$135 (1-15 guests), $5 each additional guest, 24 max.
Available September - May (not available during summer camp season)
Celebrate a birthday at the Anita Purves Nature Center with a themed program! Parties include a 45-60 minute kids' program packed with games, activities, and sometimes a live animal. Following the program, use the room to open gifts and eat treats you bring. Standard party length is 2 hours total. The birthday child will receive a gift certificate to the Nature Shop.
To request a party, fill out the Birthday Party Request Form or call 217-384-4062 at least three weeks before your desired party date. $100 refundable damage deposit required at the time of booking.
Wish you could have more party time? Add more rental time at a discounted rate!
Mud Kitchen Party Age 4+
Venture outside to the Friendship Grove Nature Playscape to make mud pies, mud stew, and nature art. Remind your guests to dress for mess! (Available April-October, weather permitting)
Reptiles Party Age 4+
S-s-s-slither into another year with a visit from the center’s live snakes and box turtles. Discover what makes reptiles different from other animals.
Dino-Mite Party Age 4+
Dig into the past as you explore the lost world of dinosaurs, uncover fossils, and make your own dinosaur fossils.
Creepy Crawly Party Age 4+
Head into Busey Woods to search for slugs and bugs. Uncover their hiding spots, and catch and release these creepy crawlers. (Available April-October, weather permitting)
Owls Party Age 5+
Have a hoot discovering owl adaptations when a live owl visits your party.
Nature Scavenger Hunt Party Age 5+
Explore the nature playscape, Busey Woods or the nature center in search of wildlife and more!
Going Batty Party Age 6+
Delight in crafts and games that reveal the special lives of bats, the only flying mammal!
Campfire Party Age 9+
Learn how to build your own campfire, then sit back to roast marshmallows as you learn about nocturnal animals. (Available April-October, weather permitting; additional fees apply for after-hours)
Custom Party All Ages
Perhaps your child has a special nature interest – we can create a party themed with your idea in mind. Additional fees apply, and at least four weeks' notice is required.
1-8 participants: $125 - $185 | 9-16 participants: $185 - $250
Fill out a request form with your choice of date, time, theme, and package for your celebration. Upon approval, a party planner will call you to make final arrangements for your party. On the day of the party, highly-trained staff will lead your group through the entire event so that you are free to sit back and watch, take pictures, and participate if you’d like!
Essentials Package
- Includes activities, party leaders, and decorations
- $125 for up to 8 children
$185 for 9-16 children
Complete Package
- Includes Basic Package plus cake, ice cream, drinks, tableware, and goody bags
- $185 for up to 8 children
$250 for 9-16 children
Reserve your party at least three weeks in advance by completing an application and making full payment at the Phillips Recreation Center. Call 217-367-1544 for additional information.
Pirate Party Ages 4-8
Ooze, Gooze, & Fun Ages 4-10
Glamour Kids Ages 4-8
A Wizard Adventure Ages 4-8
A Birthday to “Dye” for Ages 8-15
Custom Party Ages 4-15
Let our creative staff custom design a party for your child. The standard party fee of $185 or $250 applies, plus a customization fee of $25. Additional charges may apply and will be determined by the party planner.
Add an Animal!
Request a turtle or snake from the Anita Purves Nature Center to make a 15-minute appearance for an additional fee of $25. Depends on availability
1-15 participants $128, $6 for each additional guest
All rentals include the use of the party room and swimming. An additional $100 damage deposit is due at time of request. Swim and use the party room for a 2-hour time slot during public swim hours. When calling for reservations, ask about our discount for supervising adults.
Call 217-367-1544 for information about reserving your party. Fifteen minutes of set-up and clean-up is included in the 2-hour time block.