Plan Your Event > Special Party Location Options and Pricing

Open Air Picnic Party Locations

For smaller groups, looking for a great “home base” for a picnic party, the party area near the Penguins and Meerkats could be a perfect fit! Located right in the heart of the Zoo, it’s close to the new Walk About Creek exhibit and children’s playground.

Meerkat Party Area

Rental fee: $100
Includes admission for 15 guests.

Jungle Junction Thatched Hut

New party location for 2009! Another option for smaller groups, looking for a covered meeting place for a picnic party, the Green Gazebo is the perfect selection. The Green Gazebo is located between the Zoo’s entrance and Vanishing Kingdom historic building.

Rental fee: $150
Includes admission for 15 guests.

Racine Rotary West Safari Base Camp Pavilion Party Area

Our most popular event location, the Pavilion can host formal fundraisers or back-yard barbeques. Located on the Zoo’s main road, with a beautiful view of Lake Michigan, the Pavilion is a covered structure with “walls” that can be selectively unfurled to combat inclement weather or wind.

Rental fee: $350
Includes admission for 50 guests.

Groups of 150 or more will be charged a dumpster rental fee of $150. Rental fee also includes use of the Zoo’s propane grill, 8 ft. banquet tables.

Charles and Jennifer Johnson Land of the Giants Private Party Area

Located in the northeast corner of the Zoo, this open area hosts large company picnics, wedding receptions and even the Zoo’s very own annual black-tie fundraiser! Within close proximity to the Zoo’s resident giraffes and rhinos, the open area can be transformed to exceed your expectations. Rental of this private picnic area also includes the use of the Rotary West Safari Base Camp Pavilion.

Rental fee: $1,350
Includes admission for 100 guests.

Rental fee also includes use of the Zoo’s propane grill, 8 ft. banquet tables, picnic tables and the dumpster rental fee as well as a private party coordinator.

Amphitheater Rental

Located in the heart of campus with Lake Michigan as a backdrop. Basic electric service is on site, however, guests must make arrangement for sound equipment. The Kiwanis Memorial Amphitheater provides ample lawn seating for guests.

Rental fee: $150

Zoo Grounds Wedding Rental

The perfect option for an outdoor wedding, choose from a number of locations on the Zoo campus.

Up to 200 wedding guests are included in the rental fee.

Rental Fee: $500

With each rental, additional guests receive an admission fee of $3.00 each.


Top Photo courtesy of Ryan M. Rudie, AIA - Butterfield, Rudie & Seitz Architects, Inc.