Norman Bird Sanctuary > a 300+ acre wildlife refuge near Newport RI, offering over 7 miles of hiking trails.

Book your Child's Next Birthday Party at NBS!

Take a walk on the wild side, with one of our engaging, age-appropriate Birthday Parties! Our nature-based programs will create a memorable birthday that your child will never forget!

Choose from one of our 12 exciting party themes! Each party features one hour of programming led by an NBS educator, with an additional hour for space rental (time for parent-led activities such as games, cake, and presents). Available to NBS members only. To download our Birthday Party flyer, please click here.

Program Choices

Meet the Animals - Look eyeball to eyeball with snakes, lizards, hissing cockroaches, and more! In this fun-filled animal adventure, you’ll meet four of the NBS education animals of your choice. An exciting hands-on class for all ages!

Discovery Hike - You never know what we might discover as we investigate NBS habitats! We’ll peek under logs, go on a nature scavenger hunt, and make other seasonal discoveries as we explore the great outdoors!

Pond Life (Offered March-October) - Discover the amazing plants and animals that call the pond home. We’ll use collecting nets to look for frogs, dragonfly larvae, and other water-ready critters. A visit with one of our aquatic animals will complete the fun! seasonally.

Winging It - Learn all about birds and their behavior. Your group will use binoculars to spot native birds along the trail and meet the Sanctuary’s red tailed hawk. Biofacts, tactile props, and active games will also be featured.

Lost in the Wild (Recommended for Grades 3+) - Test your survival skills in this exciting outdoor program. You’ll learn how to use a compass through games and a NBS compass course! The group will also investigate animal tracks and learn how to build an outdoor shelter.

Naturally Crafty - Use the great outdoors as your canvas as we make our own works of art from earth-friendly and natural materials. We’ll meet an NBS animal and explore habitats as each child completes three take-home crafts. (This theme lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes, so cannot have any add-ons)

Seashore Safari (Offered March-October) - Spend your birthday at the beach! We’ll explore the shoreline with scavenger hunts, games, animals, and much more. Please note that extra transportation time (to and from the beach) is required for this class.

Scientific Sleuths (Recommended for Grades 2+) - NBS is transformed into a scientific laboratory! You and your guests will make slime, create volcanic eruptions, and have lots more ooey gooey fun. Prepare to get messy in this hands-on party!

Nature & Science of Harry Potter - Why travel to Hogwarts? You can enroll in Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, and Potions class right here at NBS! We’ll even brew our own “butterbeer” to celebrate your child's special day!

Night Hike (Recommended for Grades 2+) - Discover nature “after hours” with our unique nighttime party option. We’ll go on a hike through the forest and study the senses that nocturnal animals use to survive. Offered select Friday nights; times vary by season.

Looking for even more fun and excitement?

You can choose to “supersize” your NBS party by adding an extra staff-led activity. One 20 minute add-on may be selected per party (total event time is still 2 hours). We recommend choosing activities that differ from the theme of your party. A variety of options are available, including:

Animal Presentation: Choose one NBS education animal to visit your party.
Trail Walk: Add an interpretive hike through the forest– you never know what you might discover!
Hanging Rock Hike: Extend your Discovery Walk to include a hike to scenic Hanging Rock! We'll explore the geology and amazing ecology of this exciting trail. Recommended for 4th grade and up.
Nature Craft: Let us design an earth-friendly craft to complement your program.
Scavenger Hunt: Join us for an exciting, seasonally-themed scavenger hunt along the trails.
Nature Games: Let’s get moving with some of our favorite nature-based active games!
Science Song Circle: Add a musical twist to your party with an interactive group sing-along!
Nature Gourmet: We’ll mix up some fun with a nature-themed snack that your group helps to prepare.
Seasonal Secrets: Don’t let the cold keep you indoors, or the hot summer sun make you miss all the fun! We’ll celebrate your child’s birth season with special outdoor activities, experiments, and crafts.
Fish/Leaf/Track Printing: We’ll decorate t-shirts, scarves, or canvas bags with beautiful fish, leaf, or animal track prints (T-shirts not included).

Party Pricing and Details

Parties are scheduled on Friday afternoons (4:00-6:00), Friday nights (night hikes only; times vary by season), or Saturday afternoons (1:00-3:00, 2:00-4:00, or 3:00-5:00; additional Saturday times may vary). Each party takes place in the NBS Ed Shed or Classroom and includes an additional 45 minutes for set up and 30 minutes for clean up.

Tables and chairs are included, and refrigeration is available if needed. Please provide your own food, utensils, table cloths, and decorations. NBS respectfully requests that balloons and live animal party favors not be included in your party.

Birthday parties are offered year round and take place rain or shine, with indoor activities available in case of inclement weather. Please book your party early, as space is limited and dates are reserved on a first come / first served basis.

Each 2 hour birthday party is offered for $125 (Naturally Crafty, Seashore Safari and Night Hike are $150). Because our parties are so popular, they are only available to NBS members. A family membership ($50), which may be added at the time of your booking, entitles you to one year of free admission to our grounds and discounts on education programs and gift shop purchases.

Party prices include the birthday child and up to 12 guests. Children 2 and under attending with parents but not participating in party activities are free. Additional children, up to a maximum of 20, may attend for an additional $4.00 per child. Programs are geared towards children 4-12, but may be adapted for 2-3 year olds. Advanced themes are also available for older students.

Only one “add on” activity may be selected per party, for a $25 fee. These activities must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.

In order to reserve your event, please note that payment is due in full two weeks prior to the party date.

For more information or to schedule a birthday party at NBS, please call
(401) 846-2577 or e-mail education@normanbirdsanctuary.org