Party at the Zoo

Skyler’s Wild 4th Birthday at the Central Florida Zoo 

Photos by Jessica Friend

Best for Ages:  1 and up 
Group Size:  Up to 35, but larger groups can be accommodated 
Cost: $250 to $600 depending on the number of guests and whether you are a Central Florida Zoo annual pass holder (which gets you a discount)

I always try to theme my kids’ parties around their current interests. Skyler is into animals and absolutely loves going to the zoo. Plus, I wanted a no-stress party package that would allow us to just show up with the birthday girl and the cake. I found the perfect package at the Central Florida Zoo.

Our guests met at one of the private party rooms inside the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center (just past the ropes course outside the front entrance to the zoo). There were cute, customized yard signs along the pathway that directed our friends to “Skyler’s Wild 4th Birthday Party.”

The room has murals with outdoor jungle scenes and was decorated with colorful pendants. We had two party planners facilitating the food and games during the hour in the party room. They were extremely friendly and professional. 

I customized the menu a bit, which the Zoo was able to accommodate because they have food services on-site. The party package includes cheese pizza, fruit punch, lemonade and water. We were able to add a salad, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers and iced tea for an additional fee.

While we were in the party room, the children played animal games. Then everyone ate lunch and sang “Happy Birthday” to Skyler. We also added a face painting activity so all the kids could have animal faces. Highly recommended! The Zoo uses Tifinie Boutot, who is the best face painter in Orlando. 

After an hour in the party room, we were escorted to a private animal encounter. Skyler got to choose the animal: a snake, a tortoise or a rabbit. She chose to meet a cuddly rabbit named Chocolate. Next, we went as a group to watch Skyler feed a giraffe. To end the day, the kids played on the playground for awhile and then everyone went their separate ways to visit their favorite animals. We reminded our guests about their free ticket to the Little Florida Coastline train ride to enjoy on their way out. 

Parents stayed with their kids at Skyler’s party, but the Zoo does such a fabulous job that this celebration would also run smoothly as a drop-off party for older kids.