Birthday Parties
Party Your Way!
When you host your child’s birthday party at Southwick’s Zoo, you and your guests receive a fun-filled, stress-free experience with all-day access to the zoo, as well as a 90-minute reservation in a covered Party Pavilion. During your visit, guests can watch our fun educational shows held throughout the day, as well as explore and learn about hundreds of wild and exotic animals.
Are you a school or library looking for information about the ZooMobile Program? Click here to learn more!
*Please be aware that the ZooMobile is not available for birthday parties and other personal events held at private residences.
Are you a “big kid” looking for more information on how to plan a zoo birthday party for adults?
Click here to learn more about our Micro Outings and Adult Birthdays!
Birthday Party Packages
Wild Child Package
PassPackage Price: $499
- Admission for up to 15 guests
- VIP check-In
- Free Parking
- 90 minute reservation in a self-hosted Party Pavilion
- Southwick’s Zoo Party Greeter
- All day access to the zoo from 10:00am to close for all party guests
- Includes: Admission into the zoo, keeper talks & presentations*, and entry into the Deer Forest, Petting Zoo, & Parakeet Landing.
All offerings subject to closure without notice.
*Click here to view current keeper talk and presentation schedules - Return admission (General Admission) for the Birthday Child
- Special Plush Toy for the Birthday Child
- Includes: Admission into the zoo, keeper talks & presentations*, and entry into the Deer Forest, Petting Zoo, & Parakeet Landing.
Please be aware that outside food is not allowed.
Additional Party Guests: $33/person
Activity Pass: $20/person. Includes the Woodland Express Train, Skyfari, and 1 Rainforest Adventure Maze ticket
Note: All guests entering the zoo for birthday must be included in package guest count. This includes birthday child, parents, siblings, chaperones, etc.
Party Animal Package
General Admission: $599
- Admission for up to 15 guests
- VIP check-In
- Free Parking
- 90 minute reservation in a self-hosted Party Pavilion
- Choice of: French Toast Sticks with Yogurt or Pizza Party*
- Choice of 2 Beverage Stations: Water, Pink Lemonade, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, or Orange Soda
- Party Paper Goods (Plates, Tablecloths, Napkins, Cups)*
- Southwick’s Zoo Buffet Attendant
- All day access to the zoo from 10:00am to close for all party guests
- Includes: Admission into the zoo, keeper talks & presentations*, and entry into the Deer Forest, Petting Zoo, & Parakeet Landing.
All offerings subject to closure without notice.
*Click here to view current keeper talk and presentation schedules
- Includes: Admission into the zoo, keeper talks & presentations*, and entry into the Deer Forest, Petting Zoo, & Parakeet Landing.
- Woodland Express Train Ride ticket for all guests*
- Return admission for the Birthday Child
- Special Plush Toy for the Birthday Child*
* Denotes upgrade from previous package
Please be aware that outside food is not allowed.
Additional Party Guests: $39/person
Activity Pass: $18/person. Includes the Woodland Express Train, Skyfari, and 1 Rainforest Adventure Maze ticket
Note: All guests entering the zoo for birthday must be included in package guest count. This includes birthday child, parents, siblings, chaperones, etc.
Gone Bananas Package
General Admission: $799
- Admission for up to 15 guests
- VIP check-In
- Free Parking
- 90 minute reservation in a self-hosted Party Pavilion
- Choice of: French Toast Sticks with Yogurt and fruit cups or Pizza Party with chikcen fingers & fries*
- Choice of 2 Beverage Stations: Water, Pink Lemonade, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, or Orange Soda
- Dessert Novelties Experience (Ice Cream Truck-Style Dessert Novelties)*
- Party Paper Goods (Plates, Tablecloths, Napkins, Cups)
- Southwick’s Zoo Buffet Attendant
- All day access to the zoo from 10:00am to close for all party guests
- Includes: Admission into the zoo, keeper talks & presentations*, and entry into the Deer Forest, Petting Zoo, & Parakeet Landing.
All offerings subject to closure without notice.
*Click here to view current keeper talk and presentation schedules
- Includes: Admission into the zoo, keeper talks & presentations*, and entry into the Deer Forest, Petting Zoo, & Parakeet Landing.
- Activity Pass – Includes wristband for unlimited rides on the Woodland Express Train and Skyfari; and 1 Rainforest Adventure Maze ticket*
- Return admission for the Birthday Child
- Special Plush Toy for the Birthday Child*
* Denotes upgrade from previous package
Please be aware that outside food is not allowed.
Additional Party Guests: $53/person
Note: All guests entering the zoo for birthday must be included in package guest count. This includes birthday child, parents, siblings, chaperones, etc.
Add-Ons (click to expand)
Don’t forget to request your desired add-ons when you book your party!
- Additional Pavilion: $175 + $50 Attendant Fee
Need a little extra room? Add on an additional party pavilion. - Pony or Camel Rides: $8/person
(Not included with Activity Pass; weight limit per rider is 50lbs for pony rides and 200lbs for camel rides) - Soaring Eagle Zip Line: $12/person
(Not included with Activity Pass; must be 47” to ride alone or 52” to ride with adult) - Rainforest Adventure Maze: $5
(1 entry is included with Activities Pass) - Facepainter: $350 for duration of party pavilion rental
(Must be booked ahead of time; availability limited) - Elkhorn Mine Activity: $12/pail
Menu Add-Ons
Updated Info Coming Soon!
Booking Your Party
Choose Your Date
Southwick’s Zoo is open 7 days a week, including holidays, from mid April through October. Prime dates book early!
