Attentive staff to ensure your private party is organized and stress-free.
Food & beverage permitted in the Museum’s party rooms and atrium space.
Full, exclusive-access use of the Museum for all private parties including use of all props and exhibits.
Submit a Party Inquiry Now
Now booking private parties for Friday and Saturday evenings.
What’s Included In Your Private Party Booking
Exclusive Museum Access for up to 100 Guests
Play side by side with 100 of your closest friends or family members during your private party. Please remember that both children and adults, regardless of age count as guests.
2 Hours of Exploration & Discovery
Your private party booking guarantees you two uninterrupted hours of play throughout the Museum. Our after-hours parties are held from 6 – 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Included Setup & Cleanup of Museum Provided Items
SCM takes care of all setup and cleanup for Museum-provided items. Your space will be ready before you arrive, including free use of tables, chairs, and play-ready exhibits. After your event, we’ll handle all cleanup so you can simply enjoy.
Museum provided Tableware & Cutlery
We provide compostable single-use cutlery and tableware including cups, napkins, forks, knives, and spoons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you charge for after hour private parties?
A: $1,000 allows for 2 hours of exclusive museum use for your private party from 6:00 – 8:00pm for 100 guests. Additional guests are permitted for an additional charge. Current SCM Members are eligible for a 10% discount on the base price.
What type of special occasions do you suggest celebrating with an after hours private party at Seattle Children's Museum?
A: After hours private parties at Seattle Children’s Museum are perfect for Birthdays, kindergarten, preschool, or grade school graduations, class or school parties or meet-ups, baby showers, little league and sports team get togethers and celebrations, summer bashes, and more! There’s no age limit to who will enjoy celebrating a special occasion at SCM, and we’ll be sure to make it a memorable experience for all in attendance.
When can I arrive to start setting up? When can my guests arrive?
A: You can begin setting up at 5:30pm and your guests can begin arriving when the party starts at 6pm. We will leave the Museum doors open until 6:30pm before locking for the party’s duration so as to not confuse the Public.
Can I decorate the Museum for my private party?
A: Decorations must be contained within the Museum’s party rooms and provided tables in the main Atrium. We do not allow balloons, confetti, piñatas, or silly string. If you wish to hang up decor throughout the Museum, we will provide specific Painter’s Tape to use. Our rooms themselves are festively decorated with a colorful décor on the walls and brightly colored chairs and tables.
What do I need to bring?
A: Please refer to the FAQs to view our list of prohibited items and decor. SCM provides all tables, chairs, plates, napkins, silverware, and cups (all single-use compostable). If you wish to bring your own cutlery or tableware you may. Otherwise, bring yourself, your guests, food, beverage, and other servingware.
What type of food and drink is permitted?
A: You’re welcome to bring food and beverage for your private party, though all food & beverage items must be kept either within the Museum’s party rooms or on the laminate floor in the main atrium. Food warmers or any type of container that requires an open flame or heating system are permitted so long as they’re monitored by catering staff.
Is alcohol permitted?
A: With the proper banquet permit, alcohol is permitted at your party.
What audio/visual equipment do you provide?
A: We do not have speakers, projectors, screens, or other audio/visual equipment for your party’s use though you’re welcome to bring in your own. Please be advised that we have limited power outlets and power capabilities, as well as no public Wi-Fi throughout the Museum.
Are live entertainers allowed at private parties?
A: External vendors, entertainers, and catering will be permitted at your after hours event on a case-by-case basis. Please be aware that your vendor will not be let into the Museum before 5:30pm to begin their setup and we cannot store any materials or items for your vendor(s) before or after the event.
Do you have parking or do you validate garage parking?
A: We do not have our own parking garage, nor do we validate parking. There’s a multitude of parking and public transit options that are detailed out on our Parking & Transit Page HERE. Please be aware, and communicate to your guests, that our proximity to Climate Pledge Arena often spikes nearby parking prices to a more expensive “event rate” that is out of our control. We suggest cross-checking your desired party date with Climate Pledge Arena and Seattle Center event schedules for the easiest parking & campus access.
Besides the Member Discount, are private parties eligible for any other discounts?
A: Unfortunately our private parties are not eligible for Museums For All pricing or any other discounts other than our 10% Member Discount. If you’re looking for a more economical party-hosting option, please refer to our during-hours party options.
