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Have a birthday party at the Zoo!
Parties are for children age 3-10 and last for two hours. We do all the work including drinks and party favors. One of our experienced staff will host the party with games, animal encounters and fun for everyone. Your child and friends will even get a personalized tour of the zoo. $145 for members and $175 for non-members, includes up to 15 people. $5 charge for each additional child or adult.
 (812) 435-6143
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What types of parties are available ?
Amazonia parties are held in the Research station. Guests receive a tour through Amazonia and the Kley building and also participate in a Giraffe feeding (weather permitting).
Discovery Center parties are in the Multi-Purpose room in Discovery Center Building. Guests also receive a tour through the Kley building, participate in a giraffe feeding (weather permitting) and receive an animal encounter.
When are parties available?
The zoo hosts birthday parties on weekends at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM. Parties last 2 hours. Parties may be available during the week upon request.
What does the party include?
We do it all! Parties include a private room, party host, admission into the zoo, guided tour, feeding the giraffe (weather permitting), drinks and all paper products. We take care of cleaning up the mess too! Cake, party favors and lunch options are also available for an additional fee. Party favors are $1.50/bag.
What age group are the parties for?
Zoo parties are recommended for ages 3 – 10.
How far in advance should I book a party?
Zoo parties are popular – if you want a specific date call well in advance (1 - 2 months depending on the time of year) to reserve your date!
How much do parties cost and is a deposit required?
Parties are $145 for members and $175 for nonmembers. A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required at the time of booking your party. We accept Master-Card, Visa, Discover, Check or Cash. You can drop the deposit off at the gate, mail it in or pay via credit card over the phone.
How many guests does the basic price include?
The $145/$175 includes 15 people. Any guests beyond 15 will cost an extra $5/person. This includes adults, members and children (age 2& Up). Children 1 & under are FREE.
The Amazonia Party room has a maximum capacity of
20 people. Discovery Center Party Room has a max
capacity of 35 people. We do need an estimate of the
number of guests prior to your party.
What are the lunch options? Can we bring in food?
You may bring in birthday cakes, cupcakes and other treats (such as cookies) for your guests, just let us know. Items should be ready to serve as we do not have refrigerator or stove availability. If you would like lunch provided for your guests, please contact the zoo concessionaire at 435-6143 Ext 444 to make arrangements. We will be happy to provide you with a menu. Pizza delivery is permitted through the zoo’s concessionaire only.
Can I bring gifts, balloons etc.?
You are welcome to open gifts in your room and add any decorations. However, for the safety of our animals, we do not permit balloons to be on zoo grounds. Additional gift items are also available in the gift shop if desired.
Can I request certain animals for the encounter?
Animal encounters are based on animal availability, but we do our best to honor any requests. Typical birthday party animals include rabbits, snakes and goats which are all part of our Discovery Center education collection.
What is the appearance & size of the cake offered?
If you request a cake through the zoo, a quarter sheet cake is $25 and feeds 15—22 people. A half sheet cake is $35 and feeds 23—32 people. Zoo cakes typically come with a zoo theme (either zoo animals or an edible Zoo logo as seen on the front of this form).
When do I pay for the party?
The Deposit is required at time of booking. The remaining balance is due at the end of your party. Your host will count your additional guests and let you know your total (minus the deposit). Checks are payable to Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden. Cash and credit card are also accepted.
Should I tip my host?
Tips are optional of course, but if you feel your host provided a good party, a tip is certainly appreciated.
What if I don’t want to pay for all of the parents that come to the party?
If the children are old enough to attend the party without their parents, we do not charge for those parents that are simply walking their children up to the party room. If the parents wish to stay and you do NOT want to cover the extra cost ($5), then please note on your invitation that they will need to pay separately at the front gate. You can note on the invitation that the party includes children only.
What if there is severe weather or we need to cancel the party?
Parties continue rain or shine, so please bring appropriate attire if your party occurs on a cold or rainy day. But no worries, we make up for the rain by having extra special animals or tours—fun will still be had! Should there be snow emergency called for the entire city, please note that the zoo would not open. In the event you should need to cancel at the last minute for any reason, please call the main zoo line (435.6143 and 0 for operator) as early as possible to let us know.
What time should I arrive & where do I park?
It is suggested that guests arrive 15—20 minutes prior to party time to allow adequate time for parking and walking to the party room. The first portion of the party may include the tour, so it is extremely helpful if your guests arrive promptly. Guests for the Discovery Center party may park at Lot D off of Bement Avenue (old zoo entrance) and those attending an Amazonia party may park in the main zoo lot off of Mesker Park Drive using the main zoo entrance.
Does the party include tram service?
Although there is not a tram tour scheduled as a part of the official party, birthday party guests do receive free tram service throughout the day. They can utilize the tram to and from the party if desired. Please note that the tour does include walking; if you have guests that prefer not to participate in the tour, they are welcome to wait in the party room.
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