Blank Park Zoo

Blank Park Zoo on Des Moines' south side rents several distinct spaces. The Holmes Foster Event Center is the largest indoor option, seating 450 at banquet rounds or 600 cocktail-style, with an outdoor patio, free parking, tables, chairs, and A/V included. The Discovery Center overlooks the bird aviary and botanical gardens and holds 200 theater-style or 120 banquet, with smaller breakout rooms attached. Two covered outdoor pavilions handle groups from 40 up to roughly 300, and the whole zoo can be rented after hours for exclusive use.

Rentals run in four- or eight-hour blocks, with extra hours at $150, a $35-per-hour security guard per 250 guests, and discounted $10 zoo admission for event guests; members get 10 percent off rental fees. The format suits company outings, galas, family reunions, and weddings where guests can walk the exhibits between courses.