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Do It Yourself Birthday

Do It Yourself Birthday Bash

Every birthday deserves a celebration—now, more than ever! Let us plan your party so you can relax and enjoy the fun.

For the safety of our guests, staff, and animals, we have a new birthday party package which includes an outside party for 10 people at your choice of location:

Ranger Station in Range of the Jaguar or Asian Garden Pavilion

 

Package Includes
  • Tents, Tables, & Chairs for 1.5 hours
  • General Admission to the Zoo and Gardens for all Guests
  • Birthday Cupcakes
  • Bottled Water and Fruit Juices
  • Table Decorations, Plates, and Napkins
  • Plush Animal Gift for the Birthday Child
Plan Your Birthday Bash Today

Each guest is $28.95 per person, plus tax.

Please note we require 10 guests to book a Birthday Bash.

A host is not provided to oversee the event.

We will coordinate the setup and cleanup so that you can enjoy your day.

 

Birthday Bashes are offered for children 3-12 years of age on Saturdays. A minimum of two weeks notice is required for party reservations. Party times available: 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm.

A $75 non-refundable deposit is due at booking and the balance is due the Tuesday before your party.

A portion of proceeds from birthdays and private events help care for our Zoo animals and help to save their counterparts in the wild through our conservation programs.

 

Upgrade Your Day, Your Way

Adult Total Experience Ticket ...................$12

Child Total Experience Ticket ..................$10

Hamburger or Hot Dog ............................$7

Chips & Nacho Cheese ..........................$4.75

Mandarin Orange Cup .............................$1.25

Bag of Popcorn ........................................$4

Soda ..........................................................$1.50

(Prices not including tax)

 

For more information or to schedule a party, email cooksa@jacksonvillezoo.org or call (904) 757-4463 ext. 120.

Print-at-Home Invitation

Download a copy of our birthday party invitations! All you have to do is print, fold, and fill out. They can be handed out or placed in an envelope and mailed to your party guests.

DOWNLOAD INVITATIONS

*This is a temporary modification to our operation to allow guests to book birthday parties during our Re-Opening. Please be patient with us as we make ongoing changes to accommodate guests and comply with safety recommendations. We look forward to returning to regular operations.

 

Do It Yourself Birthday Bash FAQs

If my guests have a zoo membership do they still need to be included in my guest count and pay for them?

Yes, they do need to be included. Zoo memberships do not apply toward private special events such as birthday parties. If you are a current zoo member, you will receive a discount off the party package as a benefit of your membership. 

Does the birthday child receive free admission?

Any guest that is entering the zoo and eating as a guest must be included in your headcount, including the child celebrating his/her birthday. 

Do I have to pay for parents?

Everyone 3 years or older MUST be a paying participant. This includes parents as well as children. Wristbands are required to be in the birthday party room and must be presented to the birthday host upon arrival. 

Is there a minimum or maximum number of guests for a party?

Yes. 10 paid guests are required to book a birthday party at the Zoo. You may have any combination of adults or children to reach the guest requirements.

Is my deposit refundable?

Deposits are non-refundable. If you choose to cancel and reschedule your party, you may transfer your party to another date. 

When is my final payment due?

Final payment is due on the Tuesday prior to your scheduled party, along with your final headcount. Credit card information must be provided at booking and will be used for any remaining balance unless different credit card information is given. 

What happens if it rains?

Parties can be hosted, rain or shine. However, you may cancel on the scheduled day of your party up to 2 hours prior to your party time. You will need to call 904-757-4463 ext. 109 to cancel. The $50.00 deposit and cost of cupcakes ($25-$35) will be charged to you as the cakes are ordered several days in advance. Any cancelations made within 2 hours of your party time will not receive any refund. 

Can we bring in food?

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens does not allow any outside food or beverages to be brought into any of our rental facilities or the Zoo. However, guests are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and utilize the Zoo’s picnic area.

We do not take reservations for the picnic area. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

We do not allow any grilling in the picnic area.

What happens if extra people show up to my birthday party?

Please keep in mind that we have planned and provided food service for your party based on the number of people you have prepaid for. We will not be able to provide food service for additional guests beyond the preplanned number. Our party host will do their best to stretch the cake to accommodate additional guests, but we can’t guarantee that additional guests will be served. Should you have an additional guest show up, you will be charged with the credit card on file - a $35 per person fee. We encourage you to communicate the importance of RSVPing for your party guests to prevent additional guest fees. 

Plan Your Birthday Bash Today

Email cooksa@jacksonvillezoo.org or call (904) 757-4463 ext. 120

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