What do I bring to my party?

The party guardian is responsible for:

- Arrangements for all food and non-alcoholic beverages.

- Bringing party decorations and wall safe tape.

- Setting up and cleaning up for the party.

- You may arrive 30 minutes prior to the party for setting up

- The following are NOT permitted inside the zoo: Balloons, noisemakers, and piñatas

 

Can I bring decorations?

Yes. However, please remember balloons, noisemakers, and piñatas are not allowed in the zoo. You may bring other types of decorations to set up inside the party room.

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Can participants touch the animal guests?

Participants may not touch the animals. Animals may only be touched by staff members.

 

What kind of food can we bring to the party?

The food you bring in must be “ready to serve.” We cannot heat up or keep anything cold for you. You must bring your own paper products for any food you bring to the party.

 

Do I have to use the invitations provided by the Zoo?

Yes. However, you do not need to use our invitations to initially invite your guests. Our invitations are for admittance to the zoo so that your guests don’t have to pay admission. These invitations cannot be replaced.

 

May I add train and carousel after I book the party?

Yes. You may add train or carousel tickets 3 weeks prior to the party. After that time, you may purchase tickets at the ticket booth on the day of your party.

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Why is the age requirement 5 or older for a party?

Due to the educational nature of our parties, it is deemed not appropriate for younger children. However, if you wish to do a party for under the age of 5 in the Van Saun County Park, you can obtain a permit by visiting www.co.bergen.nj.us/permits.

 

How many guests can be in the party area?

All children and guests are allowed in the party area. MAXIMUM of 20 children and 22 adults, including the birthday child and siblings. This is for the staff, animal, and fire safety.

 

How long can we stay?

You have the party room for 90 minutes total. Since the invitations provided act as a zoo admission ticket, guests are free to explore the rest of the zoo during normal operating hours either before or after the party.

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Is the zoo an allergen free facility?

No. Nuts, fruits, vegetables, and eggs are an important part of the diet of many of our zoo animals.

 

What is the “Bear Factory” Add-on?

Similar to "Build-a-Bear", the Bear factory is an interactive concept of building your own plush animal. Guests choose between 5 - 6 plush animals within a specific chosen package. During the party, a Bear Factory staff member will help bring the plushies to life, and your guests can take their newly-stuffed animals home with them! Each child getting a plush is $15.00 each. The birthday child gets one for free! A minimum of 10 plush animals must be purchased. This package requires a separate check from the regular birthday party payment. After filling out and sending the contract, you will receive 2 invoices for the total payment due.