Birthday Parties

Our party packages have changed as of October 2022! Please review the new party information before requesting a birthday party at the zoo. 

Birthday parties are not available from December 17th - January 2nd due to Santa Fe College's winter break. The zoo will remain open for visitors during the break. 

Overview

Are you a party animal? Then, have your birthday party at the SF Teaching Zoo with the real party animals! Treat your child and guests to experience the Zoo like never before and have a birthday to remember for years to come. Enjoy an educational outdoor adventure with a picnic lunch, and a scavenger hunt through the zoo. Read more to learn how you can even meet some of our animal ambassadors up close! 

The SF Teaching Zoo takes pride in being a conservation minded organization, so we offer sustainable materials to make sure your guests have an enjoyable experience and leave feeling good too!

Availability

Parties can be requested up to two months in advance.

Currently, birthday parties are offered:

  • Saturday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

You can begin setting up for your party at 10:30 a.m.

Party Packages

We offer 2 different party packages to fit your needs.

If you'd like an animal encounter included in your party, the Party Animal package is for you! You'll get to meet 4 different ambassador animals up close. Encounters start at 12:00 p.m. and last about 20 minutes. Animal encounters have a maximum participation of 30 guests. 

Not interested in an animal encounter or have a larger party? Book the Zoo-It-Yourself package, and make your own schedule. 

The party fee includes Zoo admission for party guests from the start of the party until the zoo closes at 3:00  p.m., use of pavilion or picnic tables, animal encounter (if booking Party Animal package), and a scavenger hunt. Anyone ages 1 year old and up that are present at any time during the party is considered a party guest and will be included in the overall party cost. 

Option 1: Party Animal Package

  • $275.00 for up to 20 people (any person 1 year old and up).
  • $10.00 - Each additional guest up to 10 people (30 people max for the entire party)  
    • 10% of your party rate goes directly towards wildlife conservation.

What's Included 

  • Zoo admission for party guests
  • Use of pavilion or picnic tables (Pavilion = up to 20 people. Picnic tables = up to 30 people) 
  • Animal encounter (Meet 4 of our animal ambassadors up close!) 
  • Reusable plates, cups and utensils available upon request
  • Recommended activity (scavenger hunt)
  • Gift for the birthday child 

Sample Schedule 

  • 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
     Set up and guests may begin arriving. 
  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m
     Lunch recommended during this time. Zoo exploration/scavenger hunt
  • 12:00 p.m.
     Animal encounter presentation behind-the-scenes
  • 12:20 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
     Cake, presents, party!
    • OPTIONAL: 1:00 p.m .- 2:00 p.m. Reserve private playground time. ($50 additional) 
      (Playground will be open to all guests at all other times. If you choose to reserve the playground, it will be closed to all guests outside of your party)

Request Form

Option 2: Zoo-It-Yourself Package

  • $175.00 for up to 20 people (any person 1 year old and up).
  • $5.00 - Each additional guest up to 10 people (30 people max for the entire party)  
    • 10% of your party rate goes directly towards wildlife conservation.

What's Included 

  • Zoo admission for party guests
  • Use of pavilion or picnic tables (Pavilion = up to 20 people. Picnic tables = over 20 people) 
  • Reusable plates, cups and utensils available upon request
  • Recommended activity (scavenger hunt)
  • Gift for the birthday child  

Sample Schedule 

  • 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
     Set up and guests may begin arriving. 
  • 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m
     Eat, Play, Explore! 
    • OPTIONAL: 1:00 p.m .- 2:00 p.m. Reserve private playground time. ($50 additional) 
      (Playground will be open to all guests at all other times. If you choose to reserve the playground, it will be closed to all guests outside of your party) 

Request Form

We provide

  • Birthday host to help set up and keep your party on schedule
  • Reusable plates, cups and utensils made from 100% recycled plastic upon request
  • 100% recycled paper napkins
  • Reserved party space: picnic tables, or tables and chairs in the covered pavilion
  • Scavenger hunt with a sustainable prize
  • Animal encounters

You bring

  • Food
  • Cake
  • Decorations
  • Rain gear
  • Bug Spray
  • Comfortable clothes
  • PaRtY PeOpLe!

For the safety of our animals, latex balloons and piñatas are prohibited.

