Party & Event Rentals
Bring People Together in Nature
Make your next meeting or celebration unforgettable with outdoor adventures, farm fun, and hands-on nature experiences.
Birthday Parties
Celebrate your child’s special day with an outdoor discovery party led by DelNature staff fully trained, background-checked, and experienced in leading safe, fun, programs that connect kids to wildlife, plants, and the environment. Explore birthday party themes by location.
Ashland Nature Center – Hockessin, DE
Up to 20 children
- Animals of Ashland: Meet live examples of fascinating animals, then hike the trails to search for them in the wild. Good for all ages.
- Night Noises & Campfire : Experience the trails of Ashland during nightfall and celebrate with a campfire and s’mores! S’mores supplies included. Good for all ages. Specialty theme – $250 member, $300 nonmember.
- Nature Scavenger Hunt: Test your observation skills by looking for animal tracks, bird nests, and mammal burrows. How many signs of local wildlife can you find? Good for all ages.
- Maple Sugaring (available Feb/March): Learn the technique of producing maple sugar from trees with real, hands-on experience. Good for ages 5 and up.
- Butterflies (available July – September): Visit our butterfly habitat and explore the meadow to discover a variety of colorful butterflies! Good for all ages.
- Water Wonders (available May – October): Discover the critters that live in the waterways at Ashland both in and out of the water! Good for ages 5 and up.
Cost: $200 (members) | $250 (non-members), unless otherwise noted
Abbott’s Mill Nature Center – Milford, DE
- Reptiles & Amphibians – Search for frogs, toads, and turtles.
- Native Wild Animals – Learn about local wildlife up close.
- Animals in Winter – Discover how Delaware animals survive the cold.
- Owls of DelMarVa – Study owl calls and dissect pellets.
- Pond Study – Wade in the wetlands to find aquatic life.
- Unhuggables – Meet misunderstood creatures like spiders, bats, and snakes.
Cost: $150–$200 per party
Coverdale Farm Preserve – Greenville, DE
Up to 15 children
- Farm Exploration: Journey around the farm to celebrate your special day with our furry and feathered friends as you take in our barn, pastures, and gardens. Good for all ages.
- Kitchen Adventure: Head into the farm kitchen and make something tasty with some of our own Coverdale produce to enjoy with your guests! Program limited to 12 participants. Good for ages 8 and up. Specialty theme – $300 member, $350 non-member.
Cost: $200 (members) | $250 (non-members), unless otherwise noted
DuPont Environmental Education Center – Wilmington, DE
Up to 15 children
- Marshy Adventures (available May–October): Explore the marsh with your friends to see what unique plants and cool critters you can find! Good for ages 5 and up.
- Canoeing Party (available May–October): Celebrate your special day by exploring the marsh in our big 10-person Voyageur canoes along the Christina River! Participants must be able to swim. Availability subject to tides. Must be ages 10 and up. Specialty theme – $350 member, $400 non-member.
- Marsh Mammals: Search for animal tracks, touch real animal furs, and use clues to figure out which animals have been spending time by the pond! Good for all ages.
Cost: $200 (members) | $250 (non-members), unless otherwise noted
FAQs
Birthday parties must be reserved at least 30 days in advance. A $50 deposit applicable to your balance is required within 7 days of request to reserve your time slot, and the remaining balance is due on the day of the party.
We will provide space, tables, chairs, and a guided activity based on your chosen theme. You are responsible for bringing food, decorations, table linens, tableware, and silverware. Balloons, pinatas, and noisemakers are not permitted. All DelNature birthday parties are alcohol and tobacco free.
We encourage the use of eco-conscious party materials such as biodegradable, recyclable, or compostable plates, utensils, and napkins for birthday parties with DelNature.
The typical party schedule: For a typical two-hour party, your group will spend the first hour with a DelNature staff member doing a guided activity and the second hour celebrating with your party guests. You may arrive 30 minutes before the party start time to decorate your designated party space.
At the end of your party, a staff member will be present for assistance, but you will be responsible for the majority of the cleanup.
During the program, we ask for the assistance of two adults to help maintain safety and order. Instructors will be busy preparing for the program, so adults will be responsible for supervision and behavior management of children and guests.
The base party reservation accommodates up to 15 children, including siblings. For certain party themes, we can accommodate groups of over 15 children, but there is a $50 charge to cover an additional instructor.
These programs are intended to be run outside, even in gentle rain. We recommend noting, in your invitations, that children should dress appropriately for the outdoors and possible weather. If necessary, the program is subject to change if the weather becomes too difficult to safely run outdoors.
Cancellations must be made up to 48 hours in advance of the scheduled date in order to receive a full refund. In the event of unforeseen emergencies or severe weather, we can offer the opportunity to reschedule your party.
Please fill out the form below to request your party. Celebrate your birthday surrounded by nature!
Request a Birthday Party
Private Hayrides
Gather family and friends for a scenic hayride through the rolling hills, fields, and forest at Coverdale Farm Preserve.
Facilities Rentals
Host your next meeting, retreat or gathering in the natural beauty of one of our nature centers.
Ashland Nature Center
With scenic views, flexible indoor spaces, and modern amenities, Ashland offers a peaceful setting for groups, workshops, or overnight stays. Spaces available include:
Conference Room
Ideal for meetings or workshops (Accommodates up to __ guests)
- Tables and chairs included
- Wi-Fi access
- AV capabilities available upon request
- Flexible setup options
Auditorium
Large presentation space with AV setup (Accommodates up to __ guests)
- Built-in audiovisual system
- Projection screen and sound system
- Theater-style seating
- Ideal for lectures, trainings, and community events
Overnight Lodge
Dormitory-style lodging with communal space for gathering, cooking, and activities (Accommodates up to 42 guests)
- Great Room with fireplace and seating for up to 80
- Wi-Fi access
- Full catering kitchen with appliances and utensils
- Science lab with microscopes
- Bunk-style sleeping accommodations
- Showers and restrooms
- Backup generator for added comfort and safety
Abbotts Mill Nature Center
More information coming soon!
DuPont Environmental Education Center
With floor to ceiling windows, AV system, and breathtaking views of the Christina River, the Russell Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge and the Wilmington skyline, the fourth floor of the DuPont Environmental Education Center can be rented for meetings and events through Sodexo. This space is currently closed for construction.
