Venues at the Zoo

Backyard Beer Garden

Philadelphia Zoo’s Backyard Beer Garden is the perfect place for a happy hour or networking event while enjoying the outdoors in an open-air oasis. Avoid the crowds, costly parking garages, and chaos of Center City with an outdoor cocktail hour at the Zoo. This venue is available April–September. Capacity ranges from 40 seated – 75 cocktail-style.

Big Cat Falls

Big Cat Falls is home to big cats from around the world, including beautiful African lions, sleek snow leopards, and rare Amur tigers. This indoor/outdoor exhibit is perfect for a strolling cocktail hour, engaging networking event, or an intimate seated dinner. This venue is available in the evening April—September after daily Zoo operations. Capacity ranges from 40 seated ­– 125 cocktail-style.

Garden Pavilion

Garden Pavilion is a permanent tent structure nestled in the middle of the action, yet gives your group an exclusive feel with its private lawn perfect for picnics. Host your most valued clients, a family reunion with loved ones, or a team-building outing in this versatile space. Capacity ranges from 180 seated – 299 cocktail-style.

Impala Lawn

Impala Lawn is the perfect space to host a fundraising event, festival, or performance. Equipped with a twenty-foot stage and an audio system, any large-scale production will be right at home. This venue is available February—September. Capacity ranges from 500 seated – 1,000+ standing.

Impala Plaza

Adjacent to the Rare Animal Conservation Center, Impala Plaza features a grand fountain with a backdrop of mature trees surrounded by Zoo360® animal trails. This large plaza is the perfect space for an outdoor reception. This space can be paired with the Rare Animal Conservation Center or its Atrium. This venue is available in the evening after daily Zoo operations. Capacity ranges from 200 seated – 250 cocktail-style.

KidZooU

The LEED Gold-certified KidZooU has incredible indoor galleries and an outdoor interactive contact yard housing heritage breeds of goats, sheep, and more. This is the perfect venue for hosting a “green event” and highlighting your dedication to conservation. This venue is available in the evening after daily Zoo operations. Capacity ranges from 60 seated – 100 cocktail-style.

McNeil Avian Center

The neoclassical McNeil Avian Center features an original historical façade countered by a state-of-the-art indoor rainforest aviary. Step outside onto McNeil Plaza and continue the soiree overlooking beautiful vistas of Bird Lake. This venue is available in the evening April—September after daily Zoo operations. Capacity ranges from 40 seated – 100 cocktail-style.

PECO Primate Reserve

With engaging exhibits and a versatile layout, PECO Primate Reserve offers endless opportunities for your custom event. Guests will dine amongst great apes and spirited small primates, including majestic silverback gorillas and frolicking lemurs. In fair weather, the venue’s boardwalk entry makes for a welcoming cocktail hour location. PECO Primate Reserve is truly like no other venue in the city. This venue is available in the evening after daily Zoo operations. Capacity ranges from 150 seated – 200 cocktail-style.

Pherris Wheel Plaza

Elevate your next happy hour (literally) by booking our new Skyline Soirée package. Take in breathtaking views of our city’s skyline from the Philadelphia Zoo’s brand new Pherris Wheel while indulging in delicious bites and expertly crafted cocktails. This venue is available in the evening April—October after daily Zoo operations. Capacity ranges from 100 seated – 150 cocktail-style.

Rare Animal Conservation Center Atrium

The perfect location for an intimate gathering inside of our Rare Animal Conservation Center, the Rare Animal Conservation Center Atrium will impress your guests with a colorful mural, high ceilings, and plenty of natural light. In fair weather, the side doors of this space can be opened to Impala Plaza for al fresco dining. This space can be paired with the Rare Animal Conservation Center or Impala Plaza in the evening. Capacity ranges from 40 seated – 50 cocktail-style.

Rare Animal Conservation Center

The Rare Animal Conservation Center is home to some of the Zoo’s most exotic and endangered animals, and is one of the Zoo’s most popular event venues. Host your gathering alongside these special animals in a beautiful gallery setting with a built-in audio system. This space can be paired with the Rare Animal Conservation Center Atrium or Impala Plaza. This venue is available in the evening after daily Zoo operations. Capacity ranges from 160 seated – 200 cocktail-style.

Shelly Classroom

Featuring A/V equipment and hybrid meeting capabilities, Shelly Classroom is the perfect space to host company trainings, educational experiences, or a guest speaker. Enjoy a separate Zoo entrance and private courtyard for an exclusive experience. Capacity is 80 seated.

Tiger Terrace Dining Room

Dine right beside a big cat in our Tiger Terrace Dining Room. This indoor space features wide windows with sweeping views of Bird Lake. Hidden just off of our Main Path, enjoy a private dining experience perfect for seated meals or cocktail receptions. Capacity ranges from 75 seated – 100 cocktail-style.