Birthday parties FAQs

Booking and package details

How do I book a birthday party?

To book a party, please complete our Birthday Party Booking Form. We'll get back to you to confirm the slot, or if applicable, offer alternative dates.

We recommend booking at least 30 days in advance to ensure your date is available.

How do I pay?

Once you've received an Order Agreement, we'll issue you with an invoice for 100% of the package fee. This constitutes a non-refundable deposit. Payments are in GB Pounds Sterling and can be made by BACS transfer or by credit or debit card. We do not accept American Express. All prices are inclusive of VAT.

Confirmation of your booking requires a signed copy of our Order Agreement incorporating Terms and Conditions, together with full payment of the package fee.

What age group do you cater for?

Our parties cater for children aged 8 or under. This is based on the nature and suitability of the activities in Play Base, our family play area.

Can I hold my party at any time?

Our scheduled time slots for parties are:

• Morning: 11.30am to 1.30pm (Friday to Sunday)
• Afternoon: 2.30pm to 4.30pm (Friday to Sunday)

Each standard party experience lasts two hours. If you would like to extend your time in Play Base or the party room, please contact birthdays@nam.ac.uk.

How do I get my invitations?

Upon confirmation of your booking, we'll send you a PDF customisable invitation template. It can be emailed or printed.

How many children can I invite?

Our General Hilarity party package is based on 20 children. You can invite fewer, but will still be charged the standard package rate.

If you would like to add extra children, you can add up to 10 spaces (extra numbers will be charged at £27.50 per child). Play Base can hold up to 30 children.

Do adults need to attend the party?

The supervision of children is your responsibility. At least one adult (parent or carer) must attend for every four children. Please ensure that you have sufficient adult helpers for the duration of your party.

We are unable to allow more than 20 adults into our standard party room. If you would like to invite more than 20 adults, please email birthdays@nam.ac.uk to enquire about our larger Foyle Centre upgrade.

Do you run birthday parties?

Our Birthday Party Coordinator will meet and greet you on arrival, before providing access to your party room.

A member of the team will then provide a quick brief prior to the Play Base session. 

Can I bring an entertainer?

We have a list of approved entertainment suppliers that you can choose from. Entertainment is permitted in both the Play Base and the party room portion of your party.

Face painting, bubbles, and balloons can only take place in the party room.

Food and drinks

What is the Party Builder?

Our Party Builder is an online tool for adding extra features to make the occasion that little bit more special. These extras are provided by our approved suppliers and include birthday cakes, additional food for party children, and food and drink for adults.

Upon confirmation of your booking, we'll send you a link to open the Party Builder. You'll need your Order Agreement Number to use this tool, and will be invoiced separately for any extras.

What’s included in the lunchboxes?

Each party child receives their own meal box containing:

• British ham or cheddar cheese sandwich
• Strawberry yoghurt pot
• Packet of Pom-Bear crisps
• Mini flapjack or mini brownie
• Carton of juice

These packs are freshly made on site by our in-house caterer, Searcys, and are included in the price of the party package.

Jugs of tap water, paper plates and napkins, and plastic cutlery and cups are also provided. Food and drinks are not allowed in Play Base.

Can I bring my own food or birthday cake?

Food and drink (including cake) cannot be brought onto the premises, in line with our food safety regulations. If you wish, you can order additional food for party children using our Party Builder. It also includes birthday cake options from our in-house caterer and bespoke bakeries.

Because of very sensitive smoke alarms, we cannot have naked flames inside the building. All our cakes are decorated with LED candles.

What if a child has a food allergy or special dietary needs?

We will do our best to cater for any special dietary requirement. Please inform us as soon as possible after booking your party.

How soon do I need to confirm my requirements?

Any Party Builder extras need to be confirmed a minimum of two weeks before the date of your party.

Are food and drinks provided for adults?

Food and drinks are only provided for adults if you have pre-ordered them through our Party Builder. You can download our current menu here.

On the day of your party

Do you provide any set-up?

We set up the tables, chairs and tablecloths in the party room, ready for your arrival, along with our caterers providing all the cutlery, cups, plates and napkins for any food and drinks ordered. Our caterers will bring your food to the party room just before you finish your Play Base session and clear up after your party.

When do I get access to the party room to decorate?

You'll get access to the party room 30 minutes before the start of your party.

The walls are neutral, so you can easily theme the space. Please use white tack to stick up banners and posters. And if you would like to bring helium balloons, please make sure that they are inflated and weighted down – we have a high atrium! After the party, please take away all your decorations with you.

How early can my guests arrive?

We recommend that your guests arrive 5-10 minutes before your time slot. Our parties operate strictly within the scheduled slots.

What should children wear?

Play Base is all about having fun and being adventurous. We recommend that children wear comfortable clothing. While in Play Base, we ask that shoes are removed and socks are worn.

Where can we put our bags and presents?

We provide a coat rack trolley in Play Base, which you and your guests can use for storing coats, bags and presents. At the end of your session, we will move this to the party room for you.

The Museum takes no responsibility for any lost or damaged items.

Am I allowed to take photos?

Yes, you can photograph or film your party in Play Base and the party room during your exclusive use of these spaces.

When do I get access to the party room to decorate?

You'll get access to the party room 30 minutes before the start of your party.

The walls are neutral, so you can easily theme the space. Please use white tack to stick up banners and posters. And if you would like to bring helium balloons, please make sure that they are inflated and weighted down – we have a high atrium! After the party, please take away all your decorations with you.