Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Adventure Birthday Parties
How soon do I need to make a reservation?
We recommended reserving your party at least one month in advance. Spring and summer are our busiest seasons, and usually require more than one months notice.
Do you do parties in winter?
YES! We do parties year-round. Fall and winter are wonderful times for a Zoo party or just a visit. The Zoo is less crowded, parking is easier, and most aspects of the party are held indoors.
If I have to cancel my party, can I get a refund?
Your $50 deposit is non-refundable, however if you cancel your party with at least 2 weeks advance notice, you can receive a refund for the balance of your payment. There are no refunds given after the 2 week deadline.
Can I visit the party area before I book a party?
Yes. You can arrange to visit the party area Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Please call our Birthday Coordinator at (314) 646-4857 to set up a date and time.
What is the maximum number of guests?
The maximum number of guests is 40. Infants under 9 months do not count toward the maximum. Our maximum number is based on the size of our party area, and our desire to maintain the quality of our program for all of your guests.
Is parking for me or my guests included?
Parking is NOT included in your party. Parking is available for $11 in the Zoo parking lots, and is available first-come, first-served on the streets in Forest Park. Keep in mind that during spring and summer, parking lots can be filled and street parking can be difficult to find. Please allow plenty of time to find parking and walk to your meeting location.
Where should my guests meet?
All birthday parties meet at the entrance to the Monsanto Insectarium. Activities will take place at the Insectarium for the first 20-25 minutes of your party. Your birthday party host will meet your group at the Insectarium and will lead your group to the private, behind-the-scenes party area 25 minutes after your scheduled meeting time.
We encourage you to set up a meeting place and time for your group at least 20 minutes before your party time. Then your group can come to the Insectarium together at your party time. For instance, you could ask your guests to meet you at the North Entrance at 9:40 am. Then you can all come to the Insectarium together at 10 am for your party.
Your confirmation packet will include invitation insert cards for your guests which include the meeting time at the Insectarium, and a map to the Insectarium. Guests should bring the card with them to the party.
Can I meet my guests somewhere else at the Zoo?
You can meet your guests anywhere at the Zoo. Some groups meet at one of the animal exhibits, visit the Children's Zoo or take a train ride before their party. Just make it clear on your invitations where and when you would like your guests to meet you. The party hosts will only meet you and your guests at the Insectarium at the scheduled time.
Can parents drop off their children for my party?
Yes, however you should make sure that it is clear on your invitation where and when and with whom parents should leave their child. Please also indicate exactly where and when parents should pick up their child. The Zoo is a large and busy place, and children should never be left unattended. Zoo staff are not responsible for children dropped off at the Zoo.
What is the required parent:child ratio?
We require one adult for every child 3 years and under, attending our parties. For children 4 and up, there is a required 1:4 adult:child ratio.
Are there restrooms close by?
There are public restrooms on the back side of the Insectarium building. Restrooms are also available in our private party area.
Are changing stations available?
Yes. Changing stations are available in the restrooms.
Is the party area child-proof?
The party area is designed for children's programs, however it is not completely free of hazards. Live animal enclosures, hard surfaces, and small items are present in the area. For this reason, we require a 1:1 adult to child ratio for children 3 years and under. It is also expected that parents or caregivers will closely supervise their children.
Where is the party area?
The party area is located in the Exploration Outpost on the lower level of the Orthwein Animal Nutrition Center. This area can NOT be accessed by the general public. It is not accessible via the River's Edge pathway. It can only be accessed by Zoo staff and volunteers who will escort your group from the Insectarium. Therefore, it is important that your guests arrive on time for the party.
What if my guests are late?
Guests who arrive after your group has left the Insectarium will not be able to attend the party. Your group will be escorted from the Insectarium to the party area 25 minutes after your party start time. We suggest that your invite your guests to meet you at least 20 minutes prior to the party start time.
Can I escort late guests to my party?
No. The party area is in a behind the scenes area of the Zoo. Guests may not come to or leave the party area without a Zoo staff escort. For unknown reasons, cell phone reception is not good in the party area. Late guests may try to call you and be unable to reach you. Please make sure to send the Invitation Insert Cards to your guests, so that they know what to expect.
