CML Parties
We want to help celebrate your little one’s special day! Choose between celebrating at home with to-go CML Celebration Bags OR celebrate at CML with a party in the museum!
Celebrate Your Birthday with a Party at CML!
CML provides a magical and unique location for your child’s next birthday!
For pricing, themes, availability and birthday party extras please see menu below.
Birthday Party Info
Birthday Party Basics, Themes & Extras
Doo Dash Bash
(CML’s Basic Birthday Party)
(suggested for ages 1 – 10)
For up to 10 children (additional children are $9/each, 20 children maximum)
Grown-ups are complimentary (please note, our new COVID-19 policy has a limit of 30 people in the birthday party including children and adults)
CML Member – $200 (birthday child and his/her siblings are complimentary)
Non-CML Member – $225 (birthday child is complimentary)
Includes:
– One dedicated PLAY Specialist as your party facilitator who will set up, serve your food + refreshments and clean up after the party
– 2 hours exclusive use of our large, private party room to celebrate in your own style
– Unlimited PLAY time in the Museum with all-day access to the entire Museum for all guests
– Free parking for the Party Host in our CML Employee Parking Lot during your party time
– A Birthday Parade in the Museum
CML Themed Birthday Parties
(suggested for ages 4 – 10)
For up to 10 children (additional children are $12/each, 20 children maximum)
Grown-ups are complimentary (please note: our new COVID-19 policy has a limit of 30 people in the birthday party, including children and adults)
CML Member – $270 (birthday child and his/her siblings are complimentary)
Non-CML Member – $305 (birthday child is complimentary)
Includes everything in our Doo Dash Bash PLUS:
– A themed craft led by a PLAY Specialist
– A Scavenger Hunt in the Museum led by a PLAY Specialist
– One party favor for every child
Theme Options:
Ahoy! It’s a Pirate Party
X marks the best birthday party in town during CML’s Ahoy! It’s a Pirate Party! Children get into character with their eye patches while decorating their own swords with gems, glittered pieces and fabulous shiny treasures. Then, they are off on a treasure hunt throughout the Museum to look for hidden bounties!
Knights and Princesses Party
Step back in time to an age when knights and princesses ruled the land! Once the knights and princesses have designed crowns with rhinestones and glittered objects, they will embark on a quest throughout the Museum.
Superheroes to the Rescue! Party
CML needs your little heroes and heroines to help save our Museum! Your child and guests will don satin capes as they decorate their superhero masks to hide their true identity. Once they are ready, the search will begin to find the villains and rescue the Museum!
Paint n’ Play Party
Young artists will don CML smocks and, following in the footsteps of other famous artists, they’ll turn blank canvases into inspired masterpieces that are frame-worthy and ready to take home! Then, they’re off on a scavenger hunt throughout the Museum!
Sensational Scientists Party
Young scientists will grab their lab coats (provided by CML) and embark on a super-slimy journey through the world of STEM, creating their very own slime or learning how to create an electrical circuit to take home! Scientists will then continue their exploration with a scavenger hunt through the Museum!
The Unicorn Party
Join us for a magical journey into the mystical world of the unicorns. Everyone will have a unicorn hat with whimsical rainbow colors which pass on the pure creature’s magical powers. Then, all together, they will make a unicorn banner to be hung in their rooms at home. They will take an adventure through the Museum on a scavenger hunt for all things Unicorn!
Shark Party
Yes! Baby Shark is here! The adventure will start with baby shark hats which set the tone while the music plays. The party will have fun decorating their shark hats, then head off through the Museum searching for under-the-sea creatures. The birthday child will carry our special stuffed baby shark for all to see!
Party Extras
Customized Invitations…
– Choose from one of CML’s designs (see samples here) to invite your guests to PLAY! ($45 for 30 customized invitations delivered to your door ready to mail)
Silent Disco Package…
– Add a Silent Disco Package to your After-Hours Party for just $150. Price includes 40 wireless headsets and use of the Medieval Castle for your private jam session! Ask us for more details when planning your After-Hours Party!
