Create an unforgettable birthday party at one of our many Park District locations and leave the planning and mess to us! Parties are filled with different activities to suit many ages and interests.

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NATURE CENTER

Our Birthday Party Programs are 2.5 hours and consist of 15 minutes for set-up, a 1 hour instructor lead program, 1 hour of "free time" for gifts and cake (not provided) and 15 minutes for cleanup.

Fee: $140 (includes up to 15 participants). Each additional guest will be charged $6 at the time of the party. We kindly request a two week notice. Please call the Nature Center to schedule your party.

FOSSIL FIND

If you like dinosaurs and other ancient creatures, then you are going to "dig" this party. You and your guests will examine real fossils, discover facts about dinosaurs and learn how paleontologists dig for fossils, and can take one home with you!

ANIMAL kingdom

Come discover the wonderful kingdom of animals with us! Pretend you are one of these amazing creatures as we play a game, search for something walking or crawling on a guided hike, and learn about the wide world of creatures that share our planet with us. You may even meet one of the residents of the Nature Center up close! Have a favorite animal or insect? Share your love of it with us!

CAMPFIRE CAPERS

Enjoy a wood crackling campfire with your friends while singing songs, telling stories and eating s'mores. You'll have a "roaring" time as you learn different techniques of starting fires and how to make a safe campfire. End the program by learning a little bit about the forest with a guided hike through the woods!

NATURE TOTS

We will begin with a story of your choosing. Then, we will then do an activity and a craft based on the story read. Some of our favorite stories are Bear Hunt, Hungry, Hungry Caterpillar, Ginko and Moon, Stellaluna and more! If your tot has a favorite story we would love to craft a party around it! Unsure which story to choose? Let us help by selecting one of our favorites.

explorer

Explore the world with us! Whether you are searching for treasure or trying to discover a new species this party will bring out the adventurer in you! Learn some tools and tricks of the trade and find your way through our forest with your new skills. Finish by putting your skills to the test with a challenge and find out some of the rewards adventurers can find along the way.

WOODLAND FAIRIES

We'll learn secrets about woodland fairies and explore the woods to see if we can find them! Along the way we will discover a fairy house and other surprises. We'll use what we learn to make an age appropriate fairy craft.

Magical World Birthday Party

Calling all witches and wizards! Join us for a magical time preparing potions and learning spells. Each spell caster will create their own magical item to take home with them. Come have a sorcer-ous day with us on your special day!

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LIPPOLD FAMILY GOLF CENTER

All parties require adult supervision. Parties are held on either of the two mini-golf courses. In the event of bad weather, the party will move inside. Outside decorations are welcome, but no outside food or drink (other than cake) is allowed. Reservations are required. For more information or to reserve your date, please contact us at 815.477.5401.

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COLONEL PALMER HOUSE

Fee: $150 (1-15 participants), $6 each additional person (25 max) 2 hours

Each party includes kid-friendly tea sample and one petite snack.

To reserve your party, please contact the Colonel Palmer House Facility Manager at 815.477.5873 or staylor@crystallakeparks.org.

Tea for Tots (Ages 2-5)

After an enchanting storybook teatime tale, we'll make a unique Victorian craft and learn the beginning stages of etiquette through a series of fun historic games and dances. If the weather permits, we will have a picnic.

Folklore Fables (Ages 6+)

Legends speak of mythical creatures that have existed for thousands of years. Unveil the history behind some of our favorite tales and their popularity during the Victorian era. Through the art of storytelling and games, you'll have everything you need to craft a unique rendition of your favorite fantasy world.

Palmer's Parlor Puzzles (Ages 6+)

Strategy, critical thinking, and problem solving are just a few of the skills needed when you enter a Victorian puzzle. Through a series of historical games and theatrical dialogue of your favorite characters, explore what it takes to solve a mystery at The Colonel Palmer House.

Early Inventions (Ages 6+)

Learn the history behind some of the most renowned inventions of all time. As you discover what life was like during the Industrial Revolution, design a model of your favorite creation.

The Green Kingdom (Ages 6+)

There is said to be a language behind the origin of flowers and stories about their native land. Learn the history behind popular blooms and how they were used during the Victorian era. From the most eloquent gardens to natural habitats, find out how to craft a keepsake of your favorite plants.

A Collection of Curiosities (Ages 6+)

Discover the history behind some of the most extraordinary collections of all time. While you show and tell some of your favorite treasures, receive an exclusive tour of rare archives prevalent to the Victorian era.

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Additional PARTY ROOMS

The Crystal Lake Park District maintains many unique rooms to host your special event:

• Grand Oaks Recreation Center
• Main Beach Pavilion & Band Shell
• West Beach Party Room & Patio/Deck
• Spoerl Park Building
• Woodscreek Building
• Rotary Building
• Oakwoods Lodge

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