meet our guests?
Plan to be outside the door of your party room 5-10 minutes before the start time of your party. If you are planning to have families of your guests drop off their children, please arrive at least 20 minutes before your party to meet your guests at the Education entrance on level 2 or the lobby on level 5 of the museum. The education entrance is closed to the public and the doors are locked from the outside.

Where is the party room and how do we get there?
Parties are held in adjacent classroom 9 or 10 on level 2 of the museum. From the museum lobby take the Riverway stairway or elevators to level 2 and follow the signs to classroom 1-12. Your child's name, party theme and time will be posted outside the classroom where your party will be held. Please knock on the door to let the host know you are there. If the host is not in the room they will return soon to get your party started!

When do we visit the exhibits?
Included in the packet are your dated exhibit hall wristbands. All visitors must wear wristbands. Call (651) 221-9444 or check our website for current museum hours.

Where do we put our things while we visit the exhibits?
A storage cabinet will be available to you all day. The cabinets are located on level 2 just outside the party rooms. They cannot be locked, so please do not store valuable items like cameras, video cameras, etc. We are not responsible for lost and stolen items. Coin lockers are available in the lobby on level 5.

What kind of cake and beverage are served?
Cakes are from LindQuist Cake Shop in Columbia Heights. Your child can choose marble, chocolate or white cake with white icing and a party design is airbrushed on top including the birthday child's first name. Beverage is a red, fruit-flavored punch.

Can extra adults attend the party?
Due to the size of the room, we recommend up to 4 adults for group of 10 children and up to 6 adults for group of 11-15 kids with some exceptions for 4-6 years old parties. We ask all adults to minimize their conversation with each other while children are doing activities so they can hear party host.

Will the party host accompany us to the exhibits?
No. The party host is not available after your party.

Can we bring additional food?
No, the only exception is if you would like to bring in ice cream to be served with the cake. Since there is no refrigeration available, please bring a cooler. You can order 16-inch single topping pizzas from the museum's restaurant for $15 each by calling us at (651) 221-4571. The visitor guide lists other food service available in the museum.

Can we bring party favors for our guests?
Yes. Plan on handing them out just before everyone goes home so their favors do not get lost in the exhibits. Please do not include noisemakers as favors.

Where do I pick up the Omnitheater tickets I added to my party?

• If you are planning to watch the show after the party, the host will give you the tickets at the party.
• If you are planning to watch the show before the party, you may pick up the tickets at box office.

Please call (651) 221-4571 by Wednesday before the party date to make arrangements.