Designed for children ages 4-8, this party offers guests a chance to celebrate with some of the zoo's coolest residents and plenty of opportunities for both independent discovery and group exploration.

Each party meets inside the Living World at the entrance to the classrooms. Once assembled, the group will be invited to explore the world from the perspective of a penguin. The birthday child and guests will embrace their inner penguin as they try to find food, stay warm, build a nest and more at hands-on activity stations. Education staff will then invite all of "the penguins" to waddle over and learn about how other animals cope with the cold. Guests will have the opportunity to touch two classroom animals. Following a short break to wash hands, the group will sit down to enjoy some penguin-themed cubcakes and apple juice. If gifts are a part of your penguin celebration there will be time to open them or guests may revisit the penguin stations.

After the party, be sure to stop by Penguin and Puffin Coast where you can get up close with some of our coolest feathered friends.

Penguin Stations

The Penguin Nest Test

Try out the different nesting techniques used by penguins and attempt to make a penguin nest out of guano (moon sand), rocks, or your own two feet.

How Tall A Penguin Are You?

Your little penguin can compare their height to the height of several different Penguin species.

Made to Swim

At this station party guests can get their flippers wet and explore the world of the sea with our water table.

Time to Eat

Guests can waddle, toboggan and swim as they try to catch a supper fit for a penguin.

Perfectly Penguin

Discover why penguins are special when you compare how they look and feel to other birds.

For older children age 7-9

We offer the Polar Extravaganza Option, which includes a shortened time at the Penguin Stations, followed by time to make a Humboldt Penguin puppet and play the Humboldt Hurdles game.

Live Animal Class

Guests will have the chance to meet two classroom animals and learn about the different adaptations which equip some animals to survive the frigid temperatures. We cannot honor requests to contact specific animals; however we will attempt to honor any requests to avoid contacting certain animals due to allergies, etc. Animals may vary, but will never include live penguins.

Cost

The Party Like a Penguin package costs $300 for up to 20 guests (adults and children), $6 for each additional guest with a maximum group size of 32. Each child 3 and under must be accompanied by an adult. There is a 1:4 adult to child ratio for children 4 and older. Zoo Members at the Family level or higher receive a discount of $30.

Make a Reservation

This party is offered on select weekends November through April at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The afternoon party time can be moved to 3 p.m. if your group is planning to attend the Zoo's Penguin Parade at 2 p.m. Please note: Penguin Parades are cancelled if the temperature is above 50°F, and are only available on Sundays, December through February.

Please call (314) 646-4544, or submit an inquiry form. We require a signed agreement and $50 deposit to hold your date. We suggest reserving at least one month in advance.

Deposit and Payment

A $50 non-refundable deposit is required at booking, with full payment due two weeks before the party.

Want to Know More?

Please check out our frequently asked questions page.