CEF Birthday Parties FAQ

BIRTHDAY PARTY FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS

When can I schedule a party and how long is the time for the party?

Any day that we are open, timeframes are 10 AM to 12 noon, 11 AM to 1 PM, 12 noon to 2 PM, 1 PM to 3 PM, 2 PM to 4 PM or 3 PM to 5 PM. Your party is scheduled for two hours, but you have 15-20 minutes to set up before your party and 30-45 minutes after your party to say good-bye, pack up and clean up your table area. We provide trash bags and ask you to clean up your area before you leave. Thank you.

What can we do if it rains?

Most people schedule a rain date and put both the regular party date and rain date on their invitation. If rain is predicted the night before your party or it is raining on the day of your party, call Martha Clark at 410-440-0295 to discuss whether to have your party, or reschedule or cancel your party. We can host your party under cover if it is raining on the day of your party. The choice is yours. For a rainy day party, we modify the party to fit the conditions on the day of your party. If it rains the whole time, we will bring some of the smaller animals to your covered area to visit with the children. We can still do facepainting. You can bring some games or other activities and we will help you with them. If it is intermittent rain, we will do as many outdoor activities as the rain allows us to do. The children can enjoy the play table under the pavilion. We will be glad to work with you whatever you choose to do.

Is there any minimum or maximum number of children and adults?

No, just be realistic in your estimating the numbers when you complete your reservation form so that we can plan for your group’s size. There is an $110.00 minimum for each birthday party, which translates into approximately 9-12 children and 6-8 adults, depending on the party package you choose.

Do I have any other options if I just want to bring a small group for a party?

Yes, you can just come and pay the general admission and pick the activities you want to do. You will not get some of the features of the regularly-scheduled party, but you will have greater flexibility and a lower cost if you just have a few children. There are non-reserved picnic tables you can use for your party.

What is the schedule for the birthday parties?

The normal routine is that you can come 15-20 minutes before your party is scheduled to start to set up. We will let your guests know where your tables are. Once they are all assembled, your tour guide will begin your tour. We will take you through our part of the party (tour of the petting farm and hayride, and any of the options you have chosen: pony rides, cow train and/or facepainting) and them deliver you back to your table. That part of the party should take between 1 to 1 ½ hours depending on the size of the group and what options you have chosen. The remaining time is for you to have snack/lunch/open presents/let the kids play, visit the maze etc. If you choose facepainting, we will do that at the beginning of the party as the children arrive.

When do I pay for the party?

Please pay for the party before you leave the farm. We will be keeping a headcount of the children and adults who attend the party and give them wrist bands. Once the party’s over and you have said good-bye to your guests, please come to the cash register to pay for your party. We will calculate what you owe, take off the deposit amount and the remainder can be paid in cash or credit card. YOU MUST PAY FOR ALL CHILDREN AND ADULTS WHO COME TO THE PARTY. Gratuities are gratefully accepted. You may pay your tour guide directly or include the tip on your credit card receipt. If you wish to pay by check you will have to give us your credit card information so we can charge your credit card if your check is returned for insufficient funds. If you would like to purchase the “Maze Guide and Activity Book,” for goodie bag favors, you can do that when you arrive on the day of the party or come by the farm prior to the day of your party and get them then.

What arrangements can we make for food for our party?

Most people bring cake, cupcakes, juices, sodas, snacks etc from home. We provide you with a list of pizza restaurants that deliver to the farm and you can call and have pizza ordered. Normally, you’d want to have the pizza delivered for the last ½ hour of your party. We sell drinks, ice cream and snacks if you need them.

What happens if any of the children are afraid to ride the pony?

Just make note of the number who do not ride and we will adjust your final cost. PLEASE NOTE: We cannot make such adjustments for our other activities. If you choose other options, such as facepainting or the cow train, you will need to pay for that option for all the children who attend your party.