Children enjoy an exciting and educational birthday party for their special day! Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the nature center your child’s special day will be one of exploration, learning, and fun. Birthdays are a member benefit. Current Family Membership or higher is required.
How to Book a Party?
1. Choose Your Package
- Review the Party Themes page and select from our Classic, Deluxe, or Ultimate packages.
- Complete the corresponding interest form.
- Review the Parent Checklist: Familiarize yourself with our policies, your responsibilities, and what TNC provides for your celebration.
- Wait for a TNC Staff member to reach out to you to verify availability.
2. Complete Date Reservation & Payment
- A $50 non-refundable deposit is due at booking to hold your date & time and applies toward your total fee.
- Once you receive the confirmation & invoice form, review and sign it.
- Submit remaining balance* by the due date listed on your confirmation & invoice form.
3. Additional Details
- Connect with Your Educator: Your party educator will reach out 24–48 hours before your event to introduce themselves and confirm final details.
- Celebrate!: Enjoy a fun-filled day with family and friends—making memories that will last a lifetime!
Party Example Schedule
| 10:30 am-11:00 am | Arrive and set up reserved space |
| 11:00 am-12:00 pm | Educator leads themed program |
| 12:00 pm-12:30 pm | Refreshment time (Parent led) |
| 12:30 pm-01:00 pm | Hand out favors as guests leave, followed by clean-up. |
| 01:00 pm | Leave TNC with smiles—and your trash. |
Accessibility at TNC
Many of the programs Tenafly Nature Center offers can be altered to meet the needs of participants with disabilities or those who require accommodations. We ask that you provide pertinent information about any disabilities and/or required accommodations within a minimum of two weeks’ prior to the program. This helps us provide a quality program experience for all participants.
Reschedule, Cancellation & Refund Policies for Birthday Parties
We encourage participants to consider converting refunds into a donation to help support TNC’s mission of nature education and conservation.
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Outdoor Programs – Rain or Shine
Programs are held outdoors. In case of rain, activities move under the pavilion with covered panels. During extreme weather or unsafe temperatures, the Education Team will determine alternative arrangements.
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Rescheduling
Deposits may be transferred to the next available date, which may fall in a later season or school year depending on availability.
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Payment Options*
- Payments may be made by cash, check (payable to Tenafly Nature Center), purchase order, or securely online by credit card.
- A 2.3% processing fee applies to credit card transactions; cash or check payments are fee-free.
- Help maximize the impact of your purchase by covering transaction and credit card fees, simply select the checkbox during registration to add the fee and ensure 100% supports TNC.
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Cancellations & Fees
- All cancellations are subject to a $50 processing fee.
- Deposits are non-refundable.
- Remaining balances (excluding deposit and fee) are refunded as follows:
- 30+ days’ notice: 100% refund
- 15–30 days’ notice: 50% refund
- Less than 14 days’ notice: No refund
- Business days are Monday–Friday; weekends and holidays are not included.
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Program & Reservations Changes by TNC
TNC may cancel programs & reservations due to weather or emergencies. When possible, programs will be rescheduled; otherwise, a refund (excluding deposit) will be issued.
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Facility Use
A minimum $50 fee may be charged for damages or trash left behind. You will be notified by phone if an invoice is created.
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Registration Accuracy
Refund and cancellation policies apply if group size or participant age differs significantly from the original registration without prior notice.
Other Policies
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Memberships are non-refundable, as they are considered tax-deductible donations with year-round benefits.
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TNC reserves the right to terminate or deny programs and reservations without refund for non-compliance with policies, safety concerns, interference with operations, and inappropriate behavior.
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Refund policies vary for Camps, Field Trips, Gifted & Talented, Homeschool, Professional Development, Scouts, TNC To Go Programs, Seasonal Programs, Facility Rentals, and Special Events. Please refer to those program pages for specific details.
Party location
Parties begin and end at the times listed on your confirmation sheet. Please ensure prompt drop-off and pick-up to help us stay on schedule.
Held under our outdoor covered pavilion with retractable canvas sides and a fireplace.
Parties run rain or shine unless TNC must cancel due to extreme circumstances.
Party Decorations & Setup
Arrive 30 minutes early to decorate the space.Decorations are welcome (banners, crepe paper, streamers). Please leave the area as you found it.
Picnic tables: 6 standard (4 x 8) and 2 wheelchair-accessible (4 x 10).
Not allowed: noisemakers, piñatas, balloons (latex or mylar), or live animal party favors.
For eco-friendly ideas, see our Green Party Tips page.
Party Refreshments
After the program, allow 30 minutes for refreshments. Families may bring or arrange delivery—no on-site cooking or refrigeration.Trash removal is the family’s responsibility. Please bring a trash bag and take it with you when leaving.
No drink boxes (straw wrappers can harm wildlife).
Do not place food, plates, or cups in outside trash cans.
Alcohol is not permitted.
Clean-Up & Leave No Trace
After the party, allow 30 minutes for clean-up to restore the space.
TNC follows Leave No Trace principles. Bring a trash bag for garbage and take it with you.
Recycling is encouraged: cardboard, glass, metals, and plastics #1–7.
Do not leave any food or waste in outside trash cans to protect wildlife.
Photography: Mark Saunders
Participant Behavior & Supervision
Parental Responsibility: Parents are responsible for their children’s behavior; TNC staff do not supervise participants. Adequate adult supervision is required.
Supervising Adults: A maximum of 10 adults may accompany children during the program to ensure a quality experience.
Suggested Ratios: For children ages 5 and up, we recommend 1 adult per 5 children.
Cell Phone Etiquette: Supervising adults should silence phones. Calls should be taken away from the group.
Non-Participating Adults: Parents not supervising may enjoy refreshments or conversation in the conference room or non-program areas.
Additional Guidelines
Siblings & Guests: Children not part of the party must be accompanied by an adult if exploring other areas of TNC.
Group Size: Smaller groups often create a more meaningful experience. Inviting an entire class may not be feasible.
Nature Center Etiquette: TNC is a nature preserve. Please follow trail rules and posted information to ensure safety.
Responsibility: Group representatives are accountable for guest behavior and any property damage.
Gratuity: Tips for educators are greatly appreciated!