Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00am-12:30pm and 2:00pm-3:30pm

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.

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.

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. Other decorations are not permitted.

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.

No. Absolutely no balloons, sports equipment, or piñatas on zoo premises due to safety concerns for our animals and guests.

Animals that visit our classrooms may be requested through our planning document after booking. Please note, however, our animal collection is subject to availability and there is no guarantee of a specific animal.

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.

You are welcome to bring your own refreshments and party food. All food must be self-serve only; our staff cannot assist in serving. We highly recommend easily served items such as cupcakes, juice boxes, pizza, and pre-packaged snacks (Please Note: catering and flames are not allowed, and alcohol is strictly PROHIBITED).

Our parties generally follow this timeline, subject to change at the discretion of Zoo staff

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

No, we do not offer add-on packages.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

Children ages 1 and older count toward your group total.

For children ages 1-3, one adult is required to accompany each child (1:1 ratio)
For children ages 4-12, one adult is required to accompany every 10 children (1:10 ratio)

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

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.

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.

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

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

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. Please note the Zoo closes at 4:30pm November through March.

Please contact the Central Park Zoo Education Department at cpzeducation@wcs.org..