The Marx Discovery Center on our first floor will be closed Tuesday, October 8 through Friday, October 11 for lighting updates. The center will reopen Saturday, October 12. Thank you for your understanding.

Birthday Parties

Birthday Parties

Morrill Hall Birthday Parties

Have a mammoth good time with a birthday party at Morrill Hall. We take care of everything from start to finish, so all you have to focus on is making memories.

What's Included

    Each party lasts for 90 minutes, plus access to the rest of the museum for all guests. Parties are great for children ages 4–10. Maximum of 12 children, 8 adults.We require 1 adult per every 5 kids in attendance at the party to assist with the safety and supervision of party guests, with a maximum of 8 adults attending. Up to 8 adults are included in cost of party. Other adults are welcome to pay admission and explore the museum during the party, explore UNL's campus, or leave campus and return to pick up their child up at party conclusion.

    Basic Information

    • Use of the museum space for 90 minutes.
    • Museum Visitor Services staff to assist with set up and clean up.
    • Explore the museum after your party is done.
    • Plates, forks, cups, and napkins.
    • Visitors may bring their own cake and juice. No other outside food is allowed.

    Deluxe Party Information

    All of the amenities included above, plus:

    • Choose from 4 unique and exciting party themes:
      Archie’s Fossil Adventure, Cosmic Adventure, Bug Bonanza, or Young at Art (theme details below).
    • We will provide a personalized quarter sheet cake and juice.
    • Gift bag for each child, including special gift for birthday child.
    • Guided museum activity relating to your party theme.
    • A museum employee is assigned to help run the party from start to finish.

    Party Availability

    Parties are available for booking on the following dates and times. Please note, we do NOT book parties on home football Saturdays, as no parking is available in our museum parking lot.

    • Saturdays: 10 am or 2 pm
    • Sundays: 2 pm
    • Reservations should be made 2 weeks in advance

    Party Pricing

    Museum members received a 10% discount on all birthday parties. Call the museum at 402-472-2637 to request your member discount code

    • Basic Party: $130.00
    Basic birthday parties are unavailable for booking in June and July due to the presence of Museum Summer Camps in the party space.
    Rental of museum space for 90 minutes. Included are: plates, cups, napkins, and eating utensils. Maximum 12 children. No other outside food is allowed.

    • Deluxe Party: $195.00
    We provide everything, including a quarter-sheet themed, decorated, personalized cake and juice. Maximum 12 children. Also includes a guided activity with one of our Museum Staff.No other outside food is allowed. 

    Party Themes

    Archie's Fossil Adventure: Become a paleontologist! Discover the museum's many fossils, including "Archie," our 14-foot tall mammoth. Plus, meet ancient sea creatures, mammals, and dinosaurs.

    Cosmic Adventure: Soar through our solar system and the galaxy during your child's party, complete with your choice of planetarium show. Don't worry, we'll have you back on Earth by the party's end!

    Bug Birthday Bonanza: Step into the fascinating world of insects and become an Entomologist for the day as we celebrate your child's birthday! Explore the museum's wide variety of bees, beetles, and bugs, discovering insects native to Nebraska and all around the world. Join us for some birthday fun as we buzz, flutter, and crawl around Morrill Hall!

    Young at Art: Embark on a creative adventure surrounded by the beautiful artwork of the museum as we celebrate your birthday! Glimpse into the past and see ancient dinosaurs, mammoths, and landscapes painted by the amazing artists of Nebraska. Join us as we paint, craft, and create on your birthday at Morrill Hall!

    Cancellation Policy

    • A non-refundable processing fee of $25 will be retained by UNSM in the event of cancellation.
    • Cancellations made greater than 2 weeks in advance will receive a full refund, minus the $25 processing fee. 
    • Cancellations made less than 2 weeks, but greater than 1 week in advance will receive a 50% refund. 
    • Cancellations made less than one week in advance are nonrefundable, except in situations of extreme extenuating circumstances evaluated by the museum on a case-by-case basis.