Birthday Parties at Holden Arboretum
Holden Arboretum
Ages 4-12
Make this year the best birthday yet for your little nature lover by hosting a party at The Holden Arboretum. Kids and adults alike will love celebrating with engaging, educational, and creative activities in the great outdoors. Birthday parties at the Holden Arboretum are interactive, exciting and an eco-friendly upgrade from traditional parties.
When
Saturdays or Sundays 9:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-4:30pm. Reservations must be made at least two weeks before the party date.
Hours
A 3-hour room rental beginning at the reserved time. This allows for a 30-minute setup/cleanup and a 2-hour party. Guests are welcome to come before their time starting at 9 am or stay after the room rental has expired and enjoy the arboretum until 5 pm, but you may only use the room during your reserved time.
Capacity
There is a maximum of 25 participants (including adults) per party. Pricing listed includes up to 15 people with the cost for additional guests listed below. Children under the age of 2 years are welcome free of charge but must be included in the participant count.
Pricing
$300 (member) $350 (non-member) for up to 15 guests (including adults and children under 2). Each additional guest is $8 per person. Maximum total attendance is 25 people. Children under the age of 2 years are welcome to attend free of charge but must be included in the participant count. There is a $50 non-refundable deposit required at the time of booking.
What’s included:
- A 3-hour room rental beginning at the reserved time. This allows for a 30-minute setup/cleanup and a 2-hour party. Guests are welcome to come before their time starting at 9 am or stay after the room rental has expired and enjoy the arboretum until 5 pm, but you may only use the room during your reserved time.
- Admission to the Arboretum for the entire day for all party guests.
- A special gift for the birthday child
- An hour-long program led by Arboretum staff
- Access to the Canopy Walk & Emergent Tower and Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods play area (seasonal Spring-Fall, ask about availability)
- Tables, chairs, & trash receptacles
What you provide:
Food & Drinks – No refrigeration provided. No alcoholic beverages are permitted.
Utensils & tablecloths (trash receptacles provided) – We encourage sustainability. Please keep single-use plastics to a minimum.
Decorations – Table decorations are highly encouraged. Please use string/ribbon to attach décor – no adhesives. Absolutely no confetti, glitter, or balloons allowed.
Example Party Timeline:
9:30-10:00 am – Party Set Up
10:00-10:15 am – Guests Arrive
10:15 am-11:15 pm – Themed Program
11:15-12:00 pm – Food, Presents, Cake
12:00-12:30 pm – Party Clean Up
12:30-anytime until 5 pm – Arboretum Exploration, Canopy Walk & Tower, Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods
Booking Your Party
To book your party, choose your desired theme below and select “book.”
Birthday Party Themes
Forest Fantasy – (year-round) Ages 4-12
Our forests are full of myths and magic! Creativity and imagination will guide this woodland adventure as search the arboretum for fairies and other creatures of legend. Along the way, we’ll gather enchanted materials to make our very own magic wands to take home.
Book Your Forest Fantasy PartyBug Bash – (April-October) Ages 4-12
Explore the Woodland Trail and go on a bug hunt! Learn about the importance of friendly critters and pollinators while searching the Arboretum for insects. Receive your very own hand lens to continue exploration at home!
Book Your Bug Bash PartyWinter Wonderland (November – March) Ages 7-12
Amazing things happen in the forest during the winter! Join us on a winter hike where we’ll search for animal tracks and homes, spot winter birds, and learn about evergreens. Then, we’ll warm up with some hot cocoa after the chilly adventure. For extra fun, snowshoes are available upon request (weather permitting).
Book Your Winter Wonderland PartyBirthday Party FAQ
Let’s get to the root of our most commonly-asked questions.
Where are the parties located?
Birthday parties are located in the Corning Visitors Center at Holden Arboretum (9550 Sperry Road Kirtland, OH 44094).
Where should I and my guests check in?
When arriving, please check in with the guest services representative at the gate. Give the name of the party and park in our visitor parking lot. There will be signs outside and inside the Corning Visitor Center directing you and your guests to the party room. If you or your guests cannot find the room, please ask one of our friendly guest services representatives inside the visitor center, and they will be happy to help.
The person with the membership must be the one to book the party and make arrangements.
What if other children and their parents are members? Do we still have to pay for them?
Yes. If an adult and/or child attends the party (in the room and participates in the activities), they are included in the final count. If they do not attend the party and are members, they may use their membership to enjoy the arboretum while the party takes place.
I need to cancel or reschedule – is there a fee?
Parties are staged rain or shine. Come dressed for the weather. We will provide a refund minus the $50 deposit for cancellations up to 7 days before the party date. There is no fee to reschedule your party.
Parties are staged rain or shine. Come dressed for the weather. Staff will assist guests in seeking appropriate shelter in the event of a thunderstorm. Supplemental indoor activities will be provided. Weather cancellations will be decided by Holden Arboretum staff only, and only in extreme conditions such as blizzard or tornado. In cases of extreme weather, parties may be rescheduled or cancelled for a full refund.
Can I hire additional entertainment?
No additional entertainment (clowns, magicians, puppeteers, piñatas) is allowed.
An age-inclusive nature journal
What policies are in place regarding Covid-19?
Masks are not currently required indoors for staff or visitors. However, you and your party guests may act according to your comfort levels. The party room is thoroughly cleaned before and after each party, and access to sanitizer is provided, as well as soap and water in public restrooms. These policies are based on current Holden Forests & Gardens Covid-19 guidelines and are subject to change at any time. Party hosts will be notified of any important changes before the date of the party.
Discounted birthday parties are one of the many benefits of a family membership at The Holden Arboretum. If you are not a member but would like to become one, you can purchase a membership online, in-person when you come to visit, or by calling the Guest Services desk at (440) 946-4400.
