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Birthday Parties - Columbus State University Skip to Main Content

Birthday Parties

Celebrate your birthday Oxbow style this year and party with our amazing wildlife!

Party Activities

Oxbow Meadows an array of party themes that are prefect for celebrating and engaging all ages. From live animal shows, mad science and outdoor exploration, there is something fun for any child with a passion for the wild!

Programs will be held in outdoor areas.* Please ensure your guests are dressed accordingly.

*Activities may be subject to being held inside due to temperature concerns and for the safety of the animals.

Choose from two time slots on Saturday’s,

10-12pm or 1:30-3:30pm.

Reserve your date now for only a $50.00 deposit.

Request a Birthday Party

an alligator's head

The Oxbow Classic

Recommended for All Ages*
This interactive live animal show features Oxbows many animal ambassadors. You will have the opportunity to see a range of animals that may include: Frogs & Salamanders, Turtles & Tortoises, Snakes, Alligators, and Lizards. No particular animals can be guaranteed. The Oxbow Classic animal meet-and-greet is recommended for ages 6 and older.

*In following CDC guidelines, Oxbow Meadows does not recommend that children under 5 years of age touch reptiles or amphibians, however, we leave it the discretion of your party.

a cloud of colorful smoke

Mad Science Mayhem

Recommended for ages 5 & Up
Our resident Mad Scientist can not wait to celebrate with you. In this interactive live show, you will get the opportunity to experience the wonders of science first hand!

Looking for something more magical? Ask us how we can turn this party in to a Wizard's Potion Class by selecting our Mad Science Mayhem with a Magical Twist!

a collection of rocks that look like birds

Artsy with Nature

Recommended for ages 3 & Up
Join an Oxbow Naturalist as we head outside and explore a few amazing ways to create art with nature! The perfect party for the child that loves to get creative and use their imagination!

a person pointing at a map

Nature Pirates

Recommended for ages 5 & Up
Ahoy! Captain “Barnacle” needs your help as we embark on a trek through nature following the clues and our map to discover the buried treasure hidden at Oxbow Meadows.*

*This activity takes place down a dirt/gravel trail and if any accessibility modifications may be needed for your party please contact the birthday coordinator

a toy dinosaur popping out from an egg

Walking with Dinosaurs

Recommended for ages 3 & Up
Join Oxbow’s resident palaeontologist as we discover the history of fossils and dinosaurs. Hunt for fossils and excavate your own fossil to take home in this science exploration!

Birthday Party Package

Check our pictures from our birthday party room and upgrades!

Note: Specific decorations, gift bags, and invitations included by Oxbow Meadows may change over time. Pictures are an approximation.

Base Package: $300

  • 36 Guest Maximum (Ages 0-102)
  • 3 hour room reservation
  • 1 Party Activity
  • Exclusive Oxbow Birthday shirt for birthday child
    • Additional t-shirts are $18 each
  • Souvenir photo for guests
  • Private Party Area
  • 36 chairs, tables, and black cloth tablecloths

Sample Timeline:

  • 9:30 to 10:00/1:00 to 1:30: Set Up
  • 10:00 to 10:30/1:30 to 2:00: Guests Arrive, time to sign
    program waivers, center touring.
  • 10:30 to 10:50/2:00 to 2:20: Themed Party Activity
  • 10:50 to 12:00/2:20 to 3:30: Time allotted for cake
    and presents or other self guided activities
  • 12:00/3:30: Guest must depart
  • 12:00 to 12:30/3:30 to 4:00: Clean Up

If you choose to add on an additional activity this will adjust your schedule with in your party time slot. Please talk to your party coordinator if you have any questions.

Birthday Party Add-ons

a green frog

 

Gift Bags

  • Gift bags for children.
  • Contents my vary.
  • Add on for $4.00 per bag

Birthday Decorations

Decorations

  • Pre set up, nature themed décor
  • Personalized birthday banner
  • Customizable Food/Drinks Signs
  • Table centerpieces & greenery
  • Add on for $45

woman showing children a baby alligator

Additional Activity

  • One additional theme from options above.
  • This will adjust the timeline of your party. For details please discuss with the birthday party contact.
  • Add on for $80

Scheduling Information

All birthday parties must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance and require a $50 non refundable deposit. Due to popular demand we recommend scheduling one to two months in advance.

Deposit and Payment

Birthday parties must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Because party dates can fill quickly, we recommend submitting your request one to two months in advance whenever possible.

A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your date. After you submit the birthday party request form and your date has been confirmed by Oxbow staff, you will receive a payment link by email.

The remaining balance must be paid before the scheduled party date.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations or changes to a birthday party reservation, including requests to reschedule, must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled party time.

Requests made less than 48 hours before the party cannot be accommodated.

To cancel or reschedule your party, please contact Oxbow Meadows at (706) 507-8550.

If you reschedule your party, the new date must meet our standard scheduling requirement of at least two weeks in advance and is subject to availability.

