Party & Event Rentals
Party Package
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to host your child’s birthday party at Cabin John Regional Park’s Locust Grove Nature Center. It’s natural! A fee of $225, payable in advance, includes the room rental and a program for up to 20 children.
What do you get?
- Birthday parties are 2 hours long
- The first hour is led by a Locust Grove Naturalist and includes a program and an outdoor activity related to the program.
- The remaining hour is yours to lead other activities, serve pizza and/or ice-cream and cake and enjoy the presence of friends.
- You will have 30 minutes before the party to set up and 30 minutes after the party to clean up.
What kind of programs can I choose from?
Our goal is to provide a program that is seasonal and interesting to the birthday child. Sample parties we have presented include:
- Frog & Toad –This springtime program includes a tadpole hunt
- Dinosaurs – Offered all year round; children make model fossils and explore for dinosaurs
- Woodland Fairies – Where would a fairy be without a toadstool to hide from rain? Fungi and small creatures abound in the woods and this is a fun way to understand their important role.
- Remarkable Reptiles -- Houdini and Seeker (our resident snakes) will come to your party! We'll learn about other local reptiles and then go on a search.
- The Monarch's Court – While not everyone can be a Monarch, this late summer/early fall party is about monarch butterflies and all princes and princesses can learn about this fascinating insect.
- Who lives in the woods? - Children will learn about the tracks, scats, and signs telling us who lives in the 500 acre woods of Cabin John Regional Park
- First Peoples – Offered all year, this program focuses on the ways Native Americans of the eastern woodlands used the plants and animals in their culture and traditions.
- Do you have an idea? We will be happy to work with you to make your party memorable
REMINDERS:
- Please remind guests to dress appropriately for the weather as an outdoor activity will be part of the scheduled program.
- You are responsible for providing all party food and supplies. The nature center does not provide ice or kitchen facilities.
- Piñatas are welcome but balloons are not.
- Because we are an eco-friendly facility, we encourage your efforts to use compostable materials and to plan a waste-free event.
- You are responsible for cleaning up after the party and leaving the room as you found it. The nature center will supply brooms or mops if needed. Trash and recyclables must be disposed of in the appropriate receptacles.
For further information please call 301.765.8660.
Campfire Rings
Imagine sitting around the campfire roasting marshmallows, enjoying S’mores in the company of friends…You can do that right here at Locust Grove! Reserve a fire ring for your next scout or youth group event.
The fire rings are available for organized groups in the afternoon and evening for a $75 fee.
Picnic Pavillion
Would you like to host an event on the quiet side of the park?
The picnic pavilion is available sunrise to sunset for a fee of only $100 for four hours.
Exhibit Room Rental
Groups may rent our exhibit room for private functions (dependant on staff availability and nature center scheduling). The exhibit room rental fee is $100 for a 2 hour period. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your reservation.
The Fine Print
- Locust Grove Nature Center does not provide trash cans or trash pick up. All trash must be carried out. Disposing of food in fire rings or in the woods constitutes littering, and clean up fees or fines may be assessed for trash or food left behind. All strings, signage, and decorations must be removed at the close of the event.
- All fires must be completely out (cold) prior to leaving the site.
- For the safety of our wildlife, rubber balloons are not allowed.
- Naturalist programs are not included in pavillion, exhibit room or campfire ring rentals unless arranged beforehand.
- Refund Policy
In the event that high winds, lightning conditions, or other conditions should cause Locust Grove to close and cancel an event, a full refund will be issued. If you must cancel your reservation, please submit a written request. If your request is received the day of the event no refund will be given. No refunds will be given to events missed by you. - Inclement Weather Policy
Locust Grove Nature Center encourages people to enjoy nature in all conditions. Events reserved in the Exhibit Room take place rain or shine. Events scheduled at the Fire Rings or Picnic Pavilion may be rescheduled in case of inclement weather.
To Make a Reservation
Please call Locust Grove Nature Center at 301-765-8660.
Montgomery County Department of Parks