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Tue, Dec. 24: The Zoo will be closing early at 2pm, with last entry at 1pm.
Membership

Kids’ Birthday Parties

Enjoy a birthday party at the Houston Zoo! As a Zoo member, you get exclusive access to celebrate with a birthday party package.

Booking Your Birthday Party

Welcome to our easy Kids’ Birthday booking system where members of Houston Zoo can take care of everything in one place! Book your spot, pay online, and your tickets will be emailed to you in the following days. Note: Birthday parties are for children up to 12 years old.

Booking information:

  • Prior to booking your party, you must read the Birthday Party Facility Rental Agreement (PDF), which includes more information about the rental.
  •  To book, log in to the Member Portal and select “Extra Tickets and Add-ons”
  • Choose your desired date and time on the calendar
  • Complete payment with a credit card
  • You will receive all your tickets via email!

Please ensure your guests have their tickets in hand or on their phone to enter the zoo on the day of the party.

Party Package Information

  • Price: $750
  • Three-hour private rental of our Red Pavilion in the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo
  • Indoor pavilion with heating and cooling
  • Seven 60-in round tables with vinyl covers, seat up to 50 people
  • Two six-foot tables for food and gifts
  • 25 Birthday Party Passes for children and adults including Zoo admission, unlimited carousel rides, a conservation bracelet, and giraffe feeding*
  • Kids’ Birthday Parties are a self-guided experience. We are unable to provide tours or escorts for guests.
  • The pavilion is available only during your reservation time; however, the Birthday Party Passes will be valid for use at Zoo opening on the date of your party.
  • Additional Birthday Party Passes may be purchased for $25 each up to 7 days prior to your party date.

*Skip the ticket booth, direct access to the giraffe ramp is included with the Birthday Party Pass! Giraffe feedings are scheduled daily at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and depend on weather and giraffes’ participation. Each child under 42” tall must be accompanied by an adult, who will stand with the child as they ride for safety. This adult does not need a ticket. Carousel closures may occur during inclement weather.

mom and son riding on the carousel

For Zoo Members Only

You must be a Houston Zoo member to book a birthday party. As a Zoo member, you can enjoy free daytime admission to the Zoo for an entire year and other great benefits!

Become a Member

Important Information

Birthday Parties Facility Agreement (PDF) – MUST READ

Birthday Party Pavilion Map (PDF)

Follow the marked path to reach your birthday party pavilion. Share this map with your guests!

Directions & Parking 

Questions? Contact Us

Please contact our team at birthdayparties@houstonzoo.org if you have any questions.

Looking for a special gift?

Become a proud conservationist of a Houston Zoo animal today! By symbolically adopting an animal, you not only help the care and feeding of that animal, but also support education and conservation programs at the Houston Zoo.

Adopt an Animal

Frequently Asked Questions

What days are birthday parties available?

Birthday parties are only available on Saturdays and Sundays. Blackout dates may apply.

How far out do I need to book a birthday party?

Birthday parties may be booked at least a minimum of one week (7 days) prior to the event.

How early can I access the pavilion?

Guests may only use the pavilion during their 3-hour rental time. A staff member will unlock the pavilion for you at your reserved time. Guests must vacate the pavilion, including removal of all personal belongings, by the end of their rental time. Set up and breakdown time is included in the rental time frame. We are unable to accommodate extensions or early entry. Rangers will promptly escort out parties exceeding the 3-hour time frame.

What party items are not allowed on Zoo grounds?

Balloons, inflatables, radios/speakers, glass containers, alcohol, plastic straws, whistles, streamers, balls, frisbees, confetti, glitter, string-in-a-can or silly string, piñatas, electric toys, chalk, bicycles, scooters, or other toys on wheels, (this excludes strollers, wagons, and rolling coolers), and non-standard birthday candles (no sparks/sparklers).

As stated in the Birthday Parties Facility Agreement, the Houston Zoo retains the right to prohibit items that are deemed unsafe or disruptive to our animals and guests. For more details on Zoo Rules, please visit the Guest Services and Rules page of our website.

To confirm if an item will be allowed on Zoo grounds, please contact us in advance via email at birthdayparties@houstonzoo.org.

Are there any limitations regarding food for my birthday party?

The Houston Zoo is unable to store or refrigerate food or other party items. Food requiring on-site preparation is not permitted; no chaffing dishes, hot plates, crockpots, etc. may be used on Zoo grounds. Although outside full-service catering companies are not allowed on grounds, outside food and drinks are allowed. Deliveries must be picked up outside Zoo gates or off Zoo grounds. Guests are responsible for the transportation of all birthday party items. For more information, please see the Birthday Parties Facility Agreement.

Can I get a refund on my birthday party?

Birthday party rentals and passes are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

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