Group Size

Birthday parties are limited to a maximum of 36 guests total, regardless of age. This includes the birthday child or adult, family members, children, infants, and all other attendees.

Please provide an accurate estimated guest count when making your reservation. Oxbow Meadows reserves the right to modify or cancel a scheduled activity if the actual group size substantially differs from the reservation or exceeds the maximum capacity. Standard cancellation and refund policies will apply.

Accessibility Accommodations

Oxbow Meadows strives to provide an enjoyable and accessible experience for all guests. If you have questions about accessibility or would like to discuss possible accommodations or program modifications, please contact our birthday party coordinator before your scheduled party.

Set Up

  • Please arrive on time for your scheduled setup period. A maximum of 30 minutes is provided for party setup.
  • Please park in the main parking lot. If you need assistance unloading party supplies, let Oxbow staff know when you arrive. Staff can direct you to the designated unloading area before you move your vehicle to the main parking lot.
  • Oxbow Program Waivers will be available at check-in. All participants must have a completed waiver before taking part in the scheduled program or activity. Completed waivers should be given to the party attendant before the program begins.

Clean Up

  • Party hosts are responsible for cleaning the rental space and removing all personal items by the end of the scheduled rental time.
  • Please place all trash and recyclable materials in the appropriate bins provided.
  • All personal belongings, food, decorations, and party supplies—including banners, streamers, table coverings, and centerpieces—must be removed at the conclusion of the party.
  • Please leave the party space in the same general condition in which you found it.
  • A $35 cleaning fee will be charged if the space is not cleaned or personal items, decorations, or excessive trash are left behind.

Animal Interaction Policy 

For the health and safety of our guests and animals, The Oxbow Classic animal meet-and-greet is recommended for ages 6 and older.

Children under 5 are discouraged from touching reptiles and amphibians. Parents and guardians are responsible for deciding whether their child participates in animal contact and for ensuring that children follow all staff instructions.

Animal participation may vary based on animal health, behavior, husbandry needs, and availability. Specific animals cannot be guaranteed for any party.

 

a boy holding an alligator head

Frequently Asked Questions

The following items are not allowed to be brought to an Oxbow Birthday party:

  • Grills, hot plates, toasters, propane burners, and food warmers that use an open flame are not permitted. Slow cookers and crockpots are permitted.
  • Fireworks, sparklers, or similar items. 
  • Balloons of any type are NOT permitted. This is due to the welfare of our animals and other wildlife.
  • Glitter, confetti, flake snow, or other small decorative scatter materials. 
  • Piñatas.
  • Fog machines, haze machines, smoke effects, dry ice effects
  • Silly string, water beads, or similar small plastic/gel party materials.
  • Alcohol is NOT permitted.
  • Smoking and vaping are also prohibited on Oxbow Meadows property.
  • Birdseed, rice, candy, or other items intended to be thrown or scattered outdoors
  • Live animals of any kind, including animals intended as gifts, party favors, entertainment, or displays. Service animals are permitted as required by law.
  • Outside animals or animal-release activities, including butterflies, doves, fish, insects, etc.
  • Any item, activity, decoration, or party favor that could harm Oxbow’s animals, wildlife, facilities, or natural areas may be prohibited at staff discretion.

Feel free to bring your own decorations! Banners, streamers, table clothes, center pieces and other decorations are welcome.

Please do not use any decoration or hanging method that may damage walls, furniture, doors, windows, exhibits, or other surfaces. Only blue painter’s tape may be used to attach decorations to walls or other approved surfaces.

Please do not use:

  • Command hooks or adhesive hooks
  • Command strips or mounting strips
  • Double-sided tape
  • Packing tape, masking tape, duct tape, or Scotch tape
  • Glue, glue dots, or spray adhesive
  • Push pins, thumbtacks, nails, staples, or screws
  • Sticky tack, mounting putty, or similar adhesive products
  • Freestanding decorations and table decorations are encouraged whenever possible.

Please note that some decorations and party materials are not permitted, including balloons, piñatas, glitter, confetti, and other items listed in our Prohibited Items section.

There is no kitchen or refrigerator available for birthday party rentals. Please bring a cooler for drinks or any food that needs to remain cold.

The birthday party attendant will greet your group when you arrive, review the party schedule, and confirm the time of your reserved activity. The attendant may step away during portions of the party but will check in as needed.

Oxbow staff are available at the front desk throughout your rental if you need assistance.

Supervision of all birthday party guests is the responsibility of the parents, guardians, and other adults in the party. Oxbow staff do not provide childcare or continuous supervision. Please ensure that children are supervised at all times.

Yes! Oxbow Meadows is proud to offer outdoor experiences as part of your birthday party. Please make sure you and your guests are dressed appropriately for the weather, as many party activities take place outdoors, rain or shine.

Activities may be moved indoors or modified due to temperature, severe weather, or other safety concerns for our guests and animals.

Still have a few questions? No problem! Call us at (706) 507-8554 or email benton_cami@columbusstate.edu.