FAQ

Booking Your Party

When are parties offered?
Saturdays and Sundays from September through May, 10:30am -12:00pm and 2:00pm - 3:30pm.

When should we book our party?
We highly encourage booking 2 to 3 months in advance. Parties need to be booked at least a month in advance in order to arrange animal experiences.

Do you require a deposit?
Payment is required in full at the time of booking to secure the party date and time. To request payment plan options please contact our registrar team at cpzeducation@wcs.org or 1-800-433-4149.

Is there a private party room?
Yes, however this is a combination indoor and outdoor birthday experience. The decorated indoor party space will be utilized for the welcome activities and animal demonstrations, and the rest of the party will be out in the Zoo. 

Can we visit the party space before our party date to see the space or drop off supplies?

No. Due to a very full schedule, the party room cannot be visited prior to your party date. See the "Location Pictures" page on this site for more detailed information on the party space and to see the decorations provided.

Do you offer birthdays for adults?
No, our birthday parties are designed for children ages 3-12. For a private family experience, please contact our registrar team who can provide you with those options.

Do you offer any add-ons?
No, we do not offer add-on packages

Can I bring an external vendor?
No. External vendors are not currently permitted at Central Park Zoo Birthday Parties. Our staff provide a fun and exciting birthday experience, complete with decorations, for everyone to enjoy!

The Party Experience

Can I choose which animals come to the party?
Once your party has been booked, we will send a form for you to fill out in our initial correspondence, which must be filled out 3 weeks before your party date. Please keep in mind as these are live animals, there may be last minute changes as animals may become unavailable for unforeseen reasons, but we will do our best to accommodate 2 out of the 4 preferred animals.
Check out the "Party Animals!" page on this site for a list of available animals and more information.

Do you allow food/cake?
You are welcome to bring your own refreshments and party food. We highly recommend easily served items. See the "Food and Beverages" page on this site to find more information and our recommendations (Please Note: catering and sterno flames are not allowed, and alcohol is strictly PROHIBITED).

What does the general party timeline look like?
Our parties generally follow this timeline, subject to change at the discretion of Zoo staff. See the "Party Structure and Activities" page on this site for a more detailed breakdown.
0:00 – 0:15 Check in, Welcome Activities, and Introduction
0:15 – 0:40 Zoo Visit
0:40 – 1:00 Animal Demos
1:00 – 1:30 Food Time

Can we store belongings in the classroom while we visit the exhibits?
During the party time, belongings can be stored in our indoor space. However, once the party has concluded, all belongings must be removed. No items may be left in the party space as we will either be setting up for our next party or closing the party room.

Can I bring additional decorations?

Although our room comes pre-decorated, you are welcome to bring additional decorations you would like (see below for restrictions). Please ensure that anything you bring is easily removable. 

Can we bring balloons, confetti, sports equipment, or a piñata?
No. Absolutely no balloons, confetti, sports equipment, or piñatas on zoo premises due to safety concerns for our animals and guests.

Do you provide gift bags?

We do not provide gift bags as part of our birthday package, if you would like to bring some for the party it is the responsibility of the birthday host.

Do you provide utensils?

We do not provide utensils, serving plates/trays, or napkins so we ask that you bring your own. As we are a conservation based organization, we ask that guests limit their single-use plastic consumption as much as possible.

Policies & Cancellations

What in the cancellation policy?

Cancellations made more than 4 weeks in advance will receive a 100% refund (minus any administrative fees).
Cancellations made between 2 and 4 weeks in advance will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made within 2 weeks will not receive a refund. All requests to cancel birthday parties must be made in writing to cpzeducation@wcs.org.

Can I change the date of the party after I send the payment?

Should you wish to reschedule the date, please note that we require a minimum of 60 days notice to book a new date. Date changes are subject to an administrative fee. Available party dates may be limited. Requests for changes to the registration cannot be made less than 4 weeks prior to the scheduled date of the party.

Can I cancel a party due to inclement weather conditions?

Parties are held rain, snow, or shine. Please encourage guests to dress appropriately for a day at the zoo. If, due to a snow storm (3 or more inches of snow), hurricane, fire or flood 48 hours before your event, you feel you need to reschedule your party, the Central Park Zoo reserves the right to withhold your deposit. In the event that the Zoo is officially closed, we will reschedule your party for a later date with no fee incurred.

Guest Guidelines

Does the birthday party family count towards the total number?

Yes. The guest count must include all children 1+ and all adults in attendance at the party inclusive of the immediate birthday family.

What ages count toward the total number of guests?

Children ages 1 and older count toward your group total.

How many adults must be present during the party?

For children ages 1-4, one adult is required to accompany each child (1:1 ratio)
For children ages 5+, one adult is required to accompany every 7 children (1:7 ratio)

Can I add guests for an additional fee per person if I go over the package size?

No. The maximum number of guests allowed at the party is 35.

What if I have additional guests the day of the party?

Our birthday party program capacity is 35 guests. For accompanying guests that will not be in attendance at the party but wish to walk around the Zoo while the party takes place, admission tickets can be purchased at the Zoo entrance on the day of the party or in advance on the Central Park Zoo website.

Arrival & Guest Information

Where can our guests park?

We are located near the southeast corner of Central Park and are easily accessible by mass transit. The Central Park Zoo does not offer parking. Additional direction information may be found on the Zoo’s website at: Zoo’s Website.
For your convenience, check out our initial correspondence email for the "Guest Instructions" attachment that you can directly provide to your guests.

What should guests do upon arrival?

Our education and admissions staff will be available to greet attendees at the Zoo entrance. Attendees will be escorted to our party space.

Where is the party space located?

Our party space is located right next to the main entrance of the zoo. It is the large building that says classroom above the doors.

Can we have more time if our guests arrive late?

No. Due to a very full schedule, parties may not be extended for late arriving guests beyond the scheduled end time.

Can we stay in the zoo after the party?

Yes! Our birthday parties include fun time spent out in the Zoo where we will see many of the Zoo’s animals. Following your party, guests are welcome to continue enjoying the Zoo and Tisch Children’s Zoo. 

What if I still have questions?
Contact the Central Park Zoo Education Department at cpzbirthdayparties@wcs.org.