If your kid would rather hold a python than hit a piñata, a reptile birthday party is hard to beat. Here's how parties work with NERD — the breeding facility that shares our building in Plaistow — what they cost, and how to plan one that goes smoothly.
Option 1: A Cave party at NERD
The Cave is NERD's function room, with naturalistic rockwork, a waterfall and a turtle pond. Because the party happens at the breeding facility, guests can meet a wider variety of animals than can travel to an off-site event. Kids can get up close — and even hold a few of our animals — with NERD staff guiding the way.
- $450 for 1.5 hours, including an interactive animal presentation
- Up to 25 people per party
- $100 per additional hour of presentation
- $50 convenience fee for less than 2 weeks' scheduling notice
After the presentation, the rest of the time is yours in The Cave. Details are on our parties page.
Option 2: An in-home show
Would you rather party at home? NERD can bring the animals to your living room or back yard.
- $375 for the first hour
- Up to 20 people indoors, or 30 outdoors
- Additional hours $100/hr
- $2.00 mileage fee beyond a 10-mile radius of NERD
If your group is larger, call ahead so NERD can plan the show to stay interactive. Planning for a classroom, library, scout troop or camp instead? See educational shows.
How far ahead to book
Earlier than you think. Bookings fill up quickly, and NERD can't take short-notice requests. Aim for at least two weeks out to avoid the convenience fee, and more for weekend dates. Full payment is due in advance to reserve your slot. All cancellations carry a 25% fee, and rescheduling within 10 days of your booking adds a 25% fee, so lock in your date once you're sure.
Online booking is coming soon. For now, call (603) 382-3338 to book.
Have these ready when you call
- Two or three dates and times that work, in order of preference
- Your expected guest count, and the ages of the kids
- Whether you want a Cave party or an in-home show
- For an in-home show, your town and whether it will be indoors or outdoors
- Anything the presenter should know — a guest who's nervous around animals, accessibility needs, or a favorite animal the birthday kid is hoping to meet
Planning tips for a smooth party
- Tell us the birthday kid's age and favorite animals when you book.
- Plan the presentation for when energy is good — before cake, not after.
- Give younger guests a spot near the front so they can see.
- Ask parents whether any guests are nervous around animals. Watching from a few feet back is a perfectly good way to join in.
- Have someone take photos so the parent can enjoy the moment.
Cave party or in-home show?
Both are great — they just suit different parties. A Cave party is the bigger adventure: the kids come to the breeding facility, the setting does a lot of the work, and NERD's wider collection is close at hand. It's also easier on the host, since there's no living room to clear or clean up afterward.
An in-home show is easier on travel and timing. Guests stay put, younger siblings can nap upstairs, and you can run the rest of the party exactly the way you want. Outdoors, it also fits a bigger crowd. If you're not sure which fits, call us with your guest count, the ages, and your town, and we'll help you choose.
What to tell guests ahead of time
- That there will be live animals, including snakes — so nobody's surprised
- To let you know about any allergies or fears ahead of time
- That holding animals is always optional
- Where to go: Cave parties are at NERD, 149 Plaistow Road in Plaistow
Keeping everyone healthy
Reptiles and amphibians can carry Salmonella germs even when they look healthy and clean. The CDC recommends that everyone wash their hands with soap and water right after touching reptiles or anything in their area, and using hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available. The CDC also advises that children under 5 should not handle reptiles or amphibians.
Plan for a hand-washing stop right after the animal portion — before anyone touches food or cake — and keep sanitizer on hand. NERD staff handle the animals throughout and guide everyone's participation.
Make it a day in Plaistow
Zoo Creatures and NERD share a building at 149 Plaistow Road in Plaistow, NH, about 45 minutes north of Boston and an easy drive from Salem, Derry, Haverhill and the Seacoast. Before or after the party, families can browse the store's reptiles, amphibians and our 8,000-gallon well-water fish showroom. NERD merch is 15% off on the day of your party, too.
Want something smaller for a few superfans? A private NERD tour is another option. And if the party leaves your kid begging for a pet of their own, start with our guide to the best first reptile for beginners.
