Birthday Party FAQs
We aim to make every child’s birthday party full of joy and creativity at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Learn the ins and outs of hosting that special day at the museum.
reservations
do i need a reservation for a party?
Yes! We require all birthday party reservations to be requested at least 30 days in advance. Parties with add-on activities require 45 days notice for purchasing and staffing purposes. Requests and inquiries are answered Wednesday – Sunday between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
To begin the reservation process, please submit a request:
OR
Call our Senior Birthday Associate at 412.322.5058, ext 228, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
These steps do not complete your reservation, but help us gather basic information about your visit. Someone will contact you to confirm your details.
what if my group needs to cancel?
The party hosts should contact 412.322.5058, ext 228, or email birthdays@pittsburghkids.org to notify us of any necessary delays, cancellations or need to reschedule.
party rooms
how many guests can i invite?
Birthday parties at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh can accommodate 30-40 guests, depending on room availability.
Large Party Room/Classroom: 40 guests
3rd Floor Conference Room: 30 guests
decorations
can i decorate for my party?
Yes! The party host family is allowed access to their party space 30 minutes prior to the party to decorate. Free standing decorations are highly encouraged. We do not allow the use of tape, tacks, nails, or adhesive to affix decorations. We request that guests do not use confetti or glitter on floors or tables.
museum admission
does my reservation cover admission to the museum for my guests?
Yes! Every birthday party reservation will cover the admission of 30 guests to explore the museum after your party. The party host will not have access to the party space until 30 min prior to the reservation time.
food & drink
do you offer food options for birthday parties?
Yes! Bean Sprouts, the hip & healthy café at the Children’s Museum, offers a catering menu to order food for your birthday party, including pizzas, sandwiches, fruit platters, drinks and more.
See the Bean Sprouts Catering Menu
At least one week’s advance notice is required for catering requests.
Please send your catering inquiries to: cmpcatering@beansprouts.com.
can i bring my own food?
Absolutely! Guests can bring in their own food, or have it delivered to the museum.
Guests may not bring or use cooking or heating equipment. Please note that guests will not have the ability to reheat and store food. Guests are responsible for packaging and disposing of all leftover food brought into the museum.
No Alcohol is permitted on museum grounds.
parking
does my reservation cover the parking costs for my guests?
The Birthday Family will receive 1 free parking pass for either the CMP parking lots or Nova Garage as part of their party package. Guests can coordinate with Birthday Associate upon checkin.
Party guests can pay for parking at one of the parking meters located within the Museum lots prior to entering the museum. Parking is also available in the Nova Place Parking Garage, Gate 4. Guests can purchase a discounted exit ticket for $8 from the Museum’s Admissions Desk.
can i pay for my guests parking?
Yes! Group parking codes can purchased in advance for $8 per vehicle. We will require vehicle information such as make, model, and license plate numbers in advance.
deposits & payments
when are payments due?
A nonrefundable 50% deposit is due 14 days in advance of your party in order to secure a date and confirm a reservation.
Final payment is due on the day of the party before leaving the party space. Full payment is based on a minimum of 30 guests, regardless of attendance.
Payment is due before the end of your reservation time.