 
Birthday Party Frequently Asked Questions There are two types of Minnesota Zoo Birthday Party – "Kids" and "Family". Choose the "Kids" option if the birthday child and friends are at least 4 years old and you wish to have more of a "traditional" party complete with games, crafts and an educational activity. Choose the "Family" option if the birthday child is younger, and/or there is a larger proportion of adult to child attendees. What is the cost?
What is the member's discount?
Minnesota Zoo member discount is $25.00 off the package price.
Is there a deposit required?
A non-refundable $50.00 deposit is required at the time of booking to hold your date. This will be applied to the total party price.
Can my guests who are members get in free?
Guests who are members will be counted toward your guest count. This is because of the private room, cake, favors, event-dedicated staff, and other extras that are outside the realm of Zoo membership.
Can my guests enter the Zoo before I get there?
Invited guests may enter the Zoo before you arrive. Advise them to bring their invitation to show the cashier so they know that they are with your birthday party. If a child is a guest of the party but the parent is not and wishes to stay but was not invited to the party, the parent will pay full admission price and parking to the Minnesota Zoo.
What do I do when I arrive at the Zoo?
Upon arrival at the Zoo, check in at Guest Services 10 minutes prior to the party's
start time. Zoo staff will meet you at the Guest Services desk and walk your group to
your private event space.
What are the Zoo hours?
The Zoo is open May - September from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm and October – April
9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Therefore, if you are planning an afternoon party between October and April you may want to plan to visit the Zoo before your party. The Wells Fargo Farm is open from April thru November only.
What if it is raining?
The party will go on rain or shine. If it looks like rain or rain is in the forecast come prepared with your umbrellas for the walk to the Education Event Center (if it's a Jungle Jamboree or a F.O.R.E.S.T. Frenzy birthday party) and your walk around the zoo.
Why don't you have games, crafts, or educational activities with the Family Birthday Party like you do with the Traditional Birthday Party?
The Family Birthday Party is geared toward a younger birthday child, with a greater adult/child ratio. We have found that these younger party-goers enjoy simpler activities, such as the temporary tattoos and coloring. If time permits, the staff person will bring an animal biofact such as a pelt or dolphin skull around so the kids can see and touch it.
Can I bring in my own decorations?
The Minnesota Zoo will provide themed decorations on the gift/cake table. Because of time constraints and other issues, outside decorations are not allowed. For the safety of the animals, balloons are not permitted anywhere inside the Zoo.
What are my options for food for the Birthday Party?
Your party will include themed pull-apart cupcakes and juice for guests. If you wish to have other food (such as pizza, hot dogs, or snacks), Lancer Catering will be happy to assist you. Food purchased outside the Minnesota Zoo is not allowed.
Does the cake have nuts?
The cakes themselves do not have nuts in them, however, there are nuts in the bakery. If one of your party guests has a nut allergy, we ask that you provide an alternate dessert for him or her.
How am I billed for the party?
At the time of booking, a non-refundable deposit of $50 will be billed to your credit card. A Zoo Sales person will be in touch with you the week before the party, and the remainder will be billed to your card at that time. Any additional guests or incidentals on the day of the event will be noted by your Zoo staff person and approved by you at the event. You will then bring the payment authorization to Guest Services to make your payment for your additional guests.
What if I have to cancel?
The $50 deposit is non-refundable. If final payment has been made but you need to cancel, you may apply your payments toward another date. If you do not reschedule within 3 months of the previous reserved date, all payments are forfeited.
Can we use the event space for longer than the scheduled party?
To ensure that all guests have a pleasant experience, facilitate clean-up between parties, and honor other guests' time, we limit the time to 1½ hours.
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