Brookfield Zoo, a renowned wildlife sanctuary located just outside of Chicago, offers an array of exceptional private event venues that cater to a wide range of occasions, from corporate gatherings to personal celebrations. Whether you’re planning a grand gala, an intimate dinner, or a memorable birthday party, Brookfield Zoo’s diverse event spaces provide the perfect backdrop to make your event truly unforgettable.

Venues for Private Events at Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo boasts a variety of unique venues that can accommodate events of all sizes and styles. From the expansive Pavilion Plaza to the cozy Founders Room, each space offers its own distinct charm and ambiance.

Discovery Center

The Discovery Center is a versatile event space that includes the Savannah Room, Founders Room, and Riverside Lobby.

• Savannah Room: Accommodates up to 300 guests for receptions, 240 for banquet rounds, and 200 for theater-style events.
• Founders Room: Capacity of 75 for receptions, 40 for banquet rounds, and 50 for theater-style events.
• Riverside Lobby: Capacity of 150 for receptions.

The Pavilions

The Pavilions offer a range of event spaces, each with its own unique character and capacity.

• Pavilion Plaza: Capacity of 2,000 for receptions and 1,000 for seated events.
• Swan Pavilion: Capacity of 350 for receptions, 200 for banquet rounds, and 300 for theater-style events.
• Bison Pavilion, Dolphin Pavilion, and Peacock Pavilion: Capacity of 75, 75, and 40 for seated events, respectively.

Other Venues

Brookfield Zoo also offers several other unique event spaces, each with its own distinct atmosphere and capacity.

• Great Bear Wilderness Underwater Viewing: Capacity of 200 for receptions.
• Tropic World, The Swamp, Seven Seas, The Living Coast, Habitat Africa, and Sea Lion Cove: Capacity ranging from 100 to 400 for receptions.

Restrictions and Inclusions

When hosting a private event at Brookfield Zoo, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

• Catering: Brookfield Zoo is a full-service catering operation, and outside food, beverages, or alcohol are not permitted.
• Food and Beverage Options: A variety of options are available, including pizza, cookies, and salads, with prices subject to change based on seasonal availability.
• Beverages: A complete selection of beverages is offered, with regulations governed by the Illinois State Liquor Commission.
• Food Guarantees: Final guest counts must be advised ten days prior to the event, and the final bill will reflect the guarantee or the number served, whichever is greater.
• Function Space: The zoo reserves the right to change venues if necessary, and smoking is not permitted in any indoor or outdoor private venues or on zoo grounds.
• Prohibited Items: Certain items, such as balloons, plastic straws, confetti, and open flame candles, are strictly forbidden on zoo grounds and in facilities for the safety of the animals.

Contact Information

For more information or to book a private event at Brookfield Zoo, please call (708) 688-8355.

References:
– Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Evening Events. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/eveningevents
– Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Daytime Events. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/daytimeevents
– Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Catered Events. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/cateredevents
– Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Venue Information. Retrieved from https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/venueinformation
– Brookfield Zoo. (n.d.). Party Package Includes. Retrieved from https://www.czs.org/custom.czs/files/85/853daf20-3c02-44ad-a049-33de66e29d34.pdf