Group Reservations
A minimum of 15 paying guests (3 & up) is required to obtain group rates. A group reservation is required two weeks in advance of your visit.
It’s easy to register your group! First, review the rates, policies and frequently asked questions below. Then, simply complete the online Group Reservation Form to reserve your arrival time slot:
Day of Visit – Checklist
On the day of your visit, bring:
1. Fee Estimate (sent via email from education@meskerparkzoo.com)
2. Payment (Cash, Personal/Organizational check with proper ID, Visa, Mastercard or Discover)
3. Copies of membership cards for Zoo Members
Group Rates
Zoo Members, Teachers, or Bus Drivers – FREE
Adult Admission (13 and up) – $9.00 each
Child Admission (ages 3-12) – $8.00 each
Children (2 and under) – FREE
Payments
To ensure prompt admission into the Zoo, groups MUST pay upon arrival with ONE form of payment for the entire group. Payment may be cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.
Please make checks for zoo admission & amenities payable to Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden. Payments for Educational Experiences should be made payable to Evansville Zoological Soziety or EZS.
Those paying separately will be charged full admission and will not receive the group rate.
Personal or organizational checks are acceptable with proper identification. If your organization needs to be billed or pay on a purchase order basis, prior approval is required. Please call 812-435-0809 when scheduling your reservation; proof of purchase order must be provided.
FAQs
General Reservations/Payment
Can I make a group reservation by phone, email, or fax?
All group reservations must be submitted through the online form.
If I am a member, do I have to pay the group rate?
No! General Zoo admission is always FREE for Zoo members. Students that are members may simply provide their teachers with a photocopy of their membership card.
Who should I make the check payable to?
Please make checks for zoo admission & amenities payable to Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden. Payments for Educational Experiences should be made payable to Evansville Zoological Soziety or EZS.
Can I use a discount coupon or promotion?
Passes, coupons, or other promotions DO NOT APPLY to the group rate.
Where should buses park?
Buses may enter the main Zoo parking lot for drop-off, but must park in Lot A across from Mesker Amphitheatre.
How many chaperones are allowed/required?
Each party must have one chaperone per every 6 children under the age of 6 OR one chaperone per every 10 children over the age of 6. Chaperones are required to stay with children at all times.
Do chaperones receive the group rate?
Groups must pay with ONE payment for the entire group. Those paying separately will be charged full admission and will not receive the group rate.
What if it rains?
If you’d like to cancel your group reservation due to rain or severe weather, call 812-435-0809 or email education@meskerparkzoo.com to reschedule!
Enhance your visit!
Are there education programs available to add to our visit?
Yes! We have many enjoyable educational experiences available for your group, both at the zoo or at your location. For more details, please see our Program Menu under Educational Experiences on our website. These must be booked at least two weeks in advance, pending schedule availability. For more information, call our Education Department at 812-435-0809.
Are there scavenger hunts that we can use for our group?
Yes! Free, self-guided scavenger hunts are available for download on our website under “Educational Experiences”.
Can my group ride the carousel, boats, tram, or feed the giraffes?
Zoo Tokens are required for access to attractions and can be purchased with your group reservation. They are also available for purchase at various locations throughout the Zoo. To make arrangements for 50+ tokens for your group, please contact info@meskerparkzoo.com.
Attractions (all 2 tokens/person):
* Seasonal attraction; Weather permitting
- Bumper Boats*
- Paddle Boats*
- Zoo Tram (all day access)
- Engelbrecht Carousel
- Giraffe Feeding (11AM & 2PM Daily)
How much are tokens?
Tokens are $1.00 each and are sold in increments of 1, 5, 10, and 20 tokens only. Cash or credit card can be used at the token machines. No refunds on tokens. Any unused tokens can be used on subsequent visits to the Zoo.
Lunch/Catering
Can we bring in lunch for our group?
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted on Zoo grounds. Lunch is available for purchase on-site at the Rainforest Grill. Picnics are allowed in the surrounding parking lots and park areas, including the Zoo’s old parking lot, Mesker Park, and the nearby picnic shelter. SCHOOL GROUPS that wish to stay at the zoo past lunch can make arrangements for a picnic on grounds at select locations, available ONLY with prior arrangements with the education department.
Can I order lunch for my group?
Yes! Our Zoo Caterer, VenuWorks has a variety of options available for groups. Click here for lunch options (PDF). When you make a group reservation, indicate that you would like to make lunch reservations and a member of our Zoo Catering team will get back to you within 3 business days.
If we leave the Zoo for lunch, can we come back in?
Yes, if the group or party leaves Zoo grounds, simply keep your original receipt to ensure same day re-admittance.