How many guests can the Pronghorn Deck hold?

The space accommodates up to 30 guests; additional attendees pay regular admission on the day of the event.

Are animals included with every booking?

Birthday packages for children 12 and under include an animal encounter; other bookings can request educational programs via the zoo’s education email.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes—renters may bring food and non-alcohol drinks, but no balloons, straws, or BBQs are allowed.

What is the deposit and cancellation policy?

A non-refundable 50% deposit is required at booking; specific cancellation details are provided in the Small Rentals Agreement.

What times are available for reservations?

May 1–October 31: 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.; November 1–April 30: 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., as shown on the online calendar.

Who do I contact for custom programs or questions?

Email events@heritageparkzoo.org for event questions and education@heritageparkzoo.org for custom educational programming.

Pronghorn Deck Birthday Parties Over Willow Lake at Heritage Park Zoo | Events | Zoo

Perched above Willow Lake, the Pronghorn Deck at Heritage Park Zoo in Prescott, Arizona, turns a simple party into a focused outdoor wildlife experience. This private three-hour rental accommodates up to 30 guests and offers sheltered picnic benches, direct lake views, and a chance to include supervised animal encounters for children twelve and under. Spaces are reserved in three-hour blocks, making it easy to plan a morning or afternoon celebration without worrying about venue turnover. The site sits inside a managed zoological sanctuary that stages age-appropriate interactions and educational programming when requested. Booking details are straightforward: May 1 to October 31 reservations are available at 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.; November 1 to April 30 bookings are available at 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. A signed Small Rentals Agreement and a non-refundable 50% deposit are required at booking; guests above the maximum capacity pay regular admission on the day of the visit. Renters may bring food and non-alcohol drinks, but note the park’s rules: no balloons, no straws, and no BBQs. For event inquiries or to request custom educational additions, contact [email protected] or [email protected]. What sets Pronghorn Deck apart in Prescott’s outdoor offerings is a focused combination of convenience and wildlife access: a clearly bounded event footprint adjacent to animal habitats, a waterside outlook over Willow Lake, and the operational protocols that let parents and organizers relax. Photographers find clean sightlines for waterfowl and habitat shots, while kids remember an animal encounter more vividly than a passive entertainer. The deck functions well across seasons: schedule for spring migrations, a sunny summer morning, the gentler autumn sun, or a crisp winter afternoon. Practical tips: check the calendar for available times, arrive early to complete check-in, bring shade or layers depending on the hour, and remember that party packages for children 12 and under include zoo admission and an animal encounter. Whether you’re staging a child’s birthday, a school outing, or a small corporate gathering, the Pronghorn Deck at Heritage Park Zoo offers a low-friction, meaningful outdoor venue that supports local wildlife programs while keeping logistics simple. A few practical notes will help you maximize the visit. Plan for vehicle entry time at the main gate, confirm where picnic benches are reserved, and factor fifteen to twenty minutes for guest arrival and zoo admission so check-in does not eat into your three-hour rental window. If you want a smoother educational moment, request a programmed encounter in advance via the zoo’s education email; staff can tailor a brief talk or handling session appropriate to ages present, and those extras create lasting memories without complicating logistics. Supporting events through the zoo is a direct way to invest in regional conservation and community outreach programs.

About Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary in Prescott, Arizona is a community-focused zoological park dedicated to animal care, education, and conservation. The Sanctuary operates year-round and offers a wide range of experiences for families, students, photographers, and event planners. Visitors can attend seasonal events such as WildLights and Holiday Cheers, themed celebrations like Thanksgiving with the Lemurs and Santa with the Animals, and special admission days including Veterans Day and Dollar Day.

Educational programs include ZooLittles preschool sessions, School Guided Tours, School Self-Tours for groups of 10 or more, animal presentations tailored to classroom topics, and outreach visits to schools and senior centers. Hands-on experiences range from Behind the Scenes Photo Tours and Private Behind the Scenes Tours to immersive Keeper for a Day and Junior Keeper for a Day opportunities; several programs require pre-registration to ensure animal welfare and safety.

Venue rentals such as the Pronghorn Deck and Half Pence Pavilion provide outdoor event space with views of Willow Lake, zoo admission options, and support for catering or food trucks. The Sanctuary also offers private guided tours, private animal presentations, and community specials like Free Kids Week and Dollar Day.

All programming emphasizes animal health, safety, and education, and staff-led activities are guided by experienced keepers. The Sanctuary’s calendar blends seasonal festivals, conservation-focused education, and community outreach to create accessible wildlife experiences for Prescott residents and visiting families. Some events, venue rentals, and program fees help support wildlife conservation efforts at the Sanctuary and fund animal care, enrichment, and educational resources.