A Wild Way to Celebrate a Special Day
Be a party animal and plan your party at the zoo today! Our $300 Birthday Party package has everything you need for a celebration unlike any other!
2026 Bookings: Available from May through September.
Our Birthday Package
For $300 you get:
- UNLIMITED Train and Carousel rides for up to 25 guests.
- Two hour reservation of either our:
- Party Pavilion: 11:00am – 1:00pm or 2:00pm – 4:00pm (outdoors).
- Covered Bridge Clubhouse: 11:30am – 1:30pm or 2:30pm to 4:30pm (indoors).
- View our complete Birthday Party Agreement! A nonrefundable deposit of 50% is required to reserve your date, applicable to your rental fee.
Optional Add Ons
Take your party to the next level
Animal Visit
For an additional $125, you can add on a visit from one of our animal friends! The visit would entail a 15-25 natural history talk about an Ambassador Animal of your choice, and personal Q & A with a Zookeeper! Simply select the Animal Visit option in the booking form and select your top 5 animals! Please notify us if you would like to add an animal visit at least 7 days prior to your reservation. Animal Visit is NOT available for the Covered Bridge Clubhouse.
Additional Guests
Additional guests (parties larger than 25 people) can be added to your reservation at the rate of $12 per person. Parties larger than 25 guests may be held under one of our outdoor event tents (subject to availability; must notify the Zoo in advance).
Tent Rental Upgrade
Need or want more space? We have three covered tents available near the birthday party pavilion for some extra room for your guests! Parties with additional guests (larger than 25) may be held under one of our outdoor tents (subject to availability; submit your booking form and mention in the notes you would like an event tent). View the tent rental rates, and contact us to coordinate your event. We are prepared to work with you to create a ZOOrific time!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I and my guests check in?
Come to the Main Admission gate and let Admissions know that you are checking in for your party. We will provide a party wagon to help you bring items down to the party space. Please bring this wagon back at the end of your visit.
Party set up may begin 30 minutes prior to the starting time and must be cleaned up 30 minutes after the rental time has concluded.
Guests: Your guests will enter the Zoo through the Main Admission gate and will need to check in as guests of your event. Guests not checking in as part of your party will pay General Admission Rates.
Courtesy & Safety
The Zoo is a fun place to be, especially when our guests respect the Zoo and each other. To ensure the success of your event, please make your guests aware of our visitor policy:
- Adults are to remain with, and supervise, their children at all times.
- Unknown items that enter the exhibits could be harmful to our animals. This includes you! Please be mindful of the barriers and fences around exhibits intended to keep the animals safe, and please do not cross them.
- People food can make our animals sick! Please refrain from feeding the animals.
- Thank you for keeping our facility smoke, tobacco, and alcohol free!
For the safety and enjoyment of all, guests who do not abide by these guidelines may be asked to leave. All fees deposited or paid for your party package will not be refunded.
Who do we contact if an issue arises?
If you encounter any issues during your booking, please find a staff member in an orange or royal blue shirt and alert them. They will contact our Guest Services team to support you.
Where is the Party Pavilion?
The Party Pavilion is located in the back of the Zoo, by the event field and in between the Miniature Horse Habitat and Sloth/Rainforest Building. Refer to the map below for guidance, the Party Pavilion is circled in purple.
Do we sell food/drinks?
Yes, the zoo has a concession stand at the Train Whistle Café by the Otter and Prairie Dog habitats that sells a variety of tasty entrees, treats, and drinks. View a full menu below!
Can we bring outside food into the Zoo?
Yes, you may bring in any outside food into the zoo that you would like to serve for your party! Any outside caterers/vendors/etc must be approved by the Zoo prior to your event. If vendors are selling goods, they must complete a separate vendor agreement form with the Zoo. Vendors may not compete with Zoo sales or operations (sell or giveaway items that the Zoo also sells such as popcorn, cotton candy, etc.), or bring items on the prohibited list (see below FAQ).
Are there any prohibited items not allowed in the Zoo?
If you wish to bring party decorations or favors, please let us know ahead of time. Because these items can prove harmful or fatal to animals if ingested, please leave the following items at home:
- Glass containers
- Balloons, inflated or not, latex or Mylar
- Crepe paper
- Aluminum decorations or food/drink containers
- Confetti
- Garland or tinsel/foil
- Candles
- Matches/lighters
- Cigarettes/Cigars/Vape pens
- Staples
- Alcohol (unless with a licensed alcohol vendor during after-hours events.)
Does the Party Pavilion have power?
The party site does not have power, so cold or room temperature foods are best. You may bring in a caterer to provide food for your party.
Is it better to pay before or on/after arrival?
While we accept both payments, outside of your initial non-refundable deposit, before or on/after arrival, we recommend paying on/after arrival, as group numbers can change from your initial booking to the day of your party. Payments are due at the end of your visit.
Is there a cost for parking?
No, parking is free!
Does the Zoo close in bad weather?
The zoo is open rain or shine! Please know that due to rain, operation of the train could be paused for a period of time. Due to inclement weather that involves lightning, operation of the train and/or carousel could be paused for a period of time.
Will we get refunded or rescheduled if the weather is bad?
A nonrefundable deposit of 50% of your rental fee is required to reserve your event date, applicable to your total rental fee. The balance of your fee is due at the Admissions Booth on your event date. The Zoo is open rain or shine and will plan to host your party as planned; if you decide to cancel your event, the deposit is nonrefundable.
If a severe weather watch is in effect, your event will be postponed until the weather watch expires, or until a rescheduled time/date agreed upon by you and the Zoo.
Can I reschedule my date?
Yes, if you would to change/reschedule your event date, please do so 5 or more days in advance.
Are wagons allowed to transport items?
Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own wagons to transport items and we will also have a wagon for you here at the zoo for you to use as well.