More decorations…
– Party It Up Kit: Includes party hats, fun glasses and bubbles ($2.00 per child)
– CML Take Home Favor: choose from an assortment of Melissa and Doug favors ($6.00 per child)
In-House Snacks…
You are welcomed to bring your own individually wrapped food and snacks to the party. You can also choose to add-on the following snacks and drinks by checking them in your Party Packet:
– Snacks for the big and small – $1.00 each (mixture of pretzels, Goldfish, Sunchips, Cheeze Its)
– Drinks for the tall and short – $1.00 each (mixture of 6 oz. juice boxes and 8 oz. water bottles)
HAVE QUESTIONS OR READY TO PLAN YOUR PARTY?
Contact Katrina del Pilar, at 843.853.8962 ext. 231 or katrina@exploreCML.org to book your party today!
Birthday Pricing
Doo Dash Bash
(CML’s Basic Birthday Party)
(suggested for ages 1 – 10)
For up to 10 children (additional children are $9/each, 20 children maximum)
Grown-ups are complimentary (please note: Due to COVID-19 policies, birthday parties are limited to 30 people, including children and grown-ups)
CML Member/Ticket Bundle Give Subscribers – $200 (birthday child and his/her siblings are complimentary)
Non-CML Member – $225 (birthday child is complimentary)
For party package descriptions, please see Birthday Party Info above.
CML Themed Birthday Parties
(suggested for ages 4 – 10)
For up to 10 children (additional children are $12/each, 20 children maximum)
Grown-ups are complimentary (please note: Due to COVID-19 policies, birthday parties are limited to 30 people, including children and grown-ups)
CML Member/Ticket Bundle Give Subscribers – $270 (birthday child and his/her siblings are complimentary)
Non-CML Member – $305 (birthday child is complimentary)
For party package descriptions, please see Birthday Party Info above.
NOTE: Member siblings of the birthday child are complimentary!
You can have the whole Museum to yourself during an After Hours Birthday Party for an additional $100 added to the chosen birthday party package! Other birthday party extras and pricing can be found here.
Cancellation Policy:
A $75 non-refundable deposit is required to hold a date and time. The deposit is transferable within CML if canceled more than 30 days from the event. If the party is canceled less than 30 days from the event, the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Have Questions or Ready to Plan Your Party?
Contact Katrina del Pilar at 843.853.8962 ext 231 or katrina@exploreCML.org to book your party today!
Click here to read CML’s COVID-19 Birthday Party Policies
CML is thrilled to offer birthday parties again at CML. Due to COVID-19, we have updated our policies and procedures according to CDC recommendations in order to ensure safety for all visitors and staff. Please see below for new policies regarding hosting your party at CML:
- All CML Staff and visitors ages 3-years-old and over must wear a mask at all times while at CML
- The maximum amount of people allowed for a birthday party is now 30 (including children and adults). This includes the birthday families and all guests.
- Tables in the Birthday Party Room will be separated to follow social distancing recommendations. CML will also provide dividers for further protection.
- We encourage snacks and drinks that are as safe for groups as possible (i.e. cupcakes or individually wrapped items).
- CML will provide bagged ice for individual drinks.
- Candles are no longer permitted inside CML due to COVID-19 recommendations.
Birthday Party FAQs
What days and times can we have a birthday bash at CML?
Every day is a party day at CML! Our birthday time slots are as follows:
Saturdays
9:30– 11:30 am
12 – 2pm
2:30 – 4:30pm
Sundays
12:30 – 2:30pm
3 – 5pm
Weekdays
Please call for more information.
How do I get this party started?
Simply contact Katrina del Pilar, at 843.853.8962 ext. 231 or katrina@exploreCML.org , to chat about the big bash! Katrina will answer all your questions, check on availability and hold a spot for you!
