Birthday Party FAQs

What age should the birthday child be?
Up to 12 years old

When should we book our party?
At least 3 weeks in advance Call 201.253.1310 to get started!

When are parties offered?
Birthday Bashes are offered at Saturdays or Sundays at 10:00 am, 11:30 am 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm.
Birthday Extravaganza Parties are available Saturdays or Sundays at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Space is limited so call 201.253.1310 now!

Do you require a deposit?
Yes, a 25% nonrefundable/nontransferable deposit is required at time of booking. The entire balance must be paid at least one week prior to the big day.

If I choose the Birthday Bash, will there be another party at the same time as mine in the Group Dining Room?
Possibly. We permit up to two at a time. (Birthday Bashes only. Birthday Extravaganzas are held in a private dining room.)

How many adults are required to be in the party room?
One adult for every five children is required to be in the party room and is included in the total number of guests for the party. More adults are always welcome, as long as they are included in the total number of guests. Each additional guest, over the initial party of 20, is $15.00.

What if I have additional guests the day of the party?
Any additional guests must be paid for prior to entrance to the party room. Party hosts are responsible for making sure the number of people in the party room does not exceed the number of people they booked.

What is a “semi-private” party room?
The semi private party room is the Group Dining Room, a large space where we can accommodate up to two parties at one time. Your group will have a specific area for their party within the shared party room.

What is a “shared party representative?”
Your party representative will be available as a resource and time guide but may work for your and one other party if another is scheduled in the shared party room.

Is the party room decorated?
Yes! The party room will be decorated in a festive party theme by Liberty Science Center.

May I bring my own decorations?
Additional decorations can be added to the tables but cannot be placed on the walls.

Is there a discount if I bring my own paper goods?
Paper goods are included in the overall price and cannot be discounted.

May we have a piñata?
We are sorry, but we do not have a place to hang a piñata.

Are sparklers or trick candles allowed?
No flames or sparklers of any kind are permitted as they may cause the fire alarm to activate, requiring us by law to evacuate the entire building.

Can we bring balloons?
Unfortunately, our sensitive fire alarm system can misinterpret balloons as smoke, triggering the fire alarm, so balloons are not permitted in the building.

Are goodie bags included in the price?
The birthday child receives a goodie bag included in the package price. If you would like to purchase goodie bags for each child in the party, you may choose that option.

When do our guests enjoy Liberty Science Center’s exhibitions?
For parties before 2:30 pm, your guests are welcome to remain in the building after the party until closing time. If you book a party at 2:30 pm we suggest you ask your guests to arrive early so they may enjoy the as the building before closing.

Where do our guests park?
The parking lot is owned by the State of New Jersey and operated by Central Parking. As a private, not-for-profit institution, Liberty Science Center does not receive parking revenue. A parking voucher is provided for the Birthday Party child car. All other cars will pay $7.00 per car to park. Please remember, you can purchase parking passes for all of your guests – just ask your Party Planner at 201.253.1310 about all of your party options.

Where does our party meet?
All parties begin at the Welcome Desk located on the first floor. Please ask your guests to arrive on time. Your LSC party representative will take the group to your reserved space promptly at the beginning of your party time.

What food options are available?
Restaurant Associates, our official onsite caterers, can provide a variety of food options for your party at an additional charge. To arrange food service, please call 201.253.1459. Final food orders must be placed by 5:00 pm the Tuesday before your party.

What is the cancellation policy?
The Birthday Party Program is non refundable. If you need to cancel your party please let us know as soon as possible. We will work with you to reschedule for another date.

What age counts toward the total number of guests?
Children one year and older count toward your group total.

Does the birthday party family count toward the total number?
Yes, every person entering the party room counts toward the total number of guests attending the party.

Can we store belongings in the party room while we visit the exhibit floors?
The birthday child’s gifts will be bagged upon entrance and stored in the bagged lunch area during the party. Once you are done in the party room, all belongings must be removed and stored in your car. No items may be left in the party room, as we will be setting up for our next party.

What do you mean by “light clean up?”
We ask for your assistance in cleaning up plates, cups, packing up any additional food and general pick up. Our Housekeeping department will take care of the rest.

What if I still have questions?
We’d love to answer them! Please feel free to call our Reservations department to speak with a Birthday Party Specialist at 201.253.1310. Your specialist is trained to help you get the most of this special day!