Plan an Event

Have a Wild Time

Looking for an exotic venue for your next event or function? From weddings, to corporate zoo rentals and company picnics, the Ross Park Zoo offers some wild options for your special event! Amenities at Ross Park include the Ross Park Amphitheater and pavilions, ample parking, our Education Center, and so much more. To start planning your event today, email us or call (607) 724-5461 x.100

Say “I do” at the Zoo

What better way to celebrate the biggest day of your life than saying “I do” at the most unique venue in town? The Ross Park Zoo offers a wild alternative to the traditional wedding setting, and provides a variety of options to celebrate your special day. Have your ceremony at the Ross Park Amphitheater, followed by your reception under the Ross Park pavilions. Our Education Center serves as the perfect location for day-of wedding preparations. Go wild and include zoo passes for a reduced admission rate, or have the zoo to yourselves with a complete zoo rental. Interactive ZooMobile presentations with our ambassador animals are available to really wow your guests during your reception. Don’t forget wedding photos! The Ross Park Zoo and its botanical gardens offers so many unique backdrops for you and your photographer to work with.

• Ceremonies and receptions
• Receptions only
• Convenient and ample parking options
• ZooMobile presentations


Corporate Events/Private Rentals

Rent the Ross Park Zoo

Base price of $1,100.00 includes the following.

• Private zoo rental from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
• Rental fee includes admission for up to 250 people
• Additional admissions are $6.00 per person, for groups larger than 250 please contact us to discuss your needs
• All animal exhibits remain open until 6:30 pm
• All public restrooms will remain open until 8:00 pm
• Both Ross Park pavilions are open for your use from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm
• There will be an event staff member available to assist our clients and their guests from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Trash removal is included in your rental

Additional Options

• Add ambassador animal appearances, face painting, and onsite activities ($100.00)
• Leopard’s Spot Concession Stand and Zoovenir’s Gift Shop open during rental ($100.00)


Picnics and Community Meetings

Planning a family reunion, company picnic, or community meeting? Include the Ross Park Zoo in your plans! The Ross Park pavilions offer options for small and large groups, plus easy access for catering. Add on a presentation from the ZooMobile to make your event memorable.


Graduations, Showers, Anniversary and Retirement Parties

Whether you’re a kid, or even bigger kid, the zoo offers the perfect gathering space for your family celebrations. In addition to your party under one (or both) of the Ross Park pavilions, group rate zoo passes or the addition of a ZooMobile really enhance a party!

Event Spaces

Ross Park Pavilions

Rent the Ross Park Pavilions for your next party, reunion, or get-together! Full payment and a $50 refundable cleaning fee is due at time of booking. Call (607) 724-5461 ext. 500 to reserve today! Pavilion rentals include the following:

• Grills available for use
• Electric available for use
• Water spigot available adjacent to pavilions
• Trash removal is included in your rental

Ross Park Amphitheater

Rent the Ross Park Amphitheater for your performance, lecture, or wedding! A $50.00 cleaning fee, refundable, and full payment is due at time of booking. Call (607) 724-5461  to reserve today!

Education Center

The Ross Park Zoo’s Education Center is perfect for small community meetings, day-of wedding preparations at the zoo, and more. Tables and chairs are available for your use. The space includes a private bathroom, refrigerator, and freezer. (Currently unavailable for rentals)

Cancelations

If rental is canceled within one week of the event, 100% refund will be issued including cleaning fee. 

If rental is canceled within 24 hours of the event, 50% refund will be issued including cleaning fee. 

Venue Rental Cost
Small Pavilion Half Day Rental (fits 90 people) $125.00
Small Pavilion Full Day Rental $200.00
Large Pavilion Half Day Rental (fits 210) $175.00
Large Pavilion Full Day Rental $300.00
Both Pavilions Half Day Rental (fits 300) $275.00
Both Pavilions Full Day Rental $450.00
Ross Park Amphitheater Half Day Rental (seats 300) $225.00
Ross Park Amphitheater Full Day Rental $400.00