The Evanston Ecology Center offers a 90-minute to 2-hour theme birthday party program for ages 4 and older, with a 15 child maximum. A staff member leads nature-oriented games and hands-on activities for 45 minutes, then the room is open for treats and activities that are chosen by the party giver. Treats and decorations are supplied by the party giver. For more information, call 847 448-8256 or email ecologycenter@cityofevanston.org.
BASIC INFORMATION
Fees. Birthday prices are as follows: Resident $185, Non-resident $215, EEA Member $170 (so sign-up now to become an EEA member and get lots of other discounts, too!). These fees include the 2-hour building rental. A $25 non-refundable deposit is required for reservations, and reservations must be made 2 weeks in advance.
Availability. Parties are available through Memorial Day from 10:00am - 4:30pm, Monday thru Saturday. Not all dates are available due to other Ecology Center programs.
Facility. The Ecology Center classroom is used for birthday parties. Several 6-foot tables and chairs are available for use. Decorations can be put up 30 minutes before a party. Please no sequins, confetti, or pinatas. There are washrooms and drinking fountains available, but no kitchen facilities.
Guidelines. Alcoholic beverages and smoking is prohibited in the Ecology Center. There is a maximum of 15 children in addition to the birthday boy or girl. A ration of 1 adult to every 5 children is requested. The party giver is responsible for cleaning up after the birthday party, except that the Ecology Center staff will clean up the supplies from the program portion of the party.
COOL BIRTHDAY THEMES
Birds of a Feather. Discover some astounding facts about our flying feathered friends - the birds! We will look at local songbirds, feathers, nests, and make an edible bird nest to take home!
Bugs, Bugs, Bugs. Get to know the most numerous of the Earth's inhabitants - insects! Learn about their exciting lives and even go on an insect scavenger hunt! Make your own bug to take home.
Animal Party. Learn about some of the wonderful animals that call Evanston home. We'll even take out some of the Ecology Center's critters for a visit. A set of rubber stamps will be used to make a take home project.
Rocks, Fossils, and Dinosaur Bones.Explore the secrets from the Earth's past by looking at rocks and fossils, and learning about the animals that lived here long ago. Make your own fossil replica to take home.
Space Out.This party is way out there! Learn about what's in our solar system, celestial bodies and other things that are out there. Make your own model comet to take home.
Reptile Romp.Learn about Evanston's reptilian residents, who they are, how they live and where they live. You'll even get to meet some reptiles up close! Make your own reptile to take with you.
Compass Course (ages 8 & up).Are you a survivor? See if you and your friends can find your way through a compass course in the arboretum. You'll learn how a compass works and how to use it. Each participant gets a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
Nature Rubber Stamping (ages 8 & up). Make amazing artwork with nature-themed rubber stamps. Learn to use different techniques and media to make create a wonderful finished product! Each child will make a set of three cards to take home.
