Ask us a Question
Birthday Parties - Celebrate at the Zoo
We offer Birthday Party Packages for children who are 12 years of age or younger. Our Birthday Party Packages include the following:
- 30 admission tickets (for children and/or adults) with access to the Zoo for the entire day of the party
- Private rental of one of our 3 pavilions in the John P. McGovern Children's Zoo for two hours
- Two 6 foot tables for food and gifts
- Five 48 inch round tables for seating (seating for 35 people)
- Re-useable plastic table covers
- Post-event trash and clean-up service
- Opportunity to purchase additional items including food, entertainment, tickets, and seating
Your guests will be allowed admission to the Zoo for the entire day of the party, but the party pavilion is only reserved for your event during one of the following timeslots:
Party Pavilion Time Slots (Upon availability):
9:30-11:30 AM
12:30-2:30 PM
3:30-5:30 PM
Pavilions and Prices
Houston Zoo Members get a discount on Birthday Parties!
Blue Pavilion and Yellow Pavilion - Located Outdoors
$320 for Zoo Members
$370 for Non-Members
Red Pavilion - Located Indoors with Heating/Air-Conditioning
$370 for Zoo Members
$420 for Non-Members
$320 for Zoo Members
$370 for Non-Members
Red Pavilion - Located Indoors with Heating/Air-Conditioning
$370 for Zoo Members
$420 for Non-Members
We will place the table covers on the tables for you so all you have to do is bring the cake, presents, birthday celebrant, and guests, etc.
There are five round tables in each of the pavilions with bench style seating and two rectangular tables available for your food and gifts. You will not have to worry about taking out the trash at the end of the party- that’s our job!
So plan your next child’s Birthday Party with us at the Houston Zoo. Our goal is to make this process as easy and convenient as possible for you so that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the party!
Please note that the maximum capacity in each of the pavilions is 55 guests. No balloons, straws, or piñatas are allowed inside Zoo grounds.
There are five round tables in each of the pavilions with bench style seating and two rectangular tables available for your food and gifts. You will not have to worry about taking out the trash at the end of the party- that’s our job!
So plan your next child’s Birthday Party with us at the Houston Zoo. Our goal is to make this process as easy and convenient as possible for you so that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the party!
Please note that the maximum capacity in each of the pavilions is 55 guests. No balloons, straws, or piñatas are allowed inside Zoo grounds.
Entertainment ADD-ONS
If you want to “WOW” your guests you can add on any of the following options to your party:
 |
Animal Experience – $ 250
*Requires two week notice to schedule
Please note that animal experiences are subject to weather conditions and Zoo Animal Staff approval.
One of our Zoo Keepers will come directly to your pavilion with two animals for your guests to meet and greet. This experience lasts for approximately thirty minutes.
One of our Zoo Keepers will come directly to your pavilion with two animals for your guests to meet and greet. This experience lasts for approximately thirty minutes.
Children’s Zoo Scavenger Hunt – $50
Our Scavenger Hunt allows participants to connect in a fun way while they explore the zoo and learn something new about our animals and each other! Children can work together or alone to answer a variety of questions by following the Hunt’s clues that will lead them to various areas around the Children’s Zoo.
Airbrush Tattoo Artist – $450 for two hours
Our Scavenger Hunt allows participants to connect in a fun way while they explore the zoo and learn something new about our animals and each other! Children can work together or alone to answer a variety of questions by following the Hunt’s clues that will lead them to various areas around the Children’s Zoo.
.jpg) |
Carousel Tickets – Discounted Price $1.25
Buy your carousel tickets ahead of time for a discounted rate and avoid long lines! We offer this price if you purchase the tickets prior to the event through our Special Events Department.
Additional Admission Tickets – $9
(for adult or child)
Greeter – $30 per hour
One Hour Minimum
Buy your carousel tickets ahead of time for a discounted rate and avoid long lines! We offer this price if you purchase the tickets prior to the event through our Special Events Department.
Additional Admission Tickets – $9
(for adult or child)
Greeter – $30 per hour
One Hour Minimum
Are you worried your guests will misplace their birthday party admission tickets if you hand them out in advance? Add the Greeter to your party and have your guests pick up their tickets outside the main entrance to the Zoo on the day of the event.
Face Painter – $350 for two hours
.jpg) |
*Requires two week notice to schedule
Airbrush Tattoo Artist – $450 for two hours
*Requires two week notice to schedule
 |
 |
 |
Food Add-Ons
These items are available to be added to your birthday party package:
- Cupcakes – $2.50 per Cupcake
- Brownies – $2.00 per Brownie
- Ice Cream Cups – $2.75 per Ice Cream Cup
- Hot Dog – Hot Dogs, Chips and Juice Boxes – $5.99 per person
- Hamburger, Chips and Juice Boxes – $6.49 per person
- Large Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza – $21.99 per pizza
- PB&J Sandwiches, Chips and Juice Boxes – $5.49 per person
- Deli Sandwich (Ham, Turkey or Roast Beef), Chips and Soda or Bottled Water – $7.99 per person
- Cotton Candy – $2.75 per bag
- Popcorn – $2.75 per bag
- Punch Bowl – $1.50 per person
- Soda and Bottled Water – $1.50 per drink
Anything off of our full menu can also be ordered for birthday parties.
Any food/beverage orders must be paid for prior to your event.
Food orders must be received at least 5 days prior to the event.
All menu options include paper products and utensils.
Prices do not include 18% support charge and 8.25% sales tax.
Any food/beverage orders must be paid for prior to your event.
Food orders must be received at least 5 days prior to the event.
All menu options include paper products and utensils.
Prices do not include 18% support charge and 8.25% sales tax.
Tired of gift overload?
This year, consider asking your child's friends to skip the birthday presents and donate to the Houston Zoo instead! It's a WILD way to celebrate your little one's special day, while also helping to support the continued care and feeding of the Zoo's 6,000 animal residents! Click here to learn more.
Successful party planning tips
Plan ahead and arrive early to avoid parking issues. Ride together so that the driver can pull up to our Medical Center Gate Entrance on Cambridge Street and you can unload your belongings and head straight over to the pavilion. We also encourage you to bring your own wagons and rolling coolers in case we are sold out of our wagons on a busy day.
Downloadable PDFs:
Birthday Party Facility Rental Policies - Details on rentals, tickets, parking, animal experiences and more. Please read this through before booking your party - thank you!
Zoo Birthday Party Checklist - a handy reference to help your party planning.
Birthday Party Map - follow the arrows on this map to reach your birthday party pavilion.
Please review all details of your birthday party booking before purchasing.
When reserving a timeslot for a party, your deposit is non-refundable. Thank you for your understanding.
Have Questions? Call the Events Department at 713-533-6832
or e-mail us at birthday.parties@houstonzoo.org
