Private Events

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

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 cocktail parties. The gazebo is an intimate location for your wedding proposal.

  • Catering Services Available
  • Capacity: 30 (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.

  • Catering Services Available
  • Capacity: 3,000 (Includes Zoo Admission)
  • Max Rental Time: Full Day
  • Price: please contact jworthington@ingham.org for pricing

 

 


Backyard Garden – Nature Play Area

The backyard garden features a deck over the Red Cedar River and several winding pathways complete with a children’s play structure. It is perfect for a garden party.

  • Catering Services Available
  • Capacity: 100 (Includes Zoo Admission)
  • Max Rental Time: 2 Hours
  • Price: $600
  • To reserve: email jworthington@ingham.org

Memorial Garden

This intimate, unique space is a children’s memorial garden. It is far from the main walkways and is very private. Featuring a paved walk and large pergola, this space works well for small gatherings.

  • Catering Services Available
  • Capacity: 20 (Includes Zoo Admission)
  • Max Rental Time: Full Day
  • Price: $600
  • To reserve: email jworthington@ingham.org

North American Exhibit

Eagles, wolves, otters and Arctic fox surround this area. It is best used for a mix and mingle or a cocktail party.

  • Catering Services Available
  • Capacity: 150 (Includes Zoo Admission)
  • Max Rental Time: 2 Hours (After Zoo Hours Only)
  • Price: $700
  • 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.

  • Catering Services Available
  • 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.

  • Catering Services Available
  • Capacity: 150 (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.

  • Catering Services Available
  • 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.

  • Catering Services Available
  • 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