Birthday Parties Are WILD at Mesker Park Zoo: Book Now!
Celebrate your special day at Mesker Park Zoo! Our zoo birthday parties are for all ages and offer fun and unique party options to make your birthday guest feel extra-special. Book your party at Mesker Park Zoo and let your Zoo Host handle all of the details while you enjoy the celebration.
Celebrate Your Special Day: Birthday Parties at Mesker Park Zoo!
Hosting birthday parties at Mesker Park Zoo is an experience like no other. Whether you’re looking for birthday party venues that offer an educational twist or kids birthday party places where children can get up close and personal with their favorite animals, our zoo is the perfect party space. Imagine the joy on your child’s face as they enjoy unlimited carousel rides and explore different parts of the zoo with their friends and family.
Party Options
You can schedule your zoo birthday party at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m., each party lasting a thrilling two hours. Enjoy exclusive access to our Koch Carousel Event Rooms, where you can explore seasonal delights nearby like the Budgie Aviary or take a tour of the Kley Building. Our party rooms accommodate up to 30 guests, ensuring there’s plenty of room for all your loved ones to join in the fun.
Party Rates
We offer competitive pricing to make your birthday celebration both affordable and memorable. Zoo members enjoy a special rate of $220, while non-members can book their party for $245. A non-refundable deposit of $50 secures your booking, with flexible payment options including credit card, check, or cash.
Food
You may bring your own birthday treats like cakes, cupcakes, or cookies to share with your guests. Additional snacks, pizza, or full meals can be arranged and purchased through our onsite concessionaire.
All-Inclusive Party Package
Each party package includes:
- Zoo Admission for 20 guests (ages 3 & up) good for all day (Additional guests beyond 20 are $8.00/person)
- Exclusive use of a private room for 2 hours
- Unlimited carousel rides (20 minutes)
- Zoo Host & party attendants will visit a portion of the Zoo
- One 25% off coupon valid in the Zoo’s Gift Shop
- Electronic invitations
- Paper products
- Special birthday sticker for the guest of honor
Customizable Experiences and Additional Options
Enhance your party with a variety of customizable options:
- Budgie Feeding ($30) (Seasonally)
- Giraffe Feeding (30)
- Tokens ($1 per token, attractions require two tokens)
- Food Options (view full menu online)
Zoo Open 365 Days A Year!
Your Perfect Party Awaits
Mesker Park Zoo isn’t just a venue—it’s an adventure waiting to happen. Book your birthday party with us today and create memories that will be cherished forever. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling animal encounter or a relaxed day surrounded by nature, Mesker Park Zoo promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Book Your Birthday Party Today!
Make your special someone’s birthday extraordinary with Mesker Park Zoo. Contact us now to reserve your preferred date and let us help you plan the perfect birthday celebration amidst the wonders of wildlife. Don’t miss out—create magical moments with Mesker Park Zoo, where every birthday is an adventure!
To reserve your party space today, call 812-435-0835. For catering inquiries, call 812-436-7047.
Questions? Email: birthdays@meskerparkzoo.com
Birthday Party FAQs
How much do parties cost and is a deposit required?
Parties are $220.00 for members and $245.00 for non-members up to 20 people ($8.00 per person thereafter). A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required at the time of booking. We accept Master-Card, Visa, Discover, American Express, Check or Cash. You can pay in person at the gate, mail it in or pay via credit card over the phone. The maximum party capacity is 30 people. For events with more than 30 attendees, ask about our Facility Rental options.
Where are parties held and do guests visit the whole zoo?
Parties are held in the Koch Family Lodge Event Rooms. Guests will visit the Budgie walkabout aviary (seasonal) and a visit through the Kley building. If the aviary is closed, an time permits, a walk through the Children’s Enchanted Forest is substituted. If a giraffe feeding is added on, guests will also visit the giraffe exhibit.
When are parties available?
The zoo hosts birthday parties on weekends at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM. Parties last 2 hours.
What does the party include?
- Exclusive use of a private room for 2 hours
- Unlimited Carousel Rides (20 minutes maximum time)
- Guided tour of a portion of the Zoo with your party host
- Zoo admission for 20 guest (all members and guests 3 and up count towards that number)
- A “25% off one item” coupon in the Zoo’s gift shop
- Paper products (plates, napkins, cups, forks)
- Electronic Invitations
- You supply the birthday cake (or dessert) of your choice. Beverages and food options are available via the zoo concessionaire. Check out the Birthday Party Menu. We take care of cleaning up the mess!
What age groups are the parties for?
Zoo parties are for all ages!
What Zoo a la carte options are available?
Additional a la carte options to enhance your party include:
- Private Giraffe Feeding: $30.00
- Food & Drink Options: Birthday packages/menus available
- Tokens: $1/token
- Budgie Feeding: $30 (Seasonally), there is no charge to walk through aviary
Are party favor bags available?
No, but you are welcome to bring you own. Zoo tokens make a great addition to your party favor bags as they do not expire and can be used towards any feeding, experience or attraction at future visits.
How far in advance should I book a party?
We recommend calling well in advance (1 – 2 months depending on the time of year) to reserve your preferred date.
How many guests does the basic price include?
The $220/$245 price includes 20 people. Any guest beyond 20 will cost an extra $8.00/person. This includes adults, members and children (age 3 and up). Children 2 & under are FREE and are not counted toward the party. Parties have a capacity of 30 people. We do need an estimate of the number of guests prior to your party. If your number of attendees is greater than 30 guests, please ask about our Facility Rental options.
What are the lunch options? Can we bring in food?
You may bring in birthday cakes, cupcakes or cookies for you 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)-436-7047 or email catering@thefordcenter.com for menu options or to place an order. (1-2 weeks prior notice is recommended).
Can I bring gifts, balloons etc.?
You are welcome to open gifts in your party room and add any decorations. However, for the safety of our animals, We Do Not allow Balloons, Pinatas or Confetti to be on zoo grounds. Additional gift items are also available in the gift shop if desired. No tape on the walls please. Ever wondered what happens to balloons after the celebration? Visit BalloonsBlow.org’s photo gallery to find out.
When do I pay for the party?
A deposit is required at the 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 Cards are also accepted.
Should I tip my host?
Tips are optional of course, but if you feel your host has provided a good party, a tip is certainly appreciated. Cash or check preferred as they can not accept credit cards.
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 those parents that are simply walking their children to the party room. If the parents wish to stay and you do NOT want to cover the extra admission cost, 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. Fun will still be had as we can provide accommodations for indoor tours and feedings.
Should there be an ice/snow emergency called for the entire city, please note that the Zoo will not open. In the event you should need to cancel at the last minute for any reason, please call the main zoo line at (812) 435-6143 as early as possible to let us know. In the event that the zoo is closed, the $50 deposit is refundable.
What time should I arrive & where do I park? What time can I set up?
You can access the birthday party room 30 minutes prior to the party start time for set up and decorating. We suggest 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 usually includes the tour, so it is extremely helpful if your guests arrive promptly. The second hour the guests are typically in the room.
Does the party include tram service? What if my guests have mobility issues?
The tram is NOT included as part of the party itself. However, guests of the party are welcome to utilize the tram on their own to and from the party at no charge if space is available on the tram.
Please let us know ahead of time if you have guests with mobility issues so that we can assist in any way possible. Motorized Scooters are also available for rent, first come first serve, for $20 plus tax or guests are welcome to bring their own motorized scooters into the park (charge fully prior to arrival).
There is also a utility cart available to transport gifts, cake etc. to and from the party room. If you have your own wagon etc. to bring with you, you might find that helpful as well.