Private Events

Serving as Brookfield Zoo Chicago's premiere banquet facility, Discovery Center offers an array of room options ideal for receptions, banquets, dances and business meetings:

Savannah Room - Capacity: 300 (reception); 240 (banquet rounds); 200 (theater)

Founders Room - Capacity: 75 (reception); 40 (banquet rounds); 50 (theater)

Riverside Lobby - Capacity: 150 (reception)

The Pavilions can accommodate approximately 2,000 guests for both day and evening events. The Pavilions area is gated, offering privacy for guests. In addition, a full-service kitchen has been incorporated into the design so staff can better serve clients.

Pavilion Plaza - Capacity: 2,000 (reception); 1,000 (seated)

Swan Pavilion - Capacity: 350 (reception); 200 (banquet rounds); 300 (theater)

Bison Pavilion - Capacity: 75 (seated)

Dolphin Pavilion - Capacity: 75 (seated)

Peacock Pavilion - Capacity: 40 (seated)

Picture yourself standing near panoramic viewing areas, separated by only a pane of glass from majestic silverback gorillas, as you witness the intricacies of their daily lives.

The thoughtfully designed habitats incorporate running water features, climbing structures, and abundant vegetation, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your special occasion.

Treetop Grand Vista Room - Capacity: 120 (seated)

Treetop Gallery - Capacity: 128 (reception)

Formal Pool Plaza - Capacity: 50 (reception)

Gorilla Conservation Center Lobby - Capacity: 55 (reception)

Capacity: 400 (reception)

• Tropic World: Explore the lush rainforest canopies of Africa while monkeys, apes, birds, and other amazing animals look on.

• The Swamp: Drift along a Cajun country bayou and get close to crocodiles, wood storks, snapping turtles, river otters, and a host of other wetland creatures.

Capacity: 250 (reception)

• Dolphin Bay: Enjoy the graceful antics of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins as they provide a constantly changing backdrop to your festive event.

Capacity: 200 (reception)

• Great Bear Wilderness Underwater Viewing: Explore the wilderness and celebrate among playful grizzly and polar bears. Enjoy fresh air in a scenic, lush landscape or trek below the surface to enjoy dual underwater viewing windows with bears swimming through your backdrop.

• The Living Coast: Break away to the coastal waters of South America and see moon jellies, sharks, green sea turtles, and a myriad of sea creatures.

Capacity: 100 (reception)

• Habitat Africa: Visit the plains of Africa and mingle with giraffes and other magnificent animals as they move gracefully across the savannah. Both indoor and outdoor event venues are available.

Watch sea lions and seals splish and splash in their open-air exhibit. Go nose to nose with these playful pinnipeds as they glide past you in the Underwater Viewing Area.

Capacity: 175 (reception)

We encourage guests of all ages to celebrate their birthday with us. We have curated menus for children's parties, ages 3-11, as well as more sophisticated menus for teenagers and adults.

Kids parties are typically 90 minutes and adult birthday parties average 2 - 3 hours. We offer both indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from.

Please call the Catered Events Department at 708.688.8355 for more information.

In order to have a private, reserved area for your birthday party, you must have a minimum of 15 guests. For children's parties, the maximum number of guests is 40. For adult parties, we can accommodate 30 - 3,000.

If your party has more than 40 guests, you can reserve one of our other event spaces.

Please call the Catered Events Department at 708.688.8355 for more information about daytime menu offerings for parties with more than 40 guests.

Yes, you can decorate for your Birthday Party. You can access the space 30 minutes prior to the start time for decorating. If you will need more time than that, please speak with your sales manager.

All décor items must be approved by the Zoo prior to the event date. Additionally, décor cannot be hung from ceilings and cannot block walkways or doorways. The following items are strictly prohibited:

confetti, glitter, pinatas, rice, bird seed, balloons, candles, glass containers, plastic straws, loud music, bouncy balls, bouncy houses, frisbees, roller-skates and noise makers of any kind.

This is not an all-inclusive list, so please make sure to talk with your sales manager for further direction

You are welcome to bring in a store-bought or bakery-made birthday cake or cupcakes (nothing homemade.)

Please note that we cannot store these items for you, so please plan accordingly. You are allowed to bring in birthday candles and one (1) cake cutting knife.

Yes, we can provide you with several fun entertainment ideas — from face painting to strolling magicians. Just ask your sales manager for more information.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is a “rain or shine” facility. Even in cases of rain or snow, we're still excited to host your party.

Our Birthday Party Packages are loaded with value, above and beyond admission into the Zoo. This includes food, beverage and more.

Therefore, anyone that will be present for the birthday party will be included in the final guest count and charged for accordingly.

Birthday Parties are offered on a “first-come, first-serve” basis. If you want to confirm your birthday party, you will need to provide us with a signed contract and a 50% deposit. Deposits are non-refundable, but you have until 10 days prior to your party to lock in final details including your final guest count.

For more General Park Rules, visit our Park Rules page.