Birthday Parties

Since the Zoo is closed and we are unable to host birthday parties, we are offering Zoo Zoom Birthdays to make you or your child’s birthday special. A SF Teaching Zoo staff member and animal ambassador will call you via Zoom for a personal meet and greet. This free opportunity is being offered first come first serve Sundays – Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. during May 2020. Email zoo@sfcollege.edu to reserve this experience.

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, a tour through our wooded trails and meet some of our animal ambassadors in our behind-the-scenes Zoo Classroom. 

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! 

We provide:

  • Optional electronic invitation
  • Birthday host to help set up and keep your party on schedule 
  • Reusable plates, cups and utensils made from 100% recycled plastic
  • 100% recycled paper napkins
  • Picnic tables
  • Tour guides
  • Animal ambassadors
  • Optional party favor for guests

You bring:

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

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

Availability

Currently, birthday parties are only offered on Saturday at these two times:

  • 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Rates

A 50% deposit is due when making your reservation. Birthday parties MUST be scheduled a minimum of 10 days in advance. Listed below are the current rates for parties at the zoo.

  • $225.00 for up to 20 guests.
  • $10.00 for each additional guest, up to 30 total guests (ages 1 and up). If your party will exceed 30 guests, please contact the zoo receptionist at 352-395-5633 to discuss further. 

Cancellation

If you have to cancel your party, a refund can be given with more than 48 hours notice 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. 

Reservation

To reserve a date for your child's birthday party at the Zoo.

Birthday parties are most enjoyable for groups of 30 people or fewer. If you think you may have more than 30 guests, please contact the Zoo Receptionist before submitting a request at 352-395-5633.

Online Reservation Form

Frequently Asked Questions

What if it rains on the party date?

We have covered or indoor areas in case of inclement weather. We will be monitoring the weather and be prepared for this possibility. In this instance, every guest over the 30 maximum must pay admission as they will be inside the zoo. If extreme weather conditions are forecasted, 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 we use for these types of programs are on a schedule so that they do not become overused and 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. 

How does the party work if I have more than 30 guests?

In order to keep the tour moving and the animals safe, we only allow 30 people (children and adults over 1 years old). This ensures everything runs smoothly and everyone has an enjoyable experience.

  • Prior to the start of the tour, guides will put wrist bands on all participants going on the tour. Please determine in advance who will be going and who will be staying back.
  • Anyone staying back can either stay at the picnic tables and mingle or go in the zoo. Each extra person going in the zoo will check in with the receptionist and will pay $5 (group entrance rate) to explore the zoo while the rest of the group is on the tour.
    • Many birthday parents choose to pay the entrance fee for these extra party guests, while others ask the guests to pay their own admission. Please let us know in advance so we can prepare accordingly.
  • In the case of inclement weather, your birthday party will be held in a covered area or building inside the zoo. You will be expected to pay for all guests in the party in this instance - $225 for 20 people, $10 per person for additional guests (up to 30), and $5 per person for each guest over the 30 guests participating in the tour and animal encounter.

Questions?

Please contact us at 352-395-5633.

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