Rentals

Host your event in the beauty of nature.

People at a party outdoors under string lights.

Whether you’re looking for an inspiring retreat for a business meeting or a magical setting for a celebration, the Schuylkill Center’s lush wooded landscape inspires reflection, harmony, and a connection to the natural world. Conveniently located only 30 minutes from center city Philadelphia, we have a variety of rooms and outdoors spaces that can accommodate small groups or large gatherings. We welcome company meetings, retreats, cocktail parties, lectures, performances, small outdoor weddings, and other special events.

  Event Rental

  Birthday Party

Birthday Parties

A nature-themed birthday party is a perfect way to provide amazing memories for your child while also supporting our mission of connecting people with nature. Our birthday packages are ideal for kids ages 4–15. Fill out the form below to plan a birthday party with the Schuylkill Center. Birthday parties are held on Saturday afternoons, and are entirely outdoors, with access to the Visitor Center in case of inclement weather or to use the restrooms.

Learn more about our fun birthday party packages.

  • Basic Birthday Party Package

    Two children running along an autumn path in a forest.

    Our basic birthday party package includes:

    • Admission for up to 15 children, ages 4 and up
    • Use of outdoor facility for 2 hours
    • Trail maps and activity ideas available upon request

    Cost: $150

  • Naturalist-Led Birthday Party Package

    A person sitting on wooden planks holds a plastic container out to a child.

    Our naturalist-lead birthday party includes an hour with one of our environmental educators exploring nature and enjoying nature-themed activities and games.

    In addition, this package includes:

    • Admission for up to 15 children, ages 4 and up
    • Use of outdoor facility for 2 hours
    • Your choice of theme from the selection below.

    Cost: $300

    Birthday Party Themes

    Around the Pond (April-October)

    From croaking frogs to basking turtles–in the warm weather our ponds come to life with the sights and sounds of aquatic creatures. Scoop for tadpoles, search for insects, and listen for frogs as we explore these critical habitats.

    Incredible Insects (April-October)

    Hiding under logs, clinging onto plants, swimming in ponds—insects can be found everywhere! Get your hands dirty as we turn over rocks, search under logs, and dig through dirt in search of these six-legged creeper crawlers.

    Bird is the Word

    Keep your eye on the sky! From the smallest of songbirds to the largest birds of prey, many different species call our trails home. Break out the binoculars and hit the trails on a scavenger hunt to spot some of our most common feathered friends.

    Animal Detectives

    What does a fox track look like? What can a raccoon’s scat tell us about what it ate? Find the answers to these questions and more as we search, scour, and sleuth through the forest looking for tracks, scat, and signs from the animals that live here.

    Fairies of the Forest

    Did you know we have fairies who live in our forest? Using sticks, leaves, grass, and a little bit of pixie dust, we will help build a fairy house and tell stories about our mystical friends.

Booking a Birthday Party

Fill out the request form and our registrar will reach out to you to confirm your reservation within 3 business days. Filling out the request form does not guarantee the selected date.

Birthday Party Request Form

Event Rentals

The Schuylkill Center offers an array of indoor rooms and outdoor green spaces perfect for cocktail parties, company meetings, retreats, lectures, performances, or small weddings. Located just 30 minutes from center city Philadelphia, the Schuylkill Center offers the beauty of wilderness with the comforts of restrooms and free parking.

Learn more about our available indoor and outdoor spaces in the descriptions below.

To book a space at the Center, or to schedule a tour, please call 215-482-7300 or email [email protected].

Outdoor Spaces

  • Pavilion/Amphitheater

    A beautifully situated, covered pavilion with a fireplace, and a large amphitheater. Easy access to restrooms, kitchens and electricity from the Visitor’s Center. Ideal for theater, music, lectures, receptions, performances, and meetings.

    Capacity: 75

    Rental fee

    • Four hours: $800
    • Eight hours: $1500

  • The Green

    The Green is a large grassy area surrounded by tall trees, Located beside the Visitor’s Center, adjacent to the Pavilion, the Green is ideal for large parties, picnics, dancing, music, and receptions. Easy access to the Visitor’s Center, restrooms, kitchen, and parking.

    Capacity: 75

    Rental fee

    • Four hours: $800
    • Eight hours: $1500

  • Founder's Grove

    A large open space surrounded by woodlands.  A short walk from the main building, Founder’s Grove has access for delivery from driveway and side road. This space offers the feeling of being in the woods, while being large enough for an event.

    Capacity: 100

    Rental fee: $200 per hour

Indoor Spaces

  • Dick James Room

    A large space with enormous windows looking out into the woods, this conference room seats up to 40 at tables, 60 in rows. This space has a chalkboard, a pull down screen for presentations, and the capability to host virtual meetings. 

    Capacity: 40

    Rental fee

    • Two hours: $200
    • Eight hours: $600

     

  • Auditorium

    Adjacent to a full kitchen, this space can hold up to 300 people, and has easy access parking for convenient delivery. Inside our main building, just next to the restrooms, the auditorium allows for a convenient and large indoor space. Can be rented along with outdoor space for a larger event.

    Capacity: 200

    Rental fee

    • Two hours: $600
    • Eight hours: $1000