Zoo Venues
With more than 125 acres to explore — including animal habitats, private buildings, picnic areas and more — you are sure to find the right fit for your celebration*.
Indoor Venues
Ron Kagan Wildlife Interpretive Gallery
Available Year-Round
This beautiful, historic building is home to the most outstanding feature – the lush, tropical Butterfly Garden.
- Capacity – 120 seated/200 strolling
- Includes tables, chairs and parking
$5,000
Rental Time
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Arctic Ring of Life
Available May to August
The Frederick and Barbara Erb Polar Passage provides breathtaking underwater views of polar bears and sea otters. Have your dinner or cocktail reception winding through a 300,000-gallon marine environment.
$3,000
Rental Time
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Ford Education Center
Available Year-Round
The Ford Education Center provides a choice of studios (themed classrooms), a conference room or theater for your meetings and social events.
- Studio capacity 70 seated.
- Theater capacity 150 seated.
- Conference room capacity 15 seated.
Rental includes parking. Rental times dependent on venue. Pricing starts at $500.
$500
Rental Time
6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Indoor/Outdoor Venues
Log Cabin
Available Year-Round
This rustic log cabin features an observation area with expansive viewing windows overlooking the Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness.
- Capacity — 20 seated indoors/50 strolling outdoors
- Includes tables, linens, chairs, parking and one tram to transport guests to and from the event.
$2,500
Rental Time
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Buddy’s Pizza
Closed for the Season
Available from April - October
When it comes to Detroit-style pizza, there’s only one place to go — the birthplace itself! Buddy’s Pizza invites you to experience the true taste of this beloved local specialty. Bite into a slice of culinary history or dive into an eight-square pizza, perfectly crispy and loaded with flavor. Pair your slice with delectable breadsticks, refreshing salads and desserts that will leave you craving more. Raise a glass of craft beer or sip on other chilled beverages as you relish the original Detroit pizza experience.
$2,500
Rental Time
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Outdoor Venues
Consumers Energy Events Pavilion
Available May to September
This rustic, open-air venue is most ideal for evening receptions. With elegant Italian string lights, a paver patio and beautiful landscaping, this space sets the ambiance for any occasion.
- Capacity – 215 seated, 275 strolling
- Includes tables, chairs, parking and exclusive guest entrance
$3,500
Rental Time
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Rackham Fountain
Available May to September
The exquisite fountain, with two bronze bears standing 10 feet tall in the center of a formal pool, is an awe-spring venue for an evening wedding ceremony.
- Capacity – 200 seated
- Includes chairs and parking
$2,000
Rental Time
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Cotton Family Wetlands Boardwalk
Available June to August
The floating boardwalk will bring your guests into the heart of the Michigan wetlands with the native fish, frogs, turtles and birds.
- Capacity – 90 seated/150 strolling
- Includes parking
- Tables, chairs and linens available for additional cost
$2,000
Rental Time
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Giraffe Plaza
Available May to August
Impress your guests with an up-close look at the tallest animals at the Detroit Zoo. A private stroll through this exciting habitat makes for a memorable evening.
- Capacity – 100 strolling
- Includes parking and one tram to transport guests to and from the event.
- Tables, chairs and linens available for additional cost
$2,500
Rental Time
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
*Hours and rates subject to change. Zoo facilities may not be rented for any event that the Zoo deems inconsistent with our character and/or our mission.