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Picnics



The Natural Choice for Your Next Picnic:
The Karamu Outpost in The Houston Zoo!

 

In Swahili, karamu means "a place of joyful gathering."  And that's exactly what your company picnic will be when you hold it in this exotic location not far from our world-famous Wildlife Carousel. With a roomy open tent and ample open space (all fenced off for private events); the Karamu Outpost is truly the perfect daytime place for an unforgettable company picnic.

Every day the Houston Zoo manages a herd of 4,500 exotic animal species—so just imagine what we can do for your 100 - 1500 employees.  Our picnic packages are completely turn-key, guaranteeing a hassle-free experience for you.  We do all the work, so you and your employees can relax and enjoy the day.  Maximum capacity in this area is 1500.  If your herd exceeds this space, let us customize an entire zoo rental or discuss additional space to make your outing a one-of-a-kind naturally wild experience.

 

Testimonial:

“This was our second year to have our company picnic at the Houston Zoo!  Our company enjoys the family atmosphere and setting for the picnic.  In past years we have about 80 attendees for the picnic and this year we have over 180!  On the following Monday our guests were already asking if we were going to have our picnic there again next year.  Many of our employees swear the Zoo has the best fajitas in town!

Working with the Zoo to plan an event is extremely convenient and stress free; they really do take care of everything.  Our event coordinator stayed in continuous communication with me and ensured that all of our needs were meet.  She greeted us on the day of the event and made sure that all services were provided on time and in a professional manner.  It truly is nice to have an event where I can enjoy myself and not worry about the details.”

Mindy Rueda, Landtech Consultants, Inc.

 


Prices include:
  • Admission to the zoo
  • Use of Karamu Outpost for 3 hrs with a choice of two seating times (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.)
  • Seating for 100 in a covered area—additional seating is available.
  • Two hour beverage service featuring soft drinks and water
  • One-and-a-half-hour buffet-style food service

Menu selections for your picnic can include one of these three choices:

 

American Grill      $28.00 per adult/ $23.00 per child (under the age of 12)
Grilled hamburgers and all-beef hotdogs with all the fixing's: cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sliced red onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise. All are served with BBQ baked beans, with smoked bacon, and mustard potato salad.

Texas Fajitas      $33.00 per adult/ $28.00 per child (under the age of 12)
Seared Grilled Chicken and tender Beef Fajitas paired with a mélange of red and green peppers, onions, Spanish rice, ranchero beans, and flour tortillas. Bowls of shredded cheese, pico de gallo, jalapeños, guacamole and sour cream. All are served with tri-colored tortilla chips, salsa and warm chili con queso.

Smokehouse BBQ     $37.00 per adult/ $31.00 per child (under the age of 12) 
Smoked beef brisket and sausage with Texas sauce on the side. A condiment tray including sliced onions, pickle chips, and sliced jalapeños. Mustard potato salad, rancho style beans, and a basket of sliced Texas toast.
(add BBQ Chicken (bone-in) $4.25 per person
 

Details:

  • Additional picnic menu options are available upon request.
  • Beer, wine, and bar pricing is also available upon request.

Payments and Deposits

  • A minimum guarantee of 100 guests is required for the Karamu Outpost.  Ask us about other available space if your group is smaller than 100 or exceeds 1500 guests.
  • Table covers are included for up to 100. Additional table covers for seating exceeding 100 are $2.00 per table.
  • Additional seating, up to 500, is available for an additional fee.
  • A signed contract and a fifty percent deposit must be received by the Special Events department in order to reserve a date. A final, guaranteed guest count must be provided at least one week before the event. Your bill will be based on the final guarantee. This count allows us to prepare the proper amount of food and beverage for your guests.
  • A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required once a contract has been signed. This deposit will be credited toward your final bill. If a deposit is not reeived with the signed contract, we are unable to hold your event. Deposits can be made by credit card. Final payment is due 5 days prior to your event.
  • All food, liquor, beer and wine are available through our on-site caterer only.

 Download a PDF of the above information.


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