Sites
Site Descriptions
Amazonia
Rainforest
Available for morning or evening events
Adventure into Amazonia and discover the mysteries of one of the world's largest rainforests. Look into the eyes of enormous river fish, turtles, and stingrays swimming in underwater tanks. Wander through "Dr. Brasil's" laboratory and study his collection of exotic poison dart frogs. Explore the warm, humid Amazon rainforest where a sloth and monkeys roam free while hummingbirds and other feathered creatures flutter overhead. Murals depicting lush rainforest vegetation and the winding hallways along the underwater viewing areas provide an excellent background for a themed cocktail party. Rainforest closes at dark.
The rainforest path leads to the Amazonia Science Gallery, an elegant, open area. Your guests can entertain themselves by examining our new frog exhibit, peering through microscopes, or exploring different artifacts and interactive displays. Combine the Amazonia Science Gallery with our Amazonia Habitat for the full rainforest experience! This space also has a conference room on the upper level for small meetings.
Bird House
Available for evening events
Airy and open, this building displays a colorful array of active feathered species. Visit the indoor aviary full of lush tropical plants. This building is visitor-friendly, and you can get close to the animals! This site can accommodate larger capacities during warmer seasons.
Clint Fields Conservation Plaza
Available for evening events (Covered outdoor venue)
This exhibit overlooking the panda yards is a perfect spot for evening events. Travel through Asia as you explore the interactive components and enjoy the regional photographs. The area is covered but not enclosed. Plaza can also be combined with the Panda House for a more enriching experience.
Gorilla Grove
Available for daytime and evening events (Outdoor venue)
Tucked away overlooking the outdoor gorilla yard, this shady spot is perfect for outdoor events. Located near the center of the Zoo, this area is smaller than the Great Meadow, but much more private since it’s off the main path. Your guests will be delighted and entertained by our gorilla families. Surrounded by trees, this breezy grove is great for smaller groups.
Great Cats Exhibit
Available for evening events (Outdoor venue)
Guests will rave about your outdoor event at our exciting Great Cats Exhibit. This exhibit completely circles the lion and tiger habitats and has three interactive alcoves that can be used as buffet stations or themed bars. This area can be partially or fully tented.
Great Meadow
Available for daytime and evening events (Outdoor venue)
This large, open space is perfect for tented picnics, as well as dinners and receptions. Situated between Think Tank, Reptile Discovery Center, Lemur Island, and the Great Ape House, the Great Meadow is a prime location at the heart of the Zoo. Your guests will marvel at the orangutans swinging freely overhead mid-day.
Lion-Tiger Hill
Available for daytime and evening events (Outdoor venue)
The grassy area below the Great Cats Exhibit is a perfect spot for your outdoor event. This area can accommodate almost any sized tent and has plenty of room for field games. A great space for larger groups. A band shell is also available to accommodate a buffet or entertainment.
Mane Grill
Available for evening events
The historic Mane Grill is a great spot for evening events located around the central fireplace. The Mane is a cozy space with bamboo walls and fieldstone floors surrounding your guests. The rear wall of windows overlooks the Kids’ Farm.
Giant Panda Habitat
Available for morning events
Host your event in the indoor home of the Zoo’s most popular residents—Mei Xiang and Tian Tian! Explore the interactive displays and marvel at the pandas' adaptations.
Panda Terrace
Available for daytime or evening events (Outdoor venue)
The Panda Terrace overlooks the panda yards where your guests will delight in watching Mei Xiang and Tian Tian wrestle, play, snooze, and munch bamboo. Huge bamboo stands surround your guests and provide a green backdrop to your function.
Picnic Pavilion
Available for daytime or evening events (Covered outdoor venue)
The Picnic Pavilion is between the Kids’ Farm and the Mane Grill. Built-in lighting and shelter from the weather make it a great gathering spot. The pavilion is surrounded by a low fieldstone wall and covered with a cedar roof and copper trim for a clean, outdoor atmosphere. Sturdy all-weather picnic furniture is provided.
Reptile
Discovery Center
Available for evening events
Exotic lizards, curious turtles, vibrant frogs, and tropical crocodiles are a few of the creatures that fascinate visitors at the Reptile Discovery Center. This is a perfect spot for cocktail hours.
Small
Mammal House
Available for evening events
Come visit the armadillos, monkeys, lemurs, and meerkats! The Small Mammal House contains one of our best multi-species exhibits; many unique and wonderful animals live here. The center space of this building is perfect for hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.
Think
Tank
Available for morning and evening events
Do animals think? This exhibit features orangutans, macaque monkeys, leaf-cutter ants, and hermit crabs. The antics of these animals will captivate your guests! This exhibit also explores animal tool use and animals working as a team to achieve a goal. The rear wall of glass windows overlooks a wooded area of the Zoo and Rock Creek Park.
Visitor
Center Auditorium
Available for daytime and evening events
The Visitor Center Auditorium can accommodate speeches, musical performances, lectures, presentations, or standard business meetings. The wonderful acoustics will surround your audience. The adjacent lobby is available for receptions before or after an event. Full audio-visual support is available.
Ashley Chinnici
202.633.3063
Email
Kelsey Thompson 202.633.8307Email
Amy Gaus202.633.3068Email
