Green Birthdays
Come and celebrate your child’s birthday at a favorite family destination, the Quogue Wildlife Refuge! “Green” Birthday Programs are available year round, dependent upon staff availability. We call these Birthday Programs ‘green’ because our parties are designed to have a minimum impact upon our planet, with minimal amounts of garbage being produced. The children will have the opportunity to have an intimate experience with nature and animals in a fun and respectful way. To schedule a program or for more information, please contact the Quogue Wildlife Refuge at 631-653-4771 or via email at programs@quoguewildliferefuge.org .
Being ‘Green’: The Refuge provides compostable and post-consumer recycled plates, as well as Ecotainer cups made from renewable plant resources. The family may choose to bring & use reusable cutlery/plates/cups if they wish. Balloons and drink boxes are not permitted.
**Members receive a 10% discount!
Birthday Time Meet the Animals:
1.5 hour program. This is a really fun way to celebrate a birthday for any child who loves animals! Includes a ‘Meet the Animals’ program in the Nature Center, craft, and time for snack or lunch that is brought in by the group. We can accommodate up to 15 children, and a maximum of 30 people, including adults. Snack/lunch can be had in the Nature Center, or on the deck of the Nature Center, weather dependent. Age appropriate for 4 year-olds and up. Programs must be scheduled when the Nature Center is closed to the public (Tues/Thurs/Sat 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM OR 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM or Mon/Wed/Fri at mutually agreed upon time). QWR Birthday INVITATIONS AVAILABLE, 20 for $5, or 25 cents each. Cards & envelopes made from recycled paper. $350.00
Hiking Birthday Party:
1.5 hour program. Enjoy the outdoors for a special birthday party! Includes a outdoor guided tour of the Refuge habitats, and time in the Nature Center for food that is brought in by the group. We can accommodate up to 15 children, and a maximum of 20 people, including adults. Snack/lunch can be had in the Nature Center, or on the deck of the Nature Center, weather dependent. Age appropriate for 5 year-olds and up. Programs must be scheduled when the Nature Center is closed to the public (Tues/Thurs/Sat 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM OR 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM or Mon/Wed/Fri at mutually agreed upon time). $250.00
Birthday Kayak on Old Ice Pond:
2 ½ hour program. This memorable birthday program includes a guided 1 hour exploratory paddle on 10 acre Old Ice Pond, paddling instruction, and use of life vests, as well as time for short hike. We can accommodate 15 children maximum, 18 people maximum. At least 3 adults chaperones necessary, two to be paddling on pond with QWR staff. Snack or lunch provided by the group can be enjoyed at the outdoor amphitheater or picnic tables. This program is available June through September. Age appropriate for children 10 years old to adult. $450.00
Night Hike Birthday Program:
2 ½ hour program. This great nighttime adventure includes a 1 ½ hour guided hike on the trails after dusk. During this time, children will experience several fun night vision activities and learn about our native nocturnal creatures of the forest. We can accommodate 18 children maximum, 20 people total, 2 adults minimum. Includes 1 hour to enjoy the Nature Center and for snack/food brought in by group. Age appropriate 7 years old and up. $325.00
Birthday Sleepover in Nature Center:
This is a very special way to celebrate a birthday! This great program includes a night hike, indoor tour of all of the animals, movie on a giant blow-up screen with popcorn. Dinner and breakfast can be brought in by group. This program is age appropriate for 8 and up. 6:00 PM – 9:00 AM, (15 hours) for up to 12 children plus minimum of 2 adult chaperones. $1,500.00
Meet the Animals in Your Home!
Your child’s birthday or any special occasion can be celebrated by having QWR staff bring a variety of critters into your home for a fun and fantastic animal experience! This one hour program can accommodate up to 20 children. These memories will last a lifetime! $250.00 plus travel fee.
Private Experiences
Private Night Hike Program
1 ½ hour program. This great nighttime adventure includes a 1 ½ hour guided hike on the trails after dusk. During this time, folks will experience several fun night vision activities and learn about our native nocturnal creatures of the forest. We can accommodate 20 people per guided group. A great program for adults, or families with children ages 7 and up! $12 per person/ $200.00 minimum.
Private Day Time Guided Tour
1 ½ hour program. Explore the Refuge during a guided hike to learn about the native flora and fauna, the various habitats that exist at the Refuge (field, Pine Barrens, Carnivorous bog, freshwater ponds). Visit the Outdoor Animal Enclosure to hear all about the animals, their history, & what they love to eat! Includes a guided woodland hike around Old Ice Pond, time to view animals in the outdoor animal complex, and a discussion about the fascinating ice-harvesting history at the Refuge. This tour can be tailored to various age-groups, up to 20 people per group/guide. $10 per person, $150 minimum per guide/group.
Private Paddle Old Ice Pond
1 ½ hour program. Register for a private time slot with your group and enjoy exploring Old Ice Pond via kayak or canoe. This paddle will be partially guided by a naturalist, with time to free paddle as well. Observe the various species of freshwater fish, turtles, and birds which live in and around this 100+ year old pond that was originally created for ice harvesting for the Quogue Ice Company. A scavenger hunt/ID chart will be available. Groups must pre-register and pre-pay. This program will be weather dependent. Single kayaks, double kayaks, and canoes will be determined prior to your arrival based on the individuals in the party. A $250.00 fee includes up to 6 people ($50 for each additional person after 6 people). Please note the following: This program is appropriate for ages 5 and up. Children AGES 12 – 16: Children may be in their own craft IF they are 12 and older and must be accompanied by a supervising adult in a nearby boat. All Children under the age of 16 must be with an accompanying adult in a nearby boat. Children AGES 5 – 11: Children under the age of 12 must be in craft with an adult. June to September. Pre-registration and payment at the time of booking.
Private Meet and Greet with QWR Ambassador Animals
50 minute program. Meet the animals that the call the Refuge home in this private experience. A meaningful gift for birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions. Programs must be scheduled when the Nature Center is closed to the public (Tues/Thurs/Sat 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM OR 4:15 PM to 6:15 PM or Mon/Wed/Fri at mutually agreed upon time). Up to six people are welcome to join you for this experience. $250.00.
Contact Us!
To schedule a program or for more information, please contact the Quogue Wildlife Refuge at 631-653-4771 or via email at programs@quoguewildliferefuge.org .