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
Available year-round
Ron Kagan Wildlife Interpretive Gallery
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
Available May to August
Arctic Ring of Life
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.
- Capacity – 40 seated/60 strolling
- Includes tables, chairs, parking and one tram to transport guests to and from the event
Available year-round
Ford Education Center
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.
Indoor/Outdoor Venues
Available year-round
Log Cabin
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.
Available May to early September
Buddy’s Pizza
Buddy’s offers picturesque views of the Zoo’s historic Rackham Fountain from the dining room, an outdoor patio and a rooftop terrace that boasts the highest vantage point in the Zoo.
- Capacity – 75 seated indoors/45 strolling outdoors
- Includes tables, chairs and parking
Outdoor Venues
Available May to September
Consumers Energy Events Pavilion
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
Available May to September
Rackham Fountain
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
Available June to August
Cotton Family Wetlands Boardwalk
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
Available May to August
Giraffe Plaza
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
*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.