Who leads the party?
Parties are led by Seasonal Instructors and Zoo ALIVE volunteers. Our Seasonal Instructor staff have a great deal of experience working with children of all ages and abilities. Along with birthday parties, our Instructors lead our summer camps, overnight programs and help out with many other programs.
Which allergens are present in the party area?
Our Backyard Explorers party features an activity using bird seed that may contain peanuts. Our cubcakes are made in a bakery which also processes nuts. Please let us know if anyone in your party has an allergy to peanuts.
What animals are present in the party area?
We have a variety of animals which are permanently housed in the party area, including guinea pigs, rabbit, chinchilla, hedgehog, dove, screech owl, canaries, finches, box turtle, bearded dragon, small snakes, horned frog, hissing cockroaches, African giant millipedes, local millipedes, false katydids and walkingsticks. Three or four of these animals will be brought out for your group to see, learn about and touch. We cannot fulfill requests to touch specific animals, but will acknowledge a request NOT to touch a given animal due to allergies, phobias, etc.
I don't like insects. Do we have to meet in the Insectarium?
All birthday parties meet at the Insectarium. No one is required to go inside.
Can I provide my own plates, napkins, cake, etc.?
Yes. Please let us know in advance if you will be providing your own tableware or cake. With prior arrangement, you can drop off any items on the Friday before your party, and we can set them up for you.
Can I bring in food to serve a meal to my guests?
Meals may not be served in the party area. However, you can arrange a meal for your guests before or after your party. Tables around the Zoo are available on a first come-first served basis. You may also purchase prepared meals or Kudu coupons for your guests. Call the birthday coordinator for more details.
I have a lot of gifts to bring, is there a loading/unloading zone near the party area?
By prior arrangement, we can meet you 30-45 minutes before your party time and allow you to pull onto Zoo grounds for unloading near the party area. You are not allowed to park in this area, so will have to move your car immediately after unloading.
Can I hold my party in any other areas of the Zoo?
The Animal Adventure Birthday Party program is only available in this area. You are welcome to design your own birthday experience and take advantage of our beautiful animal exhibits, fun attractions and guest amenities. Most eating areas at the Zoo are only available on a first come-first served basis. Contact our Group Sales department if you would like to reserve one of our facilities.
Can I add train tickets or other tickets to my party package?
Yes! Contact our birthday coordinator to hear all of your options.
Are parties canceled because of weather?
A birthday party would only be cancelled if Zoo grounds are closed. In this unlikely event, you would be notified immediately and would receive a full refund for your party. Please note that it is necessary to walk outside from your car to the Insectarium and from the Insectarium to the party area. Remind your guests to dress for the weather!
How will I be notified about confirmation of my party?
You will receive an email confirmation and will receive a confirmation packet in the mail. If you do not receive confirmation, please call our birthday coordinator immediately.
What happened to the guided tour option?
We will continue to offer this option September-March. We have found that it can be too crowded at the Zoo during April - August to offer these tours at the quality you would expect.
What's different about Zoo birthday parties in 2010?
All parties are now meeting at the Insectarium. This new addition should give your guests more time to arrive for your party before the party proceeds to the private party area. It also allows your guests to experience an excellent Zoo exhibit as part of the party package.
We also have a new registration and confirmation procedure designed to provide you with all of the information you need to host an amazing birthday party for your child and guests.
We have some new cubcake designs this year, but they are just as big and yummy as before!
We may be adding some new birthday party themes and trying some new activities in 2010. Let us know if you have a suggestion!
How can I pay for my party?
You may pay by cash, check or credit card, either in-person or over the phone (credit card.) Ask our birthday coordinator for all of your options.
What if I have a complaint about my party?
We want your party to be an outstanding experience for you and your guests, and welcome any and all feedback. We will be sending a on-line survey about your party experience to your email address after your party date. Please keep in mind that there are some aspects of your experience which are beyond our control - namely traffic, parking and weather. We do not issue any refunds within two weeks before your party, or after your party has occurred.
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