Birthday Parties
You read that right!
Cabin John Park VFD hosts birthday parties at Station 10 located at
8001 River RD - Bethesda, MD 20817.
The perfect idea for the child who's hooked on firetrucks or firefighting is a birthday party held at an actual active fire station.
Birthday party bookings are for two hours in which you will be received and assisted by a station guide. The birthday party is held in our meeting room, with space for up to 15 children and their parents. As part of holding the birthday party at the station you are reserved the use of the meeting room and can use it for any other activities that the children may want to do.
As part of hosting a birthday party at CJPVFD, children will receive in the first hour of the program:
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A guided tour of the fire station and fire apparatus
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The opportunity to get up close and personal with firefighters and their equipment
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A fire safety presentation and equipment demonstration hosted by one of the firefighters
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A fire safety gift-bag and fire helmet for each child in attendance
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A party that they will never forget
The family throwing the birthday party provides food, decorations, and activities.
We will set up the room with enough tables and chairs for the number of children in attendance prior to arrival. Arrive 15-30 minutes early to setup any food and decorations and let the fun begin!
Have any questions or want to schedule your party?
See the FAQ below or contact us
EVENTS
Frequently Asked Questions!
How soon can I book?
Bookings for parties will be made available up to 60 days before the date of the party. See the link above for access our booking calendar. The calendar does not allow booking for dates over 60 days in the future.
How many children can attend the party?
15 maximum including siblings, not including infants (under 1 years), teens, parents and other adults
Why can’t there be more than 15 children?
This is a working fire department, although there may be physical space for more children, we have found that it is easier to manage a smaller number of children. In the event of a 911 call, we need to drive the fire trucks and other apparatus out of the station as fast as possible. We need to maintain a managed safe environment for all.
What is the cost?
Starting June 2024, the flat rate for a party is $425
How is payment made?
You have 24 hours to place payment of $425 via PayPal to @CJPVFD to reserve a date. If no payment is received, your booking will be cancelled. Payments are refundable up to 72 hours after payment has been received.
Do you accept other forms of payment?
At this time we are only set up with Paypal.
When are the parties held?
Parties are generally on some but not every Saturday and Sunday.
The parties will be held from 10AM - 12 Noon. Setup can be at 9:30 AM.
No parties on the first Saturday of the month
No parties on and around dates of major holidays or other special days (eg. Mother's day or days for other station functions).
No parties in December.
Can we change the time for the party?
The meeting room is used for other events such as staff training and meetings. At this time we are not offering other times for Birthday parties.
How do I request a party?
See the above link to our calendar of available dates to book a party.
What is the usual plan for the party?
The first 45 minutes to an hour will be a station tour, showing the children the fire apparatus and ambulance. We will talk about fire safety and have a show and tell of our safety gear. All the children get a plastic fire helmet and a small goodie bag (crayons, stickers, temporary tattoos, and a coloring page). Some parents will use our goodie bags, some parents will add to our goodie bags such as candy, or anything else you would like.
The second hour is completely up to you, normally hosts bring and serve pizza and cake.
Does the room come decorated?
The room is normally not decorated with birthday decorations.
We do not supply birthday decorations but you are welcome to bring your own
See picture here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/GyuBu2QVxZ5gLSLB8
Can we decorate the room?
You are more than welcome to bring whatever you would like to decorate!
There is one approximately 8-foot table in the room with two additional 8-foot folding tables if needed. There are plenty of chairs.
There are large tables in the front of the room and the back of the room where food, drinks and displays can be set up.
Most hosts bring, and we recommend, tablecloths.
Some parties have had really cute firefighter themed decorations with plates, napkins, banners, balloons, sippy cups, stuffed dalmatian dogs etc.
If you would like to tape something to the wall, please bring your own wall-paint-sensitive tape (eg. 3M Blue Painter’s Tape). We do not want to damage the paint on the wall.
You are more than welcome to come into the station starting at 9:30 AM to decorate if you so wish.
Can I bring a pet?
No. No pets are allowed. Registered service animals are allowed.
Is there anything that I or my guests should not bring to the station?
Please do not bring alcohol, glassware, glitter, or piñatas.
Are there pictures of past decorations?
We have provided some pictures of past parties
The decorations were brought by the hosts, we do not have these decorations anymore
See pictures here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vH5juBXLbQu5YiLr5
Can we see the room beforehand?
We have provided pictures of the room which is usually adequate
If you have a special need, please contact us
See pictures here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vH5juBXLbQu5YiLr5
Is there anything that I should not bring to the station?
Please do not bring alcohol, glassware, glitter, or piñatas.
Is there parking at the station?
There is limited parking available on either side of the large driveway in the front of the station. Please do not park in the lot behind the station and please do not block any garage doors or entrances.
-See pictures here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vH5juBXLbQu5YiLr5
Is there wheelchair access?
There is an elevator to reach the second floor where the meeting room is.
Is there anything unique about this station?
Our organization is nearly 100 years old and has a long proud history. We are one of only a handful of fire and rescue stations with boats to respond to water rescues on the Potomac!.
Our volunteer and career personnel are dedicated, energetic and resourceful and we love serving our community. Some of our current volunteers had their first exposure to Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department from their own birthday party at the station! We hope someday your child, or even you, would consider contributing to and volunteering at our station!