Is a reservation necessary for birthday parties?
Yes! Please fill out an inquiry form located on our website.
SCM requires at least 2 weeks notice for booking a party and recommend booking a month in advance. We do not allow unscheduled birthday parties.
SCM currently does not allow booking parties farther out then 6 months.
What are the party packages & rates?
SCM has 3 party rooms available:
- Polka Dot Playground $300 for 20 individuals
- Tumbling Triangles $300 for 20 individuals
- Seattle Seasons $400 for 30 individuals
All parties include:
- self-directed exploration in all museum exhibits & programming
- 90 minutes in the party room
- compostable plates, silverware, cups, and napkins
- SCM staff to clean up the mess!
Members of SCM receive 10% off the party package!
Do the birthday party packages include any staff facilitation?
Staff will not facilitate your party. We do have a birthday greeter who will greet and direct your guests to the party room and check in on your party periodically.
SCM will supply self-facilitated activities for your use while in the party rooms.
What are the accepted methods of payment?
We accept Visa and MasterCard. A 50% non-refundable deposit will be made upon time of confirmation.
Full payment is due 1 weeks prior to your party date and unless the Museum is contacted, the remaining amount will be charged to the credit card provided for the deposit. Once a party has been paid for in full, it is also non-refundable, but can be rescheduled on a space available basis up to one year after the original party date.
Payment plans are available upon request.
Will I receive a discount with my SCM Membership?
Yes, you will receive a 10% discount on your birthday party package with a membership.
If I have extra guests who are members, will I still have to pay for them?
Yes. All extra children and adults must be paid for, regardless of membership status.
Will I be able to decorate the room before my party begins?
Set up and pack up are included in the 90-minute rental. You will have access to the room at the time that your birthday party is scheduled to begin.
Can I bring decorations?
You are welcome to bring tablecloths and other simple & not messy décor. We do not allow balloons, confetti, piñatas, silly string, live animals, entertainers, or the use of tape on our walls. Our rooms themselves are festively decorated with a colorful décor on the walls and brightly colored chairs and tables.
Can I bring food and beverages? How will I store them?
Yes! Food is allowed in the birthday rooms (not in the exhibits) and a small refrigerator is located in each party room that you can access at the start of your party. You are also responsible for any servingware or serving utensils required for your party.
Alcohol, glassware, hot plates, chafing dishes, or any other kinds of heating element are not allowed in the Museum or party rooms.
We highly recommend easy to serve snack food. Items like apple slices, baby carrots, string cheese, goldfish, berries, grapes, & pretzels are great crowd pleasers! Milk, juice or water are great options for drinks.
Psst… don’t forget the cake & candles!
Can I drive up to the Museum to unload party supplies or drop off guests?
Unfortunately, the Seattle Center Campus is closed to vehicles. We suggest unloading at the corner of 2nd and Thomas, near the Seattle Children’s Theatre, or at 5th and Harrison near the MoPOP turnaround. We suggest using a collapsible utility cart or rolling suitcases to easily transport your party supplies.
SCM does have carts available for check out at our front desk.
Where can I find parking, and how much does it cost?
SCM shares parking with all of Seattle Center, which can be busy, please be sure to give yourself plenty of time and prepare your guests!
For up to date pricing and location information, please reference the Seattle Center website at https://seattlecenter.com/visitor-info/getting-here.
What directions should I give my guests?
The best directions you can give your guests is to tell them to drive toward the Space Needle! We are located on the Seattle Center campus and the signage from the freeway points people to Seattle Center and the Space Needle. From there, parking around Seattle Center campus is easiest if you point people to one of the Seattle Center Parking Garages. For more specific driving directions, click here.
After parking, follow the signs for the Armory or Seattle Children’s Museum. We are on the ground level of the Armory. Click here for printable “Helpful Tips for Birthday Party Guests”.
Where will my guests enter the Museum?
You and your guests will be checking in at the front desk at the start of your party time. All your guests need to do is mention the birthday kid’s name, and they will be checked-in, receive wristbands, and be directed to your party room.
Click here for printable “Helpful Tips for Birthday Party Guests”.
Can my guests and I stay after the party?
Yes please! After your party, you and your guests are welcome to stay and play during our open hours.
Can I tell my adult guests that it is an option for them to drop their kids off and leave them at the Museum for the duration of the party?
Unfortunately, no. Due to safety reasons, SCM has a strict no children allowed without adults policy. Children entering the Museum must have an adult caregiver with them.
Q: Are party discount coupons and vouchers issued prior to your COVID closure still accepted?
A: All discounts, coupons, and voucher issued prior to the museum’s closure in 2020 expired in April of 2023 and can no longer be accepted.
