Birthday Parties

Our parties are booked either 11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Discovery After Dark parties are only booked on Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30pm-8:30pm.

We book parties on weekends only through our Birthday Party Administrator. Fill out our Birthday Party Request for Information to request dates. Birthday Party Request. There is no obligation to book when you fill out this form

*Schedule A:

For an 11am-1pm party:

10:30am-11am set up

11am-11:30am craft

11:30am-12pm show

12pm-1pm pizza & cake

For a 2pm-4pm party:

1:30pm-2pm set up

2pm-2:30pm craft

2:30pm-3pm show

3pm-4pm pizza & cake

*Alternate Schedule B:

For an 11am-1pm party:

10:30am-11am set up

11am-11:30am craft

11:30am-12pm pizza

12pm-12:30pm show

12:30pm-1pm cake

For a 2pm-4pm party:

1:30pm-2pm set up

2pm-2:30pm craft

2:30pm-3pm pizza

3pm-3:30pm show

3:30pm-4pm cake

*Check with the Birthday Party Administrator for your party schedule.

Tips are not required but they are appreciated. We cannot charge tips to your final bill.

Yes, you can. We include pizzas and drinks (juice or water) for the kids, but you can bring any extra snacks or drinks you like. You can also order extra pizzas through the Birthday Party Administrator (recommended). NO alcoholic beverages are allowed. You are responsible for all outside food orders.

No, alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed at Discovery Science Center. Failure to comply may result in fines and/or cancellation of your party – NO refunds.

Yes, you can EXCEPT NO helium balloons, NO glitter or confetti of any kind and NO pinatas. Failure to comply with these exceptions may result in a $50 cleaning fee. We supply themed table covers, a “Happy Birthday” banner and some themed wall decorations.

Yes, you can. However, you must inform the Birthday Party Administrator of any outside vendors you plan to use. Restrictions may apply

No, we supply classic white paper goods, including napkins, cups, plates, forks, and spoons. You are welcome to bring decorative paper goods if you like

Up to 13 kids and up to 15 adults are included in the base price for our party rooms. Extra charges will apply for any additional guests. Party rooms hold a maximum of 35 people per Bridgeport fire code. Our Dining Court upgrade (if available) can be added on for an extra charge to allow for up to 18 kids and 25 adults. Extra charges will apply for any additional guests. The Dining Court can accommodate up to 80 people per Bridgeport fire code and MUST be booked in advance to guarantee its availability.

Our party rooms hold a maximum of 35 people per the Bridgeport fire code (additional guest charges may apply).

For an extra charge, our Dining Court upgrade (if available) can accommodate a maximum of 80 people per the Bridgeport fire code (additional guest charges may apply). This upgrade MUST be booked in advance to guarantee its availability.

Please see our website for all possible upgrades and extras you can add to your party

You provide cake, cupcakes or dessert; we have plates and utensils.

Yes, included with your party package is a complimentary digital invitations platform. A party invite that matches your selected theme will be provided to you (with an option to swap). Digital invites also include:

• Online portal to send out invites via email or text message

• RSVP tracking

• Automated reminders

• Guest messenger tool to send out any event updates

• Event website page to share additional information with guests

• Group Card for guests to sign with written or video messages

• Event photo wall for guests to share their photos from the celebration

We will make every effort to reschedule your party at no cost to you. However, the standard policy is as follows:

If notice is given more than 30 days prior, a full refund or reschedule will be granted.

If notice is given 15-30 days prior to the event:

a. Party can be rescheduled at no charge.

-OR-

b. Partial refund will be given - Discovery will withhold 20% of reservation fee. Food items ordered through us will be refunded 100%.

If notice is given 1 week prior to the event:

a. Party can be rescheduled for a 10% rebooking fee.

-OR-

b. Partial refund will be given - Discovery will withhold 30% of reservation fee. Food items ordered through us will be refunded 100%.

If notice is given 48 hours prior to the event:

a. Party can be rescheduled for a 25% rebooking fee.

-OR-

b. A partial refund will be given - Discovery will withhold 50% of the reservation fee including all food/catering.

If a party is cancelled within 24 hours of start time, Discovery will withhold 100% of the reservation fee including food/catering.

In the case of inclement weather where safe travel is hindered and Discovery is notified of intent to cancel in proper time; Discovery will work to reschedule the party at the next available time for both with no additional fees incurred.

We calculate the number of extra guests on the day of the party. Your STEAM host will provide the final head count to the Birthday Party Administrator. You can either pay the extra guest fees at the front desk, or you will be billed to the form of payment used for booking (credit card or electronic invoice). Full payment will be due within 7 days.

Admission to Discovery for the day of the party is included for all your guests, but they are invited to visit the exhibits before or after the scheduled party times. For the Discovery After Dark Themed party, guests will have access to the exhibits during the entire scheduled time except during the planetarium show.

All our digital planetarium shows are listed on our website linked here: Planetarium Shows | SHU Discovery They are grouped by grade level, and they all have previews to help you decide. Upgrade to a live “Tour of the Solar System” for an extra charge. Live planetarium shows are not available for Discovery After Dark party bookings. Need more information? Our Birthday Party Administrator is available for questions.

We will send you pictures of all the available options for you to choose from once you’ve filled out the Birthday Party Request For Information. Need more information? Our Birthday Party Administrator will be able to discuss the craft options in more detail.

In the case of inclement weather where safe travel is hindered and Discovery is notified of intent to cancel in proper time, Discovery will work to reschedule the party at the next available time for both with no additional fees incurred.

Fill out our Birthday Party Request for Information-SHU Discovery. There is no obligation by filling out the form. You can also email birthdays@shudiscovery.org