We are happy to put a tentative hold on a time for your birthday without a deposit for 24 hours. However, once you are ready to confirm the party, we ask for a $75 deposit. This deposit is taken out of the total amount due, which we settle up at the end of the birthday bash.
What does CML provide for the birthday bash?
– One dedicated PLAY Specialist as your party facilitator who will guide, set up, serve your food + refreshments and clean up after the party
– 2 hours exclusive use of our large, private party room to celebrate in your own style plus playtime in the Museum
– Free parking for the Party Host in our CML Employee Parking Lot
– A Birthday Parade in the Museum
For themed birthday parties, CML also provides…
– A themed craft led by a PLAY Specialist
– A Scavenger Hunt in the Museum led by a PLAY Specialist
– One treat bag for every child
How many children can attend my party? Can their parents come as well?
Due to COVID-19 policies, we have limited birthday party guests to 30 (including children and adults).
Can I have pizza or other food delivered to my party?
Absolutely. We suggest that you have food delivered at the time your party starts.
When can I get into the private birthday bash room?
The room is guaranteed to be ready for you 15 minutes before the start time of your party.
Don’t forget! You’ll get the private party room for 2 hours.
You must move your vehicle from the birthday party host reserved spot after your party so the next party host can use it!
Where do I park on the day of my party?
We have a special parking spot reserved for the birthday family. It is located off of John Street, across from Rue de Jean. You will park in the space right in front of the birthday party room door. Please note: we ask that you move your car immediately after your party ends so the next birthday party host may use the spot.
What is the typical timeline of a birthday bash?
We suggest the following timeline; but it is your party, so we can guide the party however you wish:
– The CML birthday bash host will welcome guests as they arrive and invite them to go play in the Museum.
– Approximately 15 minutes into the party, we will make an announcement throughout the Museum asking your party guests to join us for the birthday parade.
– After we parade through the Museum and into the birthday bash room, it is time to eat snacks and present the cake!
– After cake, we open presents, if you wish, and then invite the guests to enjoy the Museum for the rest of the day!
How do I settle the payment for the party?
You will settle the payment at the end of the party. You will pay the base price for 10 children (DooDash Bash or Themed) minus the deposit that was made. You are only charged for the number of children who attend the party. Please note that, due to COVID-19 policies, no more than 30 people (including children and adults) will be able to attend your party.
What are some suggestions for a stress-free birthday bash?
Let CML handle all the details for you! We can arrange for the snacks, drinks, take-home treats and more!
You’re also welcome to bring your own individually-wrapped food! Special discounts for CML Birthday families include:
– WildFlour, a delicious downtown bakery, offers CML parties a special discount: 6 cupcakes for $14. Pick-up in West Ashley. Order via email only: wildflouring@gmail.com
Party Availability
Parties can be booked during the following times:
Saturdays
9:30– 11:30 am
12 – 2pm
2:30 – 4:30pm
Sundays
12:30 – 2:30pm
3 – 5pm
Weekdays
Please call for more information.
Once you’re ready to book your party, please fill out a Birthday Party Request Form and CML Staff will reach out within one week to finalize your party (including date and time).
Order Customized Birthday Party Invitations
Leave the invitations to CML! Choose a Doo Dash Bash or themed invitation (see samples here) and add it on to your party package starting at just $45! Customized invitations will be delivered to your door for you to mail out.
Want a rockin’ party? Add a Silent Disco Package to any After-Hours Celebration
Your guests won’t want to leave! Add a Silent Disco Package to your After-Hours Party for just $150. Price includes 40 wireless headsets and use of the Medieval Castle for your private jam session! Ask us for more details when planning your After-Hours Party!
The Silent Disco Package is also available for a 48-Hour off-site rental so you can party at home!
But wait, there’s more! Additional party options are available:
Melissa & Doug – $7.00
Bubbles – $3.50
Sunglasses – $2.50
Sidewalk Chalk – $8.00
Pirate Hats – $6.00
Unicorn Headbands – $9.00
Unicorn Hats – $2.00
18″ Bouncy Happy Ball – $18.00
Superhero Cape – $5.00
Ready to Plan Your Party?
