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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.

Programs are held following
current safely guidelines.

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

*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!

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.

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: $250

  • 36 Guest Maximum (Ages 0-102)
  • 3 hour room reservation
  • 1 Party Activity
  • Exclusive Oxbow Birthday shirt for birthday child
    • Additional t-shirts are $10 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 11:15/2:00 to 2:45: Themed Party Activity
  • 11:15 to 12:00/2:45 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.

Looking to up your birthday party game?

Check out our amazing add ons to help make your party extra special!

a green frog
Gift Bags
  • Gift bags for children.
    Contents my vary.

Add on for $3.50 per bag

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 $75

Birthday Decorations
Decorations
  • Pre set up, nature themed décor
  • Personalized birthday banner
  • Customizable Food/Drinks Signs
  • Table centerpieces & greenery

Add on for $35

a birthday invitation with an alligator on it
Oxbow Invitations
  • Set of 10 Oxbow exclusive invitations and envelopes
    • In person pick up required.

Add on for $8

Ready to schedule your birthday party with Oxbow?

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

  • All birthday parties require a $50 non-refundable deposit to hold your date. This link will be emailed to you for payment after the birthday request form has been completed and your date is confirmed with Oxbow.
  • The remainder of the balance is due before the scheduled date of the birthday.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be received 48 hours in advance. We are unable to make cancellations/changes (including a date change) for anything less than 48 hours. If you need to cancel or reschedule* your party contact us at (706) 507-8550.

*Please note that if you rescheduling your birthday party, please follow the similar 2 weeks birthday party scheduling policy.

Group Size

Our parties have a maximum group capacity of 36 persons (Ages 0-102). This includes all attendees, the party family and the birthday child/person.

We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled activity if the actual group size differs substantially from the reservation or exceeds our policy limits. Our cancellation/refund policy would apply. 

Accessibility Accommodations

Oxbow Meadows strives to provide an enjoyable party experience for all. Have questions on our programing or how we can modify a program to best suite your party or group? Contact our birthday party coordinator today to learn more.

Set Up

  • Please arrive promptly at on the day of your birthday party to set up. No more than 30 minutes will be allotted to set up your party.
  • Please park in the main parking lot. If you need assistance bringing items into the building please let the birthday party staff know and they will show you where to unload your vehicle before parking your vehicle in the main parking lot.
  • Copies of the Oxbow Program Waiver (PDF) will be available and all attendees must have a completed waivers. These must be turned into Party Attendant before the beginning of the program.

Clean Up

  • You are responsible for cleaning up by the designated time on the day of your scheduled birthday party.
  • Please dispose of all trash and place all recyclable items in proper bins.
  • All personal belongings and décor such as banners and streamers, must be removed at the conclusion of the birthday party.
  • A $35 charge will be applied to your final bill in the event that this requirement is not fulfilled.

Animal Policy

In following CDC guidelines, The Oxbow Classic, animal meet and greet activity, is recommended for ages 6&Up. Oxbow Meadows does not recommend that children under 5 years of age touch reptiles or amphibians, however, we leave it to the discretion of your party.

No particular animals can be guaranteed for any party.

COVID-19 Policies

Oxbow Meadows is committed to provided a safe and clean space for your party.

For the latest updates on our COVID-19 response, please visit oxbow.columbusstate.edu/visitor-information/ or 
columbusstate.edu/covid/

a boy holding an alligator head

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  • Grills
  • Balloons of any type are NOT permitted.
    This is due to the welfare of our animals and other wildlife.
  • Glitter or Confetti
  • Pinata
  • Alcohol is NOT permitted.
  • Smoking and vaping are also prohibited on Oxbow Meadows property.

Feel free to bring your own decorations! Banners, streamers, table clothes, center pieces and other decorations are welcome: however please do not use anything that may damage the walls. If hanging something use only blue painters tape to avoid leaving sticky residue on walls.

Please DO NOT bring:

  • Balloons of any type are NOTpermitted. This is due to the welfare of animals, both housed at Oxbow and for those in the native environment.
  • Pinata
  • Glitter or confetti

There is not a kitchen or fridge to store food or drinks in. We recommend bringing coolers for drinks or food that needs to be kept cool.

The party attendant does not remain with your party at all times. Staff are available at all times at the front desk for any questions if your attendant has had to step out.  

Supervision of birthday party attendees is the responsibility of parents, not Oxbow staff. Please make sure that children are attended at all times.

Yes! Oxbow Meadows is proud to offer many outdoor activities as a party of your party experience. Please ensure you and your party guest are appropriately dressed for an outdoor activities as many of our activities take place outside rain or shine.

*Activities may be subject to being held inside due to temperature or weather concerns for the safety of guests and our animals. Safety precautions will still be enforced.

Still have a few questions? No problem! Call us at (706) 507-8558 or email neundorfer_victoria@columbusstate.edu to talk with our party coordinator.