 
Frequently Asked Questions about Picnics What size group can you handle for a company picnic at the Zoo?
The Minnesota Zoo’s Picnic Program can accommodate groups from 50 people to several thousand.
Do we eat our picnic meal in a special location and, if so, is it private?
The Zoo has three first-class picnic areas. Puma Park and Lion’s Den are located in private, wooded areas between the parking lots. Green Acres is located on the Northern Trail inside the Zoo admission area and adjacent to Replay Park. Green Acres is also close to the Wells Fargo Family Farm.
What does group admission include?
Group admission includes all Zoo activities except Monorail admission and the Great Clips® IMAX® Theatre admission. IMAX® has their own Sales Department and makes their own group reservations. We can have a sales representative contact you, or their number is 952.997.9701.
When do we order our tickets?
Two weeks before your picnic is ideal. You should have a good estimate of how many tickets you need, and we will “pad” the ticket count to make sure you have enough. We can send you more if you need them, and you can return unused tickets after your picnic.
What if we need more tickets?
Just contact the Sales Department and we will be happy to provide additional tickets.
How do we return our unused tickets?
Since unused tickets do not expire until the end of the year, they may be given to individuals who were unable to attend the picnic. They also make wonderful gifts and employee incentives. However, any unused tickets can be returned no later than 10 days after the picnic for full credit. You are then invoiced for those tickets you have used. Invoice payment is due within 30 days of receipt.
Which menu selection do you recommend and can vegetarian substitutes be provided?
All menu selections are excellent choices. You may discuss them in greater detail with the Lancer sales representative who handles all food and beverage sales for Lancer Catering. She will be happy to discuss all menu choices as well as vegetarian alternatives for those desiring them. Her telephone number is: 952.953.6886.
Is there a charge for parking at the Minnesota Zoo?
Yes. Regular parking fees are $5 per automobile, $10 per school bus, and $15 per motorcoach. Special group rates of $3 per auto are available when 15 or more tickets are purchased. As with admission tickets, unused parking tickets may be returned. You are only charged for those tickets, admission and/or parking, that you do not return.
Can our group have a picnic at the Zoo in one of the shelters, purchase food and beverage services from Lancer Catering but not purchase admission tickets to the Zoo?
No. In order to utilize the picnic facilities at the Minnesota Zoo, you must purchase Zoo admission tickets. They are available at group discount prices.
The picnic minimum stated in your materials is 50 people. At most, we will only have around 40 people. Is there any alternative available to us?
Yes. You may choose to “buy up” to the 65 person minimum. The extra tickets may be used as gifts. In this case, Lancer Catering will also require you to purchase food for 65 people.
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