The Utica Zoo will be CLOSING AT 1:00 pm SATURDAY JUNE 6TH TO PREPARE FOR WINE IN THE WILDERNESS!
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Prices are based on a 20 guest maximum (any amount of children or adults). Birthday guest of honor, 2 parents/guardians, and children under 2 are not included in the 20-guest maximum. Extra guests up to 30 will be added to your balance, fees start at $10 per person and are dependent on party type.
Safari Party Packages are available most Saturdays and Sundays with two available time slots from 10 am – 12 pm OR 2 pm – 4 pm.
*Ultimate and Deluxe packages are only available May – September
Nocturnal Expedition Party Packages are available most Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with one available time slot from 5:30 – 7:30 pm.
All Safari and Nocturnal Party packages will have the choice of booking one of the following locations: Zebra View Pavilion, Lion (or previously Eagle) View Pavilion, and indoor Visitor Center classroom (which offers a private bathroom). Booking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
*pricing structure subject to change without notice
*Unfortunately, none of the above party packages can be held in our large pavilion located by the concession stand, the Eotary Pavilion. For more information on booking an event in our Rotary pavilion, please visit our pavilion rentals page or contact us by phone at 315-738-0472
Maximum of three Additional Animal
Each Goodie Bag Includes a Child's Day Pass for a Return Visit to the Zoo
Sponsor an Animal at the Zoo on Behalf of the Birthday Child! For More Information About Animal Adoptions, please call 315-738-0472 ext. 37.
Subject to Availability
Choose one from one of our standard craft kits as a party activity, or give us a topic of your choice and we will create it for you!
An educational talk at a specific animal exhibit of your choosing, just for you!
Each package includes 20 guests. Additional guests can be added. Our Zebra View and Lion View Pavilions (formerly Eagle View) comfortably fit 20-30 people. The Visitor Center Classroom fits approximately 40 people. For larger parties or events, we recommend contacting our events department for additional rental options: email events@uticazoo.org or visit our pavilion rentals page for more information.
Yes, all party packages include admission into the zoo for 20 people. A headcount will be taken by the party assistant during your party. Extra guests over the allotted 30 will be added to your balance for a fee.
No age restrictions! Children 2 and under are free and do not count towards the total party count.
No, we require a nonrefundable 25% deposit to be made at the time of booking. Since space is limited, parties are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and should be reserved at least one month in advance. It is recommended that you book your summer party at least 3 months in advance during our peak season.
Unfortunately, we are unable to grant refunds for birthday parties. The only exception would be if the Utica Zoo has to close on the date of your party due to inclement weather. All birthday party reservations are final and can only be transferred to another date based on availability. Birthday parties are held rain or shine; we are unable to schedule rain dates.
Be sure to let your party guests know which area of the zoo your party will take place, and that they do not need to pay to enter the zoo that day. Party guests should also check in with our gift shop attendant upon arrival. Be sure to check out our FREE printable invitations at the bottom of our main birthday party page.
Those having their party in our pavilions are welcome to bring in coolers or buckets for their food/drinks. The following are not permitted on zoo grounds: balloons, noisemakers, confetti, and alcoholic beverages. We reserve the right to remove any items that we deem unsafe.
All parties are allotted 1 hour before their party to set up, and 30 minutes after to break down. After checking in with the staff member to discuss the time of your guided exploration or ambassador animal presentation, you can plan your party however best suits your needs. Guided explorations or ambassador animal presentations may take up to 30 minutes.
We can only allot up to 1 hour of setup and 30 minutes of breakdown time for all parties. Keep in mind that other events may be taking place before or after your party, so please plan your time wisely. You are welcome to pay for additional party time for your party; however, this option is subject to availability and may be removed from your online reservation if additional time is unavailable for your party date. Any parties that go over their allotted time will be charged a $50 fee per half hour.
Due to safety concerns, we cannot allow any non-zoo vehicles onto zoo grounds. Please be sure to check in with the attendant at the entrance building when you arrive. A wagon will be available to bring your supplies into the zoo, and our staff can help you as well!
Due to the high frequency of programs that our ambassador animals participate in, we cannot guarantee specific animal requests. When you arrive, the staff will discuss when your presentation will take place. Although we accept requests, we cannot guarantee that specific animals will be available for your program. Animal usage for programs is carefully monitored to allow a healthy rotation among our ambassador animals. Parties choosing to have a guided exploration rather than an ambassador animal presentation may choose any exhibit animal in the zoo that the birthday child would like to walk to and learn about from the educator. Keep in mind that some animals may not be viewable during certain times of the year.
For more information, contact the Education Department:
E-mail: birthdayparties@uticazoo.org
Phone: 315-738-0472 ext. 36
Want to help out the zoo!? We offer a ‘giftless’ option for those that request their family and friends presence, but not presents. Look for our “Go Giftless” free party invitation below to use for your party. We also include a small list of items that the animals and staff at the zoo can always use. Any contribution to the zoo is greatly appreciated, but is by no means required – thank you for your generosity!
Be sure to check out our free custom birthday party invitations below by clicking on the downloadable PDF files. Our invitations are printable from any home computer, and include all of the important information that your guests should know when attending a Utica Zoo birthday party.
Directions for invitation use: Download, print on both sides, cut, fill in your specific party information, distribute! Enjoy!
*for groups of 10 or more, ask our ticket window about our discounted “group rate”*