Looking for a unique and exotic venue for your next function? Look no further! Potter Park Zoo features some of the area’s best sites to host your next meeting, party or family gathering.
For more information on reserving indoor or outdoor space in the zoo or the Discovery Center for your private event, please contact the events department at jworthington@ingham.org
Wedding options are available, please contact jworthington@ingham.org for information
Catering Services Available! View our catering menu here.
Outdoor Space
Our outdoor space allows guests to enjoy the environment at the zoo and be near the animals. These spaces can host an unlimited number of guests and are a unique opportunity to bring something new to your event.
Lions Sensory Garden
This space was designed with sounds and smells to stimulate the senses. It works well for small events. The gazebo is a beautiful and intimate location for any wedding, proposal or gender reveal!
- Capacity: 15 (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Price: $600
- To reserve: email jworthington@ingham.org
Campground
Our largest venue features a rolling, wooded lawn and is an extremely private space. It has a large fire pit with picnic table seating. This space is perfect for corporate appreciation picnics.
- Capacity: 1,500 (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Max Rental Time: Full Day
- Pricing:
- 1-100 Guests: $500.
- 101-500 Guests: $2500.
- 501-800 Guests: $3600.
- 801-1000 Guests: $4000.
- 1001-1500: $9000.
- Please contact jworthington@ingham.org for more information.
Backyard Garden – Nature Play Area
Host your beautiful and scenic event in our garden venue just next to the Red Cedar River and our Elk Exhibit. This would make for a unique baby shower, wedding ceremony or corporate picnic.
- Capacity: 75 (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Rental Time: During Zoo Hours
- Price: $600
- To reserve: email jworthington@ingham.org
Exclusive Use of Zoo Grounds
An after-hours zoo visit makes for a memorable and unique event. Corporate outings or conference fun nights are a great fit for this option.
- Capacity: 5,000
- Max Rental Time: After Hours
- Price: $1,000 per hour
- To reserve: email jworthington@ingham.org
Indoor Space
The indoor space at Potter Park Zoo can host anything from a small wedding or cocktail party to a company retreat. The facilities are state of the art and ready to welcome your guests at your next major event.
Safari Room
Conveniently located within feet of the zoo entrance, this space offers a view of the otter, eagle and Arctic fox exhibits. Cocktail parties and formal dinners work well in this room.
- Capacity: 100 (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Price: $750
- To reserve: email jworthington@ingham.org
Savannah Room
This classroom style space features a beautiful hand-painted African mural. It is near the zoo entrance and is ideal for board meetings or parties.
- Capacity: 30 (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Price: $350
- To reserve: email jworthington@ingham.org
Dino Room
This classroom style space features a beautiful hand-painted dinosaur mural. It is near the zoo entrance and is ideal for board meetings or parties.
- Capacity: 30 (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Price: $350
- To reserve: email jworthington@ingham.org
Pavilions
Organizing a potluck, family reunion or company picnic? Look no further. Potter Park Zoo has the space for you! Our pavilions, located just outside of the zoo, are the perfect spaces for entertaining friends and family.
Click here to reserve a Potter Park Zoo pavilion.
Questions? Contact RBellosillo@ingham.org or call 517-342-2765.
Tiger’s Den
This large outdoor space features doors that can be opened or closed weather permitting. It offers amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, two large grills and power outlets.
- Capacity: 300
- Max Rental Time: Full Day
- Price: $230
Eagle’s Landing
This pavilion, located closest to the zoo entrance and playground, works well for family reunions, potlucks and company picnics. It features picnic tables, a grill and power outlets.
- Capacity: 80
- Max Rental Time: Full Day
- Price: $155
Penguin’s Cove
This pavilion provides a secluded outdoor environment for any event. It features its own small parking lot, picnic tables, a grill and power outlets. It is located on the Lansing River Trail with 13 miles of paved nature trails.
- Capacity: 60
- Max Rental Time: Full Day
- Price: $130
