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+ 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 500. 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.
Menu selections for your picnic can include one of the three choices:
Picnic Package Menus
AMERICAN GRILL $27.00 per adult/ $22.00 per child (under the age of 12)
Cowboy Burgers, Hotdogs, Sliced Cheese, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Sliced Red Onions, Pickles, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise, BBQ Baked Beans with Smoked Bacon and Homemade Coleslaw and Fresh Baked Cookies
TEX MEX $30.00 per adult/ $25.00 per child (under the age of 12)
Spicy Seared Chicken and Lime Marinated Beef, Southwest Black Beans, Cilantro Rice, Flour Tortillas, Fried Tortilla Chips, Toppings: Shredded Cheese, Lettuce, Onions, Tomatoes, Salsa, Guacamole and Sour Cream, and Fresh Baked Cookies
BBQ GRILLER $34.00 per adult/ $28.00 per child (under the age of 12)
Grilled BBQ Chicken Quarters, Slow Roasted Beef Brisket, BBQ Baked Beans with Smoked Bacon, Roasted Red Potato Salad, Assorted Fresh Baked Rolls with Sweet Butter and Texas Sauce and Fresh Baked Cookies.
Details on picnic options like potato salad, watermelon slices, and many more are available upon request. Beer, wine, and bar pricing is also available upon request.
Download our picnic menu here.
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 iced tea, lemonade and water
One hour buffet-style food service
- A minimum guarantee of 100 guests is required for the Karamu Outpost. Ask us about other available space if your group is smaller or exceeds 500 guests.
- Table covers are an additional fee
- Additional seating, up to 200, is available for an additional fee.
- A signed contract along with a 50% 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. The balance must be paid 5 business days prior to the event. Deposits can be made by credit card.
- Liquor, beer and wine are available through our on-site caterer only.
Party Props is the preferred décor vendor for the Houston Zoo. In fact, if you book an event at the Zoo and utilize their services you will receive a 10% discount. To see how Party Props can make your event shine click
here to see some of their work.
