Picnics
Outdoor Picnic Venues
North Meadow
Availability: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Capacity: 2,000
This expansive lawn located just inside the West Entrance is ideal for large outdoor or tented events. The size of the North Meadow allows for versatile set-up options and activities.
COST: $2,200
FOOD & BEVERAGE MINIMUM: $8,000
Additional rental equipment (alternative chairs, cocktail tables and A/V needs) available for a fee.
Picnic Shelter
Capacity: 200
Located near our Historic Carousel, the Picnic Shelter features an open air structure, permanent picnic tables and a grassy area for extra activities. Surrounded by lush greenery, this space provides a private wooded area for your guests to socialize.
Times Available: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
INCLUDES: 14 picnic bench tables
COST: $950 (11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) / $800 (3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
FOOD & BEVERAGE MINIMUM: $2,500
Rental equipment (tables and chairs) available for a fee.
Mesa Bronze
Availability: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Capacity: 70
Located between the Historic Carousel and the Northern Trail, the Mesa Bronze offers a small picnic oasis while being centrally located to activity options and animal exhibits. As the most economical of our picnic sites, this space is ideal for smaller group sizes.
INCLUDES: 6 picnic bench tables, including Ken Little’s Mesa Bronze art installation
COST: $475
Additional rental equipment (tables, chairs, and canopies) available for a fee.
Wild Encounters Lawn (Formerly Family Farm)
Capacity: 150
Located just inside the South Entrance, Wild Encounters Lawn offers a relaxed, nature-filled setting for casual celebrations without leaving the city. A quaint fruit orchard provides a charming backdrop, while nearby highlights like Lorikeet Landing* bring guests up close with wildlife for a truly memorable experience.
Times Available: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
INCLUDES: (10) 8’ tables, 100 chairs
COST: $950 (11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m) / $800 (3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
FOOD & BEVERAGE MINIMUM: $2,500
Additional rental equipment (tables, chairs and canopies) available for a fee.
Beech Grove
Availability: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Capacity: 250
Surrounded by old-growth beech trees, the Beech Grove is naturally secluded thanks to the lush foliage that envelopes the space. Beech Grove is located adjacent to the South Entrance to the zoo and the African Savanna.
COST: $950 (11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) / $800 (3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
FOOD & BEVERAGE MINIMUM: $2,500
Rental equipment (tables, chairs and canopies) available for a fee.
Microsoft Pollinator Patio
Availability: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Capacity: 20
Looking for a venue for a small social event or company gathering? Entertain your group elegantly with an afternoon tea event in our beautiful Microsoft Pollinator Patio. Located behind the Molbak’s Butterfly Garden Exhibit this beautiful oasis is surrounded with an abundance of Pacific Northwest greenery and flora. This event space is perfect for groups of 20 or less.
COST: $425
Additional rental equipment (tables, chairs, and canopies) available for a fee.