ON-SITE BIRTHDAYS
Let Nature Throw a Party for You!
The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center is a wonderful destination for themed, nature-based birthday parties! Trained teachers/naturalists provide age-appropriate programs for each party including a 30-40-minute program with hands-on activities and animal encounters, a 30-minute nature hike, a t-shirt for the birthday child (1 per party) and nature-themed party favors.
Tables, chairs, and some themed decorations and displays will be set up with posters and other items, including live insects, reptiles, or other animals. Parents are in charge of birthday decorations, food, and clean-up. The first and last 30 minutes of the 3-hour rental period are designated for set up and clean up.
Eight themed parties are commonly offered (see below). Custom parties can be created if there is a special theme that the child would like (a $25 fee will be charged for program design).
Birthday parties are $150 for up to 20 children and $5 for each additional child. Party organizer must have a current KPNC membership.
Birthday Testimonial
“I just wanted to let you and everyone at the Kreher Preserve know how special my son’s birthday party there was! He said it was his favorite birthday yet! All of the guests kept telling us how unique and enjoyable it was, and they all loved the real animals! We wanted to give a special thanks to Soraya, the leader of the reptile program! Her enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge about animals kept every single person at the party interested and entertained! That is really saying something since we had kids starting at age 2 to adults up to age 70! This birthday party definitely goes down in the books as one of the best! Thanks to all of you at the KPNC for doing everything you do to make fun parties and programs like this possible!”
Birthday Themes
NUTS FOR NATURE
This program is designed for children ages 2-4 and covers a wide variety of topics including animals, reptiles, amphibians, plants, and trees. Plenty of hands-on activities will keep our young friends engaged and exploring.
RADICAL REPTILES
This program will be presented with several live specimens including snakes, lizards, and turtles for the children to hold and/or touch. Children will then take a short hike to the pond and Reptile Rest to look for reptiles. This program is weather dependent and cannot be given if outside temperatures are below 55 degrees.
FROGS AND FUN
This program on amphibians will be presented with many live specimens for the children to encounter. On the hike, children will visit the pond to look for frogs and listen to their calls.
Backyard Bugs
This program covers some of the insects, arachnids, and other bugs that you might encounter in your backyard. Birthday attendees will encounter live specimens including the Madagascar hissing cockroaches and a tarantula. Children will go on an insect hunting hike where they may find a couple of creepy crawlies of their own.
ART IN NATURE
This program highlights the beauty of nature found at the Preserve and gives children the opportunity to create their own art project. Using natural elements as inspiration, this program appeals to all our young artists. An inspirational nature walk will be taken as well.
Scavenger Hunt
Birthday attendees will be given clues to lead the way through this nature-inspired scavenger hunt. The hunt will take place on the KPNC trails with clues and trails based on the age and experience of the attendees.
Fairy House Fun
We will help out our friends in the fairy forest by learning how to build fairy houses and constructing some new ones out of natural materials. Fairy house materials will be provided.
WARM FOR THE WINTER
Warm for the Winter teaches children about the various ways animals keep warm for the winter. The birthday child will be dressed-up to demonstrate how humans stay warm and the children will examine animal pelts to see how animals stay warm. On the hike, children will look at animal burrows and squirrel nests. This program includes a campfire at the fire pit where they can roast hotdogs and/or marshmallows (supplied by parent(s)). This program is offered during the winter months, November and March only.
Scheduling
Birthday parties are scheduled as either a morning party or an afternoon party – precise timing is flexible. Reservations must be made 2 weeks in advance. Please be aware that community programs, camps, and other events may present scheduling conflicts. For more information or to schedule a party, contact the KPNC Education Director: natureeducation@auburn.edu.