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Picnic Rentals
Plan your next event at the Zoo. The natural setting of our picnic areas enhances any gathering from 15 - 3000 people. Our picnic areas are available for almost any occasion - from company outings to family reunions. The picnic areas are available on first come, first serve basis. Reserve online or call 800-488-0444 Ext 7700 or 336.879.7700 to rent one of these locations. Reservationists can assist you Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm EST.
Africa picnic areas
Hippo Beach
Overlooking Africa Lake. This area accommodates 15-100 persons. Picnic tables included. Water & electricity are available. Catered on-site cooking is permitted. Rental times/fee: 9am - 5pm ($200), 11am -2pm ($100) and 3pm - 6pm ($100).
Lakeside
Overlooking Africa Lake, this area nicely accommodates 15-150 persons. It has 14 large picnic tables, 7 of which are covered. Water & electricity are available. Catered on-site cooking is permitted. Rental times/fee: 9am-5pm ($200), 11am-2pm ($100) and 3pm-6pm ($100).
Oak Hill
Formerly an old homestead site, Oak Hill offers a peaceful setting for a large, old-fashioned picnic. The area accommodates 150 to 3000 persons. Marriott sets up tables, chairs and tents for a charge. For health reasons, on-ground seating is not advisable. Water & electricity are available. Catered on-site cooking is permitted. Rental time/fee: 9am-5pm ($300).
North America picnic area
Solar Pointe
The Solar Pointe Pavilion consists of three (3) separate poured concrete pads and covered pavilions that are approximately 40' x 60' each. This rental location has a smoke free designation and is located outside the gates next to the North America parking lot and includes adjacent parking. Bathroom facilities are located at the North America entrance to the Zoo. Each pad is color coded by name and will soon be themed by color. This rental location is versatile in its use and setup. Each pavilion can be rented for $500 each or the entire complex for a daily rental of $1,250.
Rental times/fees:
|
Picnic Area |
Capacity |
Price |
Duration |
|
Solar Pointe Blue |
Up to 384 |
$500.00 |
All Day |
|
Solar Pointe Yellow |
Up to 256 |
$500.00 |
All Day |
|
Solar Pointe Green |
Up to 309 |
$500.00 |
All Day |
|
All three Areas |
Up to 1049 |
$1,250.00 |
All Day |
The Alternative Energy (Blue Pavilion) is located near the 'back' of these three pavilions. This pavilion's setup and furnishings are determined when it is rented and provided through Sodexo, the Zoo's caterer. This rental unit can be furnished with either banquet tables or more intimate round tables. A banquet arrangement can serve up to 384 people using 48 tables and a more formal setting using round tables can serve up to 272 people using 34 tables.
The Solar Energy (Yellow Pavilion) is the middle structure located to the front of these three structures. It houses the inverter shed for the solar cells that create the cover for each pavilion and generate electricity for use. This pavilion's setup and furnishings are determined when it is rented and provided through Sodexo, the Zoo's caterer. This rental unit can be furnished with either banquet tables or round tables. A banquet arrangement can serve up to 256 people using 32 banquet tables or a more formal setting can serve up to 192 people using 24 round tables.
The Green Energy (Green Pavilion) includes picnic tables. This rental has 35 permanent picnic tables and will accomodate seating for 245 people. Eight banquet tables can be added if desired, in order to seat an additional 64 people.
Other Picnic Information
Catering
The Zoo’s catering company, Sodexo, provides catering services for all functions. Sodexo's services include food, beverage and rental items, such as tents, chairs, tables and PA systems. Learn more about Sodexo's services.
Re-Entry to N.C. Zoo
All picnic areas are located outside of the admission gates. If you wish to re-enter the Zoo during your function please remember to have your hand stamped.
Rain Dates
Sorry, but because of the high volume of requests we receive for picnic rentals, we cannot offer or hold a rain date.
Cancellations
Rental refunds are available when we receive cancellation notice at least 6 weeks prior to your function.
Black-out Dates
Rentals and catered functions are not available during major holidays, such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Easter or during major Zoo special events.
Trash
Large cans are located throughout picnic areas. If you’re expecting a large party, we’ll provide you with extra bags and cans. Please do your part to help us keep N.C. Zoo clean.