• Child holding plush animal of Claude the alligator with albinism
    Celebrate in our iconic spaces...
  • Children gazing into the Philippine Coral Reef tank
    Take a scavenger hunt through Steinhart Aquarium...
  • Child and adult coloring
    Enjoy specially-themed crafts...
  • Birthday party guests in party hats gaze into the rainforest
    ...Gaze into the wonders of our rainforest and more!
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Online booking is now available! Birthday parties are for ages 4-12 and are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 am and 2 pm. Availability is limited; please book as far in advance as possible.

Inspire your pint-sized scientist with an unforgettable birthday bash at the Academy!

Designed for children ages 4-12, your party will feature an action-packed array of events and activities at one of the most enchanting — and educational — settings in the Bay Area.

Each party package includes:

  • 2-hour party room rental, including setup and cleanup
  • Interactive stories and games with your dedicated party host
  • Express entry into Osher Rainforest and The Shake House (earthquake simulator)
  • Reserved seating in the Morrison Planetarium (minimum age of 4)
  • A special gift for the birthday child and party favors for all kids

Select from one of four wildly fun party packages below:

Aquarium Odyssey

Philippine Coral Reef

Become a marine biologist for the day and explore the depths of our aquarium to find and identify a variety of marine species. This package includes:

  • Self-guided interactive scavenger hunt
  • Private 2-hour decorated party space
  • Dedicated party host
  • Special gift for the birthday child
  • Goodie bags for all children
  • Reserved Planetarium show seating for party group
  • All-day admission to the Academy with expedited entry to Osher Rainforest and The Shake House

Recommended for ages 4 and up. $629 members, $699 public. Admission for up to 16 people (including birthday child and family); additional people welcome for $40/person. Maximum party size is 40 people total.

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Canopy Quest

Common Green Birdwing Butterfly

Embark on an exciting safari adventure inside our rainforest to find and identify a variety of animal species. This package includes:

  • Self-guided interactive scavenger hunt
  • Private 2-hour decorated party space
  • Dedicated party host
  • Special gift for the birthday child
  • Goodie bags for all children
  • Reserved Planetarium show seating for party group
  • All-day admission to the Academy with expedited entry to Osher Rainforest and The Shake House

​Recommended for ages 4 and up. $629 members, $699 public. Admission for up to 16 people (including birthday child and family); additional people welcome for $40/person. Maximum party size is 40 people total.

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Cosmic Crafts

Andromeda Galaxy

Take a giant leap and learn all about the wonders of space and stars. Plus, make your own celestial creation. This package includes:

  • Guided 30-minute space-themed craft
  • Brief interactive talk about planets and constellations
  • Dedicated party host
  • Special gift for the birthday child
  • Goodie bags for all children
  • Reserved Planetarium show seating for party group
  • All-day admission to the Academy with expedited entry to Osher Rainforest and The Shake House

Recommended for ages 7 and up. $729 members, $799 public. Admission for up to 16 people (including birthday child and family); additional people are welcome for $45/person. Maximum party size is 40 people total.

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Ferocious Fossils

Tyrannosaurus Rex

Perfect for aspiring paleontologists! Learn about the giants that used to roam this land and go home with your very own homemade fossil. This package includes:

  • Guided 30-minute dinosaur-themed craft
  • Brief interactive talk on fossils and dinosaurs
  • Dedicated party host
  • Special gift for the birthday child
  • Goodie bags for all children
  • Reserved Planetarium show seating for party group
  • All-day admission to the Academy with expedited entry to Osher Rainforest and The Shake House

Recommended for ages 5 and up. $729 members, $799 public. Admission for up to 16 people (including birthday child and family); additional people welcome for $45/person. Maximum party size is 40 people total.

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Please note: Anyone over the age of 1 is considered a guest, regardless of membership status. A $200 non-refundable deposit is required at time of reservation and the balance is due 30 days prior to your event date. No refunds are given for cancellations within 30 days of event.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can attend my party?

All party packages include up to 16 guests (adults and children over the age of 1). You are welcome to add additional guests onto your package at $40 per person (Aquarium Odyssey & Canopy Quest packages) or $45 per person (Cosmic Crafts & Ferocious Fossils packages), for a maximum of 40 guests total. Your total guest count includes the birthday child and family.

Can I bring food or drinks to my party?

You are welcome to bring a special birthday dessert such as cupcakes or cake but we do not allow outside food or drinks. If you would like to order additional food we have various options, from quick snacks to hot food, pizza, and more. We can connect you with our Academy Café concierge to plan the perfect party meal.

Can I bring decorations to my party?

No need to bring anything, but yourselves! Your party host will decorate the space for you including tablecloths, banners, themed decor, and more. 

If you would like to bring additional decor, we recommend limiting it to simple table toppers, specialty napkins/plates, or small banners. Please no balloons, glitter, confetti, flowers, or wall hangings.

Can I explore the museum during or after my party?  

Yes! Your party space is booked for two hours and your package includes museum admission for all guests. Guests are welcome to explore the museum before or after your party. 

What kind of party favors are included in the party packages?

All children who attend a birthday party get to take home an Academy goodie bag. The surprises inside vary, but are sure to include toys or similar items that are age-appropriate for the age range of your guests. The birthday child will receive a special gift in addition to a goodie bag!

How does hosting a birthday party help the Academy?

Every Academy event supports far beyond what you see in the museum through our mission to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. Learn about our research and strategic initiatives to discover what your event will support.

What is the payment and refund policy?

Payment in full is due at the time of booking and includes a $200 non-refundable deposit. No refunds are given for cancellations within 30 days of your event.