You are here: Home : Picnic Rentals
Plan your next event at the Zoo. The natural setting of our picnic areas enhances any gathering from 15 - 2000 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.

Overlooking Eagle Lake. This area accommodates 15-90 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).

Overlooking Eagle 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).

Formerly an old homestead site, Oak Hill offers a peaceful setting for a large, old-fashioned picnic. The area accommodates up to 2000 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).
The Zoo’s catering company, Sodexho, provides catering services for all functions. Sodexho's services include food, beverage and rental items, such as tents, chairs, tables and PA systems. Learn more about Sodexho's services.
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.
Sorry, but because of the high volume of requests we receive for picnic rentals, we cannot offer or hold a rain date.
Rental refunds are available when we receive cancellation notice at least 6 weeks prior to your function.
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.
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.
e-mail this page
print this page
N.C. Zoo is a member institution of AZA and an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr. Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor. A part of the North Carolina Government portal.
The Zoo is closed Christmas day and during severe weather. Call our information line at: 1-800-488-0444.