Birthday Parties and Celebrations at The Iowa Children’s Museum
There are birthday parties… and then there are core-memory-creating, laughter-filled, “can we do this again next year?” parties. If you’re looking for a celebration that goes beyond cake and streamers, hosting your party at The Iowa Children’s Museum in Coralville makes the fun easy for everyone.
You don’t have to coax kids to join the fun here. They’re instantly engaged, exploring exhibits and discovering new favorite spaces. Meanwhile, adults can relax knowing the activities, space, and entertainment are already ready to go—no extra planning required.
Birthdays That Are Easy for Parents, Fun for Kids
Our birthday party packages include a private party room for two hours, providing a dedicated space for decorations, food, gifts, and gathering everyone.
Base price for party packages starts at $225 for members and $250 for nonmembers, making it an awesome indoor birthday party option in the Iowa City area. Party packages include:
- Private party room for two hours (decorations welcome)
- 30 minutes before and after for setup/clean-up
- Admission for up to 15 guests (discounted admission for additional guests)
- Kid- and adult-sized tables and chairs
- Freedom to bring your own decorations, food, and cake
During your celebration, guests have full access to museum exhibits, allowing families to play and explore at their own pace before returning to the party room for cake, presents, or downtime. Whether your group prefers nonstop movement or a mix of play and party, this flexibility keeps everyone happy.
Bigger Celebrations and Facility Rentals
Planning a bigger party? Want something outside of the “party room” box? The museum also offers full-facility rentals, giving your group exclusive access after hours or on select weekends.
These rentals are ideal for:
- School celebrations and group events
- Birthdays and family gatherings
- Corporate and community events
Facility rentals start at $350, with pricing adjusted based on group size and event needs.
Why Families Love Museum Parties
Parents consistently tell us museum parties are easier and more enjoyable than hosting at home. There’s no rearranging furniture, no weather worries, and no need to invent activities to keep kids entertained.
Plus, our space is one-of-a-kind! We know that play is learning, and every room is designed with how kids learn in mind. Exhibits naturally keep children engaged, so adults can spend less time managing the party and more time enjoying the celebration.
Best of all, parties are fully customizable! Bring your own decorations and let the museum serve as an interactive backdrop for your event. Whether you’re hosting a small birthday with close friends or a larger celebration with classmates and family, the experience adapts to your needs and is rooted in the fact that playing is learning.
What Parents Are Saying
“Everyone from the 1-year-old to the 67-year-old grandpa had THE BEST time. We will most certainly be back during regular hours and possibly for more birthday celebrations. The staff was super helpful, kind, and welcoming. I cannot imagine a better experience anywhere else.” -Museum Patron
“We loved the party room set up, the child-sized tables/chairs, and the sinks were perfect. I loved that someone from the ICM reached out to me the week leading up to our party to know how to prepare the room for us. There was always a staff member available if we had questions.” -Museum Patron
Ready to Book Your Party?
Looking for a fun, stress-free birthday party in the Iowa City-Coralville area? Let us help you create a celebration that’s easy, exciting, and unforgettable.
Book your birthday party at The Iowa Children’s Museum and let PLAY do the rest.
