You should include anyone in your guest count who will enjoy the party food and the included train ride. Infants under age 2 do not need to be included.
Have A WILD birthday party!
Interested in having a birthday party at the Zoo? Read on for more information, and contact us using the form below for a birthday party booking.
Zoo Birthday Party Package
- Private space rental for three hours
- Tables and chairs
- Zoo Train ride
- Food
- Themed tableware, decor, and party favors (choose from Safari, Pirate, Tea Party, or Zoo Train themes)
- Zoo birthday party event host
- Admission for party host and guests
- Parking for party host
Pricing starts at $950. See full price list here.
Birthday Party Menu
Appetizers (choose two)
- Veggies with ranch dressing
- Fruit platter
- Party snack mix
Cheese Pizza (choose toppings)
- Extra cheese
- Pepperoni
- Sausage
- Mushrooms
- Olives
- Bell peppers
Also included: unlimited popcorn, juice boxes, and water. Adult food and beverage options available on request.
Awesome Add-Ons
Animal Encounter
Delight your guests with a 30-minute meet-and-greet with one of our animal friends and their keeper. These encounters must be confirmed a minimum of two weeks in advance and are based on the availability and wellbeing of our animals. Available animals include birds, lizards, tortoises, and snakes.
Giraffe Feeding
Each guest will have the opportunity to hand feed one of the Zoo’s Masai giraffes.
$8/person, $5/person for SB Zoo Members
Bounce House
The jungle-themed bounce house is always a hit! Includes a three-hour rental and attendant.
Face Painting
Add a splash of color to your party with an expert face painter!
$125/hour (two-hour minimum)
General Birthday Party Info
- Birthday parties at the Santa Barbara Zoo are available year-round, seven days per week.
- Reservations must be made a minimum of 10 days in advance.
- Reservations require a $500 deposit. The final payment will be calculated based on your final guest count and any add-ons. The final payment will be due at the conclusion of the party.
- Deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred ONCE in the event of a cancellation.
- Cancellation/reschedule fee may apply.
- Special dietary requests can be accommodated, but please allow extra time for menu customization.
FAQs
Should I include adults in my guest count?
Can I bring in any food, drinks, or cake?
All food and drink, except cake, must be provided through the Zoo unless there is a dietary restriction or allergy that we are unable to accommodate. We are happy to offer custom menus with some advance notice. If you choose to bring in a cake, it must be from a licensed, professional bakery. Homemade items are not allowed due to local county health codes.
What time should we arrive?
Please arrive at your scheduled party time. If you would like to arrive before the scheduled party time, you may add early arrival at a rate of $75 per hour.
What if I don't know how exactly how many guests I will have?
Your final guest count is required 7 days before the party.
What is included in the animal encounter? Which animals are available?
The animal encounter is a 30-minute “meet and greet” with your selected animal and one of our wonderful zookeepers!
Available animals include birds, snakes, lizards, and tortoises. Please keep in mind that the health and well-being of our animals is our first priority, and animal availability may change without notice. If your selected animal is unavailable, we will do our best to substitute with a similar animal. Animal encounters must be confirmed at least 14 days in advance.
How many pizzas are included?
The number of pizzas included is based on your final guest count. If you would like different types of pizzas, just let us know the ratio you would like (i.e. half pepperoni, half cheese pizzas or one veggie pizza and the rest pepperoni).
Can I purchase adult beverages or additional food?
Absolutely! We have an excellent bar menu that we can send to you upon request. Bar beverages are charged based on consumption, so the payment for those will be due after your party host counts the beverages at the end of the party. We also offer plenty of more adult-friendly food items. Ask for our Zoo appetizers menu!
What is your cancellation policy?
A $500 deposit on your desired party package is due with your reservation to confirm your party. This deposit is non-refundable. The deposit may be transferred to a mutually agreed-upon date, based on availability.
If a postponement or cancellation occurs less than 72 hours before the party reservation, the deposit will be forfeited. If a postponement or cancellation occurs less than 10 days before the party reservation, a $250 transfer fee will apply.
How will I get all of my party supplies to the birthday site?
Golf cart service is available for help transporting your party goods to the party site.
Can we bring decorations?
Due to the safety of our animals, we do not allow balloons, confetti, or streamers in the Zoo. All other decorations will need to be approved by Zoo staff. If you have questions about decorations, please feel free to call or email us with any questions.
Can we bring entertainment?
We do not allow any outside entertainment (magicians, face painters, etc.). If you would like to have face painters at your party, please contact a Birthday Party Coordinator by phone (805) 962-5339, ext 180 or email.