Bronx Zoo Birthday Party FAQs
Party Planning
WHEN ARE PARTIES OFFERED?
The Bronx Zoo Birthday Expedition Party package is offered Saturday and Sunday 11:30am-1:00pm and 2:00-3:30pm.
WHEN SHOULD WE BOOK OUR PARTY?
We highly encourage booking as soon as 2-3 months in advance. At a minimum, parties need to be booked at least a month in advance. Call (800) 433-4149 or email bzbirthdayparties@wcs.org.
DO YOU REQUIRE A DEPOSIT?
Yes, a $120 non-refundable deposit is required at time of party registration to secure the party date and time. The balance must be paid in full at least one month prior to the big day. If you book the party within a month of the date, the full amount will be due to reserve the spot.
IS THERE A PRIVATE Party Room?
No, this is an outdoor birthday experience. You will not have access to an associated party space, therefore you should not bring any decorations. Animal demonstrations will take place in a designated classroom.
CAN WE STORE BELONGINGS IN THE CLASSROOM WHILE WE VISIT THE EXHIBITS?
No. Once you are done in the party space, all belongings must be removed and stored in your car. No items may be left in the party space as we will either be setting up for our next party or closing up the party room.
CAN WE BRING BALLOONS, SPORTS EQUIPMENT OR A PIÑATA?
No. Absolutely no balloons, sports equipment, or piñatas are allowed on zoo premises due to safety concerns for our animals and guests.
CAN I CHOOSE WHICH ANIMALS COME TO THE PARTY SPACE?
Our animal collection is subject to availability and there is no guarantee a specific animal can come into the space. However, you will be able to choose from themed animal categories and 2-3 animals will be chosen from the category you pick. Please inquire with the Party Coordinator for these themed animal categories.
DO YOU OFFER BIRTHDAYS FOR ADULTS?
Yes! Our birthday packages can be modified for an adult audience. Please inquire with the Party Coordinator for more details.
WHAT ARE THE FOOD OPTIONS?
Catering options are available upon request.
DO YOU OFFER ANY ADD-ONS?
Goody bags- $15 each
CAN I BRING IN AN EXTERNAL VENDOR?
If you arrange for additional food or decorations, or for additional entertainment, music or other services from outside service providers, you are responsible for making those arrangements and entering into contracts directly with any outside vendors. Approval of the Bronx Zoo is required prior to signing any contracts with outside vendors. If your outside vendor requires significant time to set-up prior to the party start time, you must purchase the morning party time slot.
Party Policies
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
There is no refund for cancellations made less than 4 weeks prior to the program date. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to bzeducation@wcs.org. Phone cancellations will not be accepted. The $120 deposit is non-refundable.
CAN I CHANGE THE DATE OF THE PARTY AFTER I SEND THE DEPOSIT?
Should you wish to reschedule the date, please note that we require a minimum of 60 days notice to book a new event date and charge a $100 service fee. Requests for changes to the registration cannot be made less than 4 weeks prior to the scheduled date of the party. Your deposit will transfer, however event dates are subject to availability.
CAN I CANCEL A PARTY DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS?
Parties are held rain, snow, or shine. Please encourage guests to dress appropriately for a day at the zoo. If, due to a snow storm (3 or more inches of snow), hurricane, fire or flood 48 hours before your event, you feel you need to reschedule your party, the Bronx Zoo reserves the right to withhold your deposit. In the event that the Zoo is officially closed, we will reschedule your party for a later date with no fee incurred.
Guest Guidelines
Does the birthday party family count toward the total number?
Yes, the guest count must include all children 1+ and all adults in attendance at the party.
How many adults must be present during the party?
For children ages 1-3, one adult is required to accompany each child (1:1 ratio)
For children ages 4-12, one adult for every 10 children is required (1:10 ratio)
Can I add guests for an additional fee per person if I go over the package size?
No. If the number of guests exceeds the range of the party that you initially paid for, we will need to charge you the additional amount to increase your party size.
What if I have additional guests the day of the party?
For accompanying guests that will not be in attendance at the party but wish to walk around while the party takes place, admission tickets can be purchased at any Zoo entrance on the day of the party or in advance on the Bronx Zoo website.
What ages count toward the total number of guests?
Children ages 1 and older count toward your group total.
Can we use our WCS Membership card to join the party?
Only individuals whose names are on the guest list will be permitted into the party space.
Arrival
Where do our guests park?
Guests should park in the Southern Blvd parking area, also identified as "Parking Lot C". It is located at the intersection of Southern Blvd & Crotona Parkway, Bronx, NY (NOT Crotona Blvd).
What should guests do upon entering the Zoo?
Upon entering, guests should approach an admission booth and explain to staff they are attending a birthday in the Flaherty Learning Center classrooms located above the Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit. Admissions staff will ask guests for their name and allow entry to the individuals listed on the approved party guest list.
Where should our party guests meet?
Bronx Zoo staff will greet guests in the rhino garden located near Southern Blvd. and the large rhino statues.
Can we have more time if our guests arrive late?
Due to a very full schedule, parties may not be extended for late arriving guests beyond the scheduled end time. Education staff will provide the party experience in the scheduled time frame.
WHEN DO PARTY GUESTS ENJOY BRONX ZOO'S EXHIBITS AND ATTRACTIONS?
All day! Your guests are welcome to enter the zoo at 10:00am and stay until closing.
What if I still have questions?
Please feel free to contact the Bronx Zoo Education Department at bzeducation@wcs.org or (800) 433-4149, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm. They will put you in touch with our party coordinator.