We’re here to make sure your child, your guests – and you – have a great time. Have a question that isn’t listed here? Please call us at 503-471-9911.

What is included in a birthday scheduled during Museum operating hours?
What is your payment, cancellation and schedule change policy?
What are the operating hours for Portland Children’s Museum?
When can the host set up the party room?
How do my guests check in?
What about parking?
Can we delay our party arrival or departure?
How do I know if my party has any additional charges for extra guests?
Can I decorate the room?
What about balloons?
Can we bring a piñata, streamers, or confetti?
Can we bring a clown, magician, or some other kind of entertainment?
Is there a refrigerator/freezer for cake/ice cream and other refreshments?
Do I need to clean up afterwards?
Can I bring an alcoholic beverage?
How long can my guests play in the Museum?
Can my guests attend a performance or character appearance at the Museum if it happens on the day of my child’s party?

What is included in a birthday scheduled during Museum operating hours?

• Private party room for 90 minutes.
• One Party Pal assistant to help with loading in, trash removal, Museum activities and familiarizing your guests with the Museum. Party pals are not considered entertainment for your party.
• Earth-friendly plates, silverware, cups for 33 people.
• Admission for up to 15 children and all adult chaperones with a room capacity of 33 people. This includes the host family.
• Any additional guests will be subject to paying Museum admission.
• Please note that we require one adult for every five children in the party room as well as on the Museum exhibit floor. Chaperones are responsible for their children’s safety and behavior.

What is your payment, cancellation and schedule change policy?

• Full payment is required to hold your reservation.
• Payment is fully refundable if cancellation is received 14 days before the party.
• A $50 fee will be charged if cancellation is made 24 hours before the party.
• Hosts who do not cancel 24 hours before, or do not show up for their party forfeit full payment
• One schedule change is allowed after the original booking. Subsequent changes are $20 for each change.

What are the operating hours for Portland Children’s Museum?
Generally 9am-5pm, but hours change seasonally. Please check our online calendar.

When can the host set up the party room?
Hosts can arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Please check in at the Box Office on arrival, your Party Pal will direct you to your room.

How do my guests check in?
Guests check in under the birthday child’s name. If the group is early, they will be invited to play in the Museum.

What about parking?
Parking in Washington Park for hosts and guests is free. The lot is shared with Oregon Zoo and the World Forestry Center and space can be limited. Please allow extra time for parking and inform your guests. Consider using Tri-Met as there is a MAX station here in Washington Park, or to carpool. The Museum is not responsible for parking availability.

Can we delay our party arrival or departure?
Often there is a party scheduled after yours, so we ask your help in arriving and departing on time. Parties who don’t vacate the room at their designated time are subject to additional charges.

How do I know if my party has any additional charges for extra guests?
The Party Pal will keep a list of charges the host must pay before departure.

Can I decorate the room?
To keep our murals looking great, decorations are not permitted on the walls. Feel free to use tablecloths or centerpieces.

What about balloons?
You can use balloons, but they can be a choking hazard so they are not allowed on the Museum floor. Leave them at the Box Office while you explore the Museum. Helium tanks are not allowed.

Can we bring a piñata, streamers, or confetti?
No. These items are choking hazards.

Can we bring a clown, magician, or some other kind of entertainment?
The Museum does not allow outside entertainment during operating hours.

Is there a refrigerator/freezer for cake/ice cream and other refreshments?
Each room has access 15 minutes prior to the scheduled party time until the end of the party.

Do I need to clean up afterwards?
Please take or throw away any leftover refreshments. Trash cans are available for paper goods/wrapping paper. Our staff will wipe tables, sweep the room and remove trash bags when your party is finished.

Can I bring an alcoholic beverage?
Not during operating hours. If you are interested in bringing any to your after-hours event, please contact the Museum about regulations that must be followed.

How long can my guests play in the Museum?
Guests of your party can play all day, from 9am-5pm unless the Museum is closing early. Please note that our art studios generally open later and close earlier than the rest of the Museum. Please call or view our online calendar for exact hours for the date of your party.

Can my guests attend a performance or character appearance at the Museum if it happens on the day of my child’s party?
We want your group to enjoy all special events happening at the Museum. Please note that we cannot make special accommodations for your group. Our performances and character appearances are on a first come, first served basis for all visitors. For popular events such as World Sound Sundays, or Superhero Weekend, please allow up to 30 minutes in line for your party to fit in our venue areas.