Party Like an Animal: An Intimate Patio Celebration Beside the Tarantula Grotto in Prescott

PRESCOTT ZOO FIELD GUIDE

Party Like an Animal: An Intimate Patio Celebration Beside the Tarantula Grotto in Prescott

Three-hour private events for up to 25 guests at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary’s outdoor Anniversary Patio, set beside animal exhibits and including animal encounters for children’s packages.

Party Like an Animal: An Intimate Patio Celebration Beside the Tarantula Grotto in Prescott.

Duration
3 hours
Location
Prescott
Operator
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
Category
Zoo
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Tucked alongside the Tarantula Grotto and the mountain lion, javelina and deer enclosures, the Anniversary Patio at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is an intimate outdoor space for birthdays, group rentals and small celebrations. The venue places you close to the animals, offers organized animal encounters for children’s packages and funnels proceeds toward the zoo’s wildlife work—making every gathering both memorable and mission-minded.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE SETTING

Patio beside active animal exhibits

The Anniversary Patio sits adjacent to the Tarantula Grotto and enclosures for mountain lions, javelinas and deer, providing a close-to-the-action outdoor backdrop that feels both lively and contained.

THE PROGRAM

Animal encounters for children's parties

Birthday packages for children 12 and under include zoo admission plus an animal encounter, adding an educational, hands-on moment to the three-hour reservation window.

THE LOGISTICS

Small, private gatherings with a purpose

Designed for groups of up to 25, the venue supports group rentals, birthday parties and even small weddings—events that can also support the zoo’s conservation efforts on request.

What the day feels like

How the event unfolds

Reservations secure the Anniversary Patio for three hours; guests arrive at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, settle into the outdoor space next to nearby exhibits, and for children’s parties receive included admission and an animal encounter. The schedule and start times vary by season, and hosts coordinate logistics with the zoo in advance to ensure a seamless, docent-led experience beside the animals.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this venue suits—and who should consider alternate plans.

1
Families with young childrenAn excellent match: children 12 and under receive admission and an animal encounter as part of party packages, making it a straightforward, family-friendly celebration option.
2
Small groups and birthday partiesIdeal for intimate gatherings—reservations cap at up to 25 guests and the patio is sized for three-hour events, supporting focused celebrations without large crowds.
3
Event planners and small weddingsAppropriate for small-scale ceremonies or receptions that want an unconventional, animal-adjacent backdrop, provided planners follow the rental agreement and site rules.
4
Groups seeking fundraising or conservation tie-insA fitting choice for groups that want their event to support wildlife—organizers can contact the zoo about how the special event can benefit the sanctuary.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Reservations are for three-hour blocks. From May 1–October 31 you may select either 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.; from November 1–April 30 you may select either 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.

What to Bring

Guests may bring food and non-alcoholic drinks; several picnic benches are available around the park if not reserved for another event. Balloons and straws are not permitted.

Logistics & Payments

All renters must sign the Small Rentals Agreement and submit a non-refundable 50% deposit to secure the date. The venue accommodates up to 25 guests; any additional attendees are charged regular admission on the day of your visit.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the patio reserved for my event?

All birthday party packages reserve the space for three hours.

What are the available start times?

May 1–October 31 reservations start at either 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.; November 1–April 30 reservations start at either 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.

How many guests can I invite?

The patio accommodates up to 25 guests; any guests above the maximum are charged regular admission on the day of your visit.

Are animal encounters included?

Birthday party packages for children 12 and under include admission to the zoo and an animal encounter.

What items are prohibited?

No balloons, straws or BBQs are allowed in the event space.

How do I reserve a date or get more information?

Reserve your preferred date and time via the zoo’s online calendar; contact [email protected] for more information or to discuss how your event can support wildlife.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes — guests are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks into the park; picnic benches around the park are available if not reserved for another event.