We have a temperature controlled room to store supplies and food the day of the party. We cannot offer refrigeration of any items. Supplies and food may not be brought to the zoo for storage prior to the party day.  

Choose from two different party locations

Pavilion (maximum of 20 people)

Covered pavilion overlooking the Florida Aviary, reserved for you and your guests. 

Picnic Tables (maximum of 30 people)

Four reserved picnic tables in front of the zoo with a spacious grassy area. 

New for 2022 - Rent the playground! 

Make your party extra special by reserving the playground! The playground will be closed to the public for you and your party guests. This is available for a maximum of 1 hour after your party (between 1-2 p.m.) for an additional $50 + tax. The playground will be open to both your party guests and the public the rest of the day.

Rental fees must be paid in full upon booking in addition to the 50% party deposit. 

Birthday Party Policies

Booking

Birthday parties can be booked up to two months in advance and are on a first come, first served basis. All parties require a 50% deposit to confirm your reservation. Parties must be scheduled a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. Any tentative parties who do not pay the deposit 2 weeks prior to the party date will be cancelled. Parties are not confirmed until the 50% deposit has been paid and scheduling staff receives a signed agreement.

Cancellation

If you have to cancel your party, we will refund your money as long as cancellation is made more than 48 hours in advance of the scheduled party. Refunds may take up to 30 days from cancellation. If you would like to reschedule in lieu of a refund, your party can be rescheduled with no additional fees.

*At this time, any parties that need to cancel due to COVID-19 symptoms will receive a full refund if we are unable to reschedule the party.* 

Weather

Parties can be held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather that would require the Zoo to close, we will attempt to notify you and ask if you would like to reschedule or receive a full refund. We have an indoor area in case of inclement weather. We will monitor the weather and be prepared for this possibility. If the forecast calls for extreme weather conditions, please contact us at 352-395-5633 at least 48 hours before your party and we will work with you to either refund the money paid or reschedule your party, at the Zoo's discretion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if it rains on the party date?

We have an indoor area in case of inclement weather. We will monitor the weather and be prepared for this possibility. If the forecast calls for extreme weather conditions, please contact us at 352-395-5633 at least 48 hours before your party and we will work with you to either refund the money paid or reschedule your party, at the Zoo's discretion.

Some of my guests have Zoo memberships. Do I still have to pay extra for them if I go over the guest limit? 

Birthday parties include Zoo admission and more. The fee covers the cost of the program. Everyone that is present for the duration of the party is considered a party guest and will be charged at the party rate.

Can we store food or presents?

We have a temperature controlled room to store supplies and food the day of the party.

What kind of animal will you bring or can I pick the animal for my up close animal encounter?

The health and well-being of the animals at our Zoo is extremely important. Therefore, the Animal Ambassadors that participate in educational programs are on a schedule so that they do not become stressed. Because of this, guests are not allowed to choose the animal and we can never guarantee that a specific animal will come to your party. 

If I have more than 20 guests, can our party still be in the pavilion?

Due to space limitations and safety considerations, parties are limited to a maximum of 20 people on the pavilion, which includes every person ages 1 year old and up. If you have more than 20 people, your party will be held in front of the zoo at the picnic tables.  

Do I have to rent out the playground for my guests to play in the playground?

No! The playground is always open to the public during regular zoo hours and would be available for your guests before, during, and after your party. The playground rental is available for those who would like 1 hour of private playground time just for your party guests. 

Questions?

Please contact us at 352-395-5633 or email zoo@sfcollege.edu 

Request Form

Please contact the Zoo Receptionist with any questions before submitting a request at 352-395-5633 between 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Instructions: Please fill out the request form below. A representative will contact you to finalize your reservation and process payment. A 50% deposit is required to secure your reservation.

*Please understand reservation is NOT complete until payment has been processed and a signed agreement is returned to scheduling staff.*

Contact Information

Desired Party Package

Desired Dates

Must choose two different dates.

 

Note: Maximum of 20 individuals.

 

Add-ons

New! You can rent out the playground for your party guests at a rate of $50 + tax. This is available for a maximum of 1 hour after your party (between 1-2 p.m.).

Thank you for your submission! You should receive a response from the scheduling staff within 72 hours. If you have not received a response after three business days, please call 352-395-5633 for assistance. If you are a potential student and have questions about the program, please email ZooAdvisor@sfcollege.edu.

SF Teaching Zoo Staff

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