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.

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.

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.

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!

Concessions Menu

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).

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.)

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. 

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.

No, parking is free!

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.

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.

Yes, if you would to change/reschedule your event date, please do so 5 or more days in advance.

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.