Choose Your Pavilion Time
• 10:30am-12:00pm
• 12:30pm-2:00pm
• 2:30pm-4:00pm
All-day park access is included with all packages, and is typically from 10am-5pm, with the exception of special events days.
Choose Your Package
• Wild Child
• Party Animal
• Gone Bananas
Choose Your Add-Ons
Review our list of add-ons to customize your package. Don’t see what you are looking for? Just ask!
Make Your Deposit
A credit card deposit of $150 is required to reserve your birthday party (this is a non-refundable deposit). Dates Book quickly!
Your final guest list must be submitted no less than 7 days before your party date. This list allows us to be ready to check-in your guests on the day of the party and to determine your final balance due. All bodies physically present in your party pavilion must be included on this list, however guests two (2) and under may be marked with an asterisk if they are not participating in food, beverage, and other package offerings.
The final balance due will be calculated based on final guest count. Final payment is due to Southwick’s Zoo no less than 7 days before day of your event. We can accept payment for Birthday Parties at Southwick’s Zoo in cash, credit, money orders, or bank checks. A credit card must be kept on file for incidentals and/or additional guests the day-of.
Book Your Party
Fill out the form below to submit your birthday party inquiry. You can also contact us directly at [email protected] or by calling 1-800-258-9182 ext 312.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve my party?
Fill out the form above to submit your birthday party inquiry. You can also contact us directly at [email protected] or by calling 1-800-258-9182 ext 312.
Please wait up to 48 hours for a response.
Is the birthday child included in the guest list?
The birthday child is included in the package guest count. Please include all guests in attendance, regardless of age, in your guest count so we can ensure there is ample space for everyone.
Do adult chaperones or parents need to pay Southwick’s Zoo admission?
Parents, adult chaperones, and siblings of an invited guest must be included as part of the party guest count. Guests who have purchased general admission tickets to the zoo will not be permitted in the reserved party pavilion, however they can of course feel free to meet up with your group in other areas around the park throughout your day.
Can I use passes, Value Passes, or EARTH Memberships to get a discount?
Sorry, coupons and other discounts may not be applied to a Birthday Party Packages. EARTH Memberships, Value Passes, AAA discounts, and military discounts cannot be applied to the package pricing. Additionally, discounted event days such as Zoo Boo Days, State BOGO Days, etc. cannot be used to discount party packages.
What time should I plan for my guests to arrive? Where do they enter?
Your guests’ admission is valid for the whole day (10:00am-close). Birthday party guests may check-in as early as 10:00am at the location designated by your sales manager to start enjoying the zoo. Access to your party pavilion is available to guests only at the time that you have booked.
Is there a place to store gifts before the party?
We do not hold or store birthday party gifts, cake, or favors before or after the party time. Southwick’s Zoo is not responsible for lost or stolen items. The parking area is conveniently located nearby for easy access for these items when it is time for them during your party pavilion time. We advise hosts to bring a collapsible cart to help transport any special items.
Can I bring balloons into the zoo?
Sorry, balloons are not allowed onto zoo property. Balloons can create a serious health hazard to the animals.
What can we bring for decorations?
While we do allow certain types of decorations, we encourage hosts to consider limiting additional décor so that they can truly enjoy their children’s party experience stress-free! The main attraction is the zoo itself – and there is so much to do and see!
Please be aware that we DO NOT permit balloons, piñatas, or confetti of any kind inside the park as they are a safety hazard to our animals. Glass containers or vessels are also prohibited.
We supply neutral, woodsy-themed tablecloths and any paper goods that you may need with our Party Animal and Gone Bananas Packages, but additional decor is all up to you! If you are unsure whether a decoration you have can be brought into the zoo, please email [email protected]. Hosts may arrive up to 15 minutes prior their pavilion rental if additional time to decorate is needed.
Will there be Southwick’s Zoo staff assisting with the birthday party?
Yes, attendants provided by Southwick’s Zoo are here to aid and assist, allowing you and your guests to enjoy the day with your special birthday child. Let us check in your guests, provide refreshments, and answer any questions you have about our park! Please note park parties are considered self-hosted parties – Southwick’s staff does not lead activities or games, but will happily assist with your food and beverage service needs!
Can I bring my own food?
Sorry, outside food is not allowed. A birthday cake/dessert from an outside licensed bakery is permitted, however. Don’t forget your knife, candles, and matches – we have the rest covered for you!
Is there a place to store the cake/dessert before or after the party time?
Please plan ahead for packaging and storage of your cake, both before and after your pavilion time. Due to our health and food safety standards, we cannot store food that has been brought into the park by guests, nor may we package or hold leftovers in our facilities. Your Party Pavilion is available to you only during the time period that you have reserved. The parking area is conveniently located nearby for easy access for these items when it is time for them during and after your party pavilion time.
Please remember that, apart from a birthday cake/dessert from an outside licensed bakery, outside food is not allowed.
What happens if it rains the day of the party?
Southwick’s Zoo remains open rain or shine during the zoo season. We will work with you to reschedule only if the day looks like a complete washout, or if dangerous weather is predicted.
We require at least 24-hours notice for postponements due to weather. All deposits are nonrefundable.
Can I book an animal presentation for a birthday party at my home?
Live animal presentations cannot be booked for birthday parties or other events held at private residences. This is due to concerns regarding space and safety for our animals, particularly regarding outdoor areas and loud noises.
Have you decided to share a very special birthday here with us? If so, check out our Free printable invitations! You can choose to print just one, or a sheet of four.