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.

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.

The zoo hosts birthday parties on weekends at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM. Parties last 2 hours.

• 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!

Zoo parties are for all ages!

Additional a la carte options to enhance your party include:

• Private Giraffe Feeding: $50.00

• Rhino Feeding: $95.00

• Food & Drink Options: Birthday packages/menus available

• Tokens: $1/token

• Budgie Feeding: $30 (Seasonally), there is no charge to walk through aviary

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.

We recommend calling well in advance (1 – 2 months depending on the time of year) to reserve your preferred date.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.