Celebrate a Very Merry Un-Birthday at CML!
Just because it isn’t your birthday doesn’t mean that you can’t celebrate with CML … and we’re proving it with our Un-Birthday Party Parties! Our Party Room is the ideal space for celebrating graduations, family reunions, business parties, holidays and more!
Celebrate Your Birthday with a Celebration Bag!
Bring the magic of a CML party to your own home with a delightful and exciting celebration bag!
Doo Dash Bash Celebration Bag
Doo Dash Celebration Bag Includes: One Melissa & Doug toy for the birthday child, child’s t-shirt, 6 balloons, 6 snacks, 6 drinks, table cover, 6 plates & napkins, a piece of butcher block paper, and a box of crayons.
Superhero’s Celebration Bag
Superhero’s Celebration Bag Includes: One Melissa & Doug toy for the birthday child, a child’s t-shirt, 6 balloons, 6 snacks, 6 drinks, table cover, 6 plates & napkins, a piece of butcher block paper, a box of crayons, one cap for the birthday child, and 6 masks to be decorated.
Create N Play Celebration Bag
Create N Play Celebration Bag Includes: One Melissa & Doug toy for the birthday child, a child’s t-shirt, 6 balloons, 6 snacks, 6 drinks, table cover, 6 plates & napkins, a piece of butcher block paper, a box of crayons, 6 canvas, and oil pastels.
Baby Shark Celebration Bag
Baby Shark Celebration Bag Includes: One Melissa & Doug toy for the birthday child, A child’s t-shirt, 6 balloons, 6 snacks, 6 drinks, table cover, 6 plates & napkins, a piece of butcher block paper, a box of crayons, 6 baby shark hats, and 6 baby shark masks with glitter pieces to decorate.
Princesses & Princes Celebration Bag
Princesses & Princes Celebration Bag Includes: One Melissa & Doug toy for the birthday child, a child’s t-shirt, 6 balloons, 6 snacks, 6 drinks, table cover, 6 plates & napkins, a piece of butcher block paper, a box of crayons, 6 crowns to decorate with gems and glitter foam pieces, and one cap for the birthday child.
Pirates Celebration Bag
Pirates Celebration Bag Includes: One Melissa & Doug toy for the birthday child, a child’s t-shirt, 6 balloons, 6 snacks, 6 drinks, table cover, 6 plates & napkins, a piece of butcher block paper, a box of crayons, 6 foam swords (gems & glitter foam to decorate), 6 eye patches, and one felt Pirate hat for the Birthday child.
Unicorns Celebration Bag
Unicorns Celebration Bag Includes: One Melissa & Doug toy for the birthday child, a child’s t-shirt, 6 balloons, 6 snacks, 6 drinks, table cover, 6 plates & napkins, a piece of butcher block paper, a box of crayons, 6 unicorn hats, 1 unicorn headband for the Birthday child, 6 unicorn banner activities, and a bag of magical biodegradable confetti.
Picnicking Celebration Bag
Picnicking Celebration Bag Includes: One Melissa & Doug toy for the birthday child, a child’s t-shirt, 6 balloons, 6 snacks, 6 drinks, table cover, 6 plates & napkins, a piece of butcher block paper, a box of crayons, 1 bag of biodegradable confetti, 6 / 4oz. bubbles, 6 sunglasses, 1 box of sidewalk chalk, and one 18” Hoppy Ball with pump.
Sensational Scientist Celebration Bag
Sensational Scientist Celebration Bag Includes: One Melissa & Doug toy for the birthday child, a child’s t-shirt, 6 balloons, 6 snacks, 6 drinks, table cover, 6 plates & napkins, a piece of butcher block paper, a box of crayons, 6 containers of glue and water, 6 containers of borax, 6 containers to make the slime in, OR 6 circuits to complete on paper with batteries.
