I just threw my daughter's 1st b-day two weeks ago with Queens Zoo. The registrar Alison and party coordinator Kim did an amazing job with setting up the party room, arranging the animal guide and petting zoo, and planning activities for the duration of the day. The only thing that was confusing for our families and friends was locating the party room. They were directed to end of the zoo near the bison and sea lion exhibit by the wild room. That would be where all the vending machines are at the end of the zoo.
The party room provided more than enough space for the layout of the party. 3 tables were set up for food, drinks, cake cutting, and even a mini dessert/candy bar. We had 34 guests (7 children and 27 adults). We were expecting 36 in total but 2 of our guests couldn't make it with their kids. There were two long rectangular tables set up to accommodate all of our guests. Also, interns were at hand to help out with setting up, handing out, and guiding the children for the animal tour. As part of the domestic animal discovery package, our party includes a duration of 2 hours in total, admission for all guests, encounter with a live animal (we chose the giant rabbit), petting zoo/guided tour to all of the animal exhibits, arts and crafts activities for the kids, party room, and public parking for our guests. They also provided goody bags for the children to take home. And a gift for our birthday girl. The only drawback is you provide the food, utensils, paper cups, decor, etc. Not sure if they kept our party count since we were missing seating for 6 of our guests including ourselves. One of the interns had to find an additional table and chairs to accommodate everyone. I would suggest all future visitors to double check with the coordinators with all of the party arrangements before the guests arrival.
Prior to the party, we cooked and set up food for our guests- house salad, pasta salad, sauteed chicken, and pizzas from the local area for the kids. And, we had 2 mason drink dispensers- one with sparkling raspberry tea and another with blood orange punch for kids. We add in orange/lime slices and mint leaves to the tea/blood orange for flavor. For the birthday cake, we did a multi-layer ombre vanilla cake in bright colors (thanks to Wilton gel color) with cream cheese frosting over pink pearl beads and sprinkles. My younger sister also baked a dozen rainbow cupcakes for the kids. Our daughter is a huge Minnie Mouse fan so we add in the face with the ears and bow in addition to butterflies decor. For the mini dessert/candy bar, we set up rice Krispies treat shaped in Minnie Mouse and candy jars filled with jelly belly, M&M's, and various soft candies.
The weather was 70 degrees surprisingly but it was expected to rain on that day. Even so, the children had a fun day. They got a chance to feed and pet some animals-llama, goats, and ducks. There were also domestic animals- rabbits, sheep, horses, cows, and pigs. We also spotted the bison, antelope, alligator, and birds. There were others that I don't recall since I was holding my daughter on the guided tour. Some of the animals we didn't get to see were the sea lions, bears, pumas, coyotes, alligator, and hogs which was understandable b/c of the weather and time of the year. For a small zoo without the crowds, this is great for children to visit and feed some animals and view attractions/activities planned throughout the year. Summer time would be at its best to view all of the animals since weather can only permit a handful at the colder months.
Except with a few minor things at the party, my daughter's 1st b-bday with Queens Zoo was definitely our highlight to end the year. I would love to bring her back in the summer! read more