Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with the party packages?
All party packages include a 2-hour rental space, 16 admission tickets, and 1 catering package (selected during checkout from one of the 4 different catering package options available – Pizza, Snack, Cookout, or Happy Hour). In addition, The Sandbar party package includes admission into Stingray Cove and stingray food for 16 guests, while the Llama Landing party includes an interactive llama demo.
Can I add on other activities or event enhancements at the time of booking?
Yes. During the online booking process, you can add on attractions tickets, Adopt-An-Animal birthday gift bags, and/or buckets of beer/wine.
Is there a capacity limit?
Yes. All rental spaces have a 16-person TOTAL maximum capacity (including babies and children, the birthday person, parents, vendors, etc.). Each rental package includes 16 Denver Zoo timed entry admission tickets; therefore, no additional event admission tickets are available for purchase at the time of online booking.
What should I expect on the day of my party?
Please plan to meet your group at the Main Entrance before heading into the Zoo. You will need to check in with our concierge at the Safari Outfitters booth located just to the right once you pass through the Main Entrance after getting your tickets scanned. The concierge will provide a map to your group to show you where the rental space is located. Catering will be delivered and guests will be allowed into the space at the start of your rental time (early arrivals will not be allowed to enter prior to their rental start time to accommodate time to clean/sanitize between rentals). Rentals at The Sandbar will have a 20-minute session along the stingray/shark pool 1-hour into their rental timeslot and Llama Landing rentals will have the interactive llama demo 1-hour into their rental timeslots. The private rental space must be vacated by the end of your rental period.
What if it rains or snows on the birthday party date?
We are a rain or shine facility. Should the forecasted weather be unadvisable to have your event, please contact our Guest Care Center at (720) 337-1440 at least 24-hours before your party and we will work with you to reschedule your event at the Zoo’s discretion.
What is the Denver Zoo’s Birthday Party Cancelation Policy?
In the event of a cancelation, please submit in writing to Guest Care Center at guestcare@denverzoo.org. Cancellation terms apply and are below:
- 0-30 days prior to event date: Cancellation fee = 100% of event space rental
- 31-60 days prior to event date: Cancellation fee = 50% of event space rental
- 61+ days prior to event date: Cancellation fee = 0% of event space rental
If you should cancel your event, please consult with our Guest Care team. A portion of your cancelation fee may be applied to a future event at the Zoo, but is solely at the discretion of the Denver Zoo.
TICKETS: Are entry tickets included in the party package? Can I or my guests use a Denver Zoo Memberships to enter the Zoo and attend my party?
Party rental packages include a total of 16 Denver Zoo timed entry tickets – entry time is the same as the rental period start time. Timed entry tickets are required to enter the Zoo for all guests (regardless of age or membership status). Each event rental space has a 16-person total maximum capacity (including babies, the birthday person, parents, etc.). As long as the 16-person capacity limit is maintained in the rental space, additional guests may enjoy the rest of the Zoo during the party.
What about the cake and outside food?
You are welcome to bring your own cake (or other dessert) and cake knife into the Zoo and your rental area. No other outside food or beverage items are allowed in the private rental spaces. Your catering selections will be delivered to the rental space at the start of the 2-hour rental timeslot. The 4 catering packages available are listed on the Small Celebrations Homepage.
What can I bring into the Zoo?
For the safety of our animals; items such as pets, imitation weapons, skateboards, balls, balloons, confetti, flags, straws, boom boxes/speakers, loud toys, horns, and laser pens are not allowed. Denver Zoo reserves the right to refuse any other items that animal staff advises may cause distress to the animals.
Can I bring my own decorations?
Yes, we do allow limited décor for the special day. However, we do not allow balloons, straws, music speakers, confetti, or piñatas for the safety of the animals. Also, we ask that any decorations be hung with removable tape only. Before planning your decorations, please consult with our team on approved items and those in which are NOT allowed into the Zoo.
Can we store food or presents?
The Zoo does not provide any storage areas. We suggest bringing a wagon to help you cart items between the Zoo and your vehicle. Denver Zoo wagons are limited, but are available to rent from the Safari Outfitter / Concierge booth.
Are any of your spaces ADA accessible?
Yes! Llama Landing and Norgren Hall are ADA accessible.
If You Have Any Other Questions…
Contact our Guest Care Center at 720.337.1440
submit an inquiry
