Birthday Parties
Calling All Party Animals! Zoo birthday parties are fun for all ages and can be customized to make the day special for everyone in attendance. Let us do the work while you enjoy the smile on your child’s face. When you book a zoo party, one of our experienced staff hosts the party and makes sure your party needs are met. Zoo celebrations are even more special when you add an a la carte option. For more information call 812-435-0835 or email birthdays@meskerparkzoo.com. Come party with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Parties are $220 for members and $245 for non-members up to 20 people ($6.50 per person thereafter). A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required at the time of booking. 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.
Amazonia parties are held in the Research Station. Guests receive a tour through Amazonia, North America and the Discovery Center building and also participate in a Giraffe feeding (weather permitting). Parties in the Koch Family Lodge Event Rooms A & B include unlimited rides on the Carousel during the party and a visit though the Budgie Aviary (seasonal) and a visit through the Kley Building.
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.
Exclusive use of a private room for 2 hours; Zoo Host and party attendants will visit a portion of the Zoo; Zoo admission for 20 guests (ages 3 and up) good for all day; complimentary tram service before and after the party; one “25% off one item” coupon in the Zoo’s gift shop; paper products (plates, napkins, cups, forks). You supply the birthday cake (or dessert) of your choice. Beverages and food options are available via the zoo concessionaire. Click here for Birthday Party Menu. We take care of cleaning up the mess!
Zoo parties are for all ages!
A la carte options to enhance your party include:
* Rhino feeding – $95
* Location Specific Experiences – $30 Budgie Feeding; Private Giraffe Feeding; Carousel Rides
* Food Options – Full menu available
* Renting both Carousel Rooms A & B – $75
* Tokens for Additional Attractions – $1/token
We recommend calling well in advance (1 – 2 months depending on the time of year) to reserve your preferred date.
The $195/$220 price includes 20 people. Any guests beyond 20 will cost an extra $6.50/person. This includes adults, members and children (age 3 & up). Children 2 & under are FREE. The Amazonia Party room has a maximum capacity of 20 people. Carousel Event Rooms have a capacity of 36 people, or 72 should you rent both for an extra charge. We do need an estimate of the number of guests prior to your party.
You may bring in birthday cakes, cupcakes or cookies for your guests. Items should be ready to serve. We do have a refrigerator/freezer if you need to keep drinks or cakes cold. If you would like lunch or additional snacks provided for your guests, please contact the zoo concessionaire at 812-435-0840 to make arrangements. Download a menu here.
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, Piñatas, or Confetti to be on zoo grounds. Additional gift items are also available in the gift shop if desired.
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.
Tips are optional of course, but if you feel your host provided a good party, a tip is certainly appreciated.
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 ($6.50), 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.
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 (812.435.6143) as early as possible to let us know.
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.
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.