Private Parties

How early can I get into my party area to set up?

You may arrive at your party area no earlier than 25 minutes prior to your scheduled time to set up and you will be given 25 minutes after your party for clean up. We cannot allow extra time for late arrivals, so please make sure you are prepared and arrive on time.

Can I bring in my own food?

Yes, you may bring in any food to your party area as long as it does not require any on-site preparation and everything must remain in the rental area until you leave. We DO NOT allow any outside grills inside the zoo. You can have your food delivered to the zoo, but you will have to wait for your deliveries outside the zoo gates. There is NO alcohol or smoking permitted on zoo grounds.

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Parties found with alcohol will result in the shutdown of the party and will result in the loss of your payment.

Can a Zoo employee help unload and/or cart items to and from my party area?

You will be responsible for loading and unloading your own items to and from the party area.  For safety reasons, golf cart transportation can NOT be made available, but you are more than welcome to bring a wagon.

 What if I have questions during my event?

If you have any questions or requests during your event, please speak to a Zoo Team Member at the Treehouse Giftshop, Peacock Cafe, or even stop a Zoo Staffer passing by.

 When do I pay for the party?

The complete fee payment must be made at the time of the reservation.

Are Zoo members counted as part of my guest count?

Guest who are Washington Park Zoo Members are still counted in as your guest count. 

Is there a place I can store my items prior to or after my party?

We DO NOT have any storage facilities for your items before or after your event.

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You can bring a wagon to help you transport your items to the party area.

 May we bring in decorations?

Yes, you may bring in your own table decorations. However, we DO NOT allow any balloons, confetti, or any other inflatable decorations inside the zoo, and nothing can be attached to the walls, post,s or rails.

Will there be a host or zoo staff member in the party area during my party?

We do not provide a party host during your party, but a team member will check in with you at the beginning of your party to answer any questions.

 Are there any electrical outlets?

Yes, there are limited amp electricity outlets in the rental space.

Where do my guests' check-in?

Your guest will check in at the admission window and you do not need to leave a list of names of all your guests. Your guests will simply let the staff know that they are here for your party and the staff will keep a count of all your guests. Children under 2 get in for free; therefore, they are not counted as part of your guest count. ALL adults and children over 2 yrs who enter the gates are issued wristbands and are counted as part of your "included" guest allowance. 

 What happens if I end up with more guests?

The party host will be required to pay for all additional attendees after the first 20 guests receive their wristbands, this payment will be due immediately after the party and can bill paid at the Zoo Gift Shop with cash, credit, or check.  If you are not willing to cover the cost for additional guests or their parents then the party host must have a designated person at the gate to assist with your guests' check-in and alert your guests that they must pay to enter the zoo.   If no arrangements are made at the office before the start of the party then all additional guest admission will be billed to the renter.  Please notify your guests that they are required to check in at the office or have a wristband to enter the zoo.