Birthday Parties: No matter what the weather, we offer a Spectacular venue for an unforgettable birthday celebration

February / March and October / November: 10.30 - 1.30 pm or 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm

April / May / June / July / August / September: 10.30 am - 1.30 pm or 2 pm - 5 pm

Includes:
- Access to the indoor interactive hands-on exhibits.
- Access to the giant science equipment in the outdoor Discovery Park and Water Planet areas (weather permitting).
- Visit to 1 of the Telescope Domes with a member of staff for an informative talk (max 25 mins) and lots of Q&A opportunity!
- A fun activity led by a member of staff to explore the exciting world of science. Themes include: 'Flight', 'Space', 'Sound'.
- Personalised souvenir vacuum-formed sign for the birthday child.
- Birthday tea served in marquee/ geodesic dome.

Buffet style birthday tea (per child):  1 round of homemade sandwiches: ham, cheese, egg mayo, tuna mayo, strawberry jam or Marmite, 1 homemade puff pastry cheese swirl, selection of crisps, biscuits, apple / orange juice or water: £12.75 per child (8 children minimum).

Burger (meat or veg) or hot dog with fries from The Launch Box, cake with scoop of ice cream and apple / orange juice: £15.25 per child. Adult meal: £7.50.

Catering alternatives can be discussed but may be subject to additional charge.

With every 4 children you can bring 1 adult free of charge to help you supervise the children.

At the time of booking if you are not sure of the exact number of children / adults, you pay the £102 and then simply adjust the numbers and settle the balance 5 days before. Please note: the charity is unable to refund any overpayments.

Adults above the free ratio can stay for a reduced admission of just £6 pp. 
Siblings (age 4+) of party guests will also be charged £6 admission and must be supervised by an adult. 
The Café will be open throughout if you wish to purchase additional refreshments.

What better way for your budding astronomer to celebrate their birthday than with a twilight stargazing party.

Times: 4pm - 7pm or 5pm - 8pm (or similar to be discussed).

Includes:
- Access to the indoor interactive hands-on exhibits
- Access to the giant science equipment in the outdoor Discovery Park and Water Planet areas (weather and light permitting)
- A member of staff guiding you to two telescope domes
- Viewing through an historic telescope (weather / light permitting) 
- Personalised souvenir vacuum-formed sign for the birthday child
- Hot food served in the café (closed to the public)

Meal consists of:
Homemade beef lasagne and garlic bread, mixed leafy green salad

OR

Burger / hot dog & fries

Homemade chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream
Hot drink of choice

Alternatives can be discussed but may be subject to additional charge

COST: £275 for up to 12 children and 3 adults, including catering for all.

• The Centre is the venue for your party: we do NOT supervise your children. You bring a ratio of free adults (1 per 4 children) who have responsibility for the children at all times. 

A member of staff will be your party co-ordinator on the day and will meet your group, advise of timings, lead the tour, activity and generally oversee and be on hand to answer questions. They will not take responsibility for your children.

•You will be required to sign a Birthday Party Code of Conduct ensuring that the adults accompanying the party will be responsible for the safe conduct of the children at ALL times. 

•A payment for the minimum 8 children is required at the time of booking, which is non-refundable if the party is cancelled with less than 3 weeks' notice. You will be charged for the minimum of 8 children, even if less than 8 attend.

•For daytime parties the balance for additional children / adults / siblings is due 5 days before the party. 

•For twilight parties the full payment is taken at the time of booking. 

•Child membership holders do not qualify for any discount on parties. 

•Adult membership holders can accompany a daytime party free of charge (food additional). 

You can arrive 15 minutes ahead of your party guests and we request everyone leaves the site no later than 15 minutes after the party end time.

•Drop off / pick up for daytime party is in our entrance reception / shop. We do not permit anyone to enter unless they have been paid for and are on your party list. If families dropping off / picking up their child wish to enter The Centre, they must pay the admission price.                       

With a twilight party there is no option for additional children / adults to stay at The Centre

•Children & adults should dress appropriately for the weather conditions especially if they wish to use the outdoor areas or have booked a twilight party. Most areas have no heating.

•Allergen information available on request. We are unable to cater for severe allergies and children on a very restricted diet may prefer to bring their own food. Please ensure you make us aware of special requirements and we will do our best to meet your needs, but may need to charge a supplement. 

•The main buildings have very sensitive smoke alarms, but you are welcome to light candles for your birthday cake in the geodesic / marquee.

•We do NOT use balloons in any activity. 

•We do NOT include sweets or balloons in the Goody Bags. 

•The Observatory Science Centre accepts no responsibility for personal property / presents etc.