A close-up of a plate with smoked salmon on bread, a halved boiled egg, and a glass of rosé wine, all set on a floral-patterned plate.

Grazing at the Zoo

Afternoon Tea

Adult $92 (13+), Child $70 (3-12) (includes fees) 

Tickets must be purchased at least 8 days before each event.  Tickets include zoo admission and complimentary carousel rides.  Children 2 and under can attend for free but still require a ticket for capacity purposes.

  • An elegant outdoor table set for tea with a white teapot, glasses of wine, orange juice, and iced drinks, tiered trays of assorted pastries and sandwiches, and a bouquet of blue and yellow flowers in the background.
  • A close-up of an elegant afternoon tea setup with floral plates holding smoked salmon, a boiled egg, finger sandwiches, and pastries, alongside glasses of rosé wine and orange juice on a pink tablecloth.
  • A table set outdoors with a white teapot, teacup, two tiers of assorted pastries and sweets, a glass of orange juice, and floral arrangements, all on a pink tablecloth with greenery in the background.
  • A round table covered with a pink tablecloth is set for tea in a garden. White chairs surround the table, which holds tiered trays of treats, teacups, wine glasses, and floral centerpieces. Lush greenery and flowers are in the background.

Location: Microsoft Pollinator Patio

Available Time Slots: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. and 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Available Dates: May 3, May 9, May 10, June 27, June 28, July 5, August 27, August 28.

Sip, unwind, and take in the beauty of the Microsoft Pollinator Patio at this elegant afternoon tea experience. Nestled among lush greenery and vibrant blooms, guests will enjoy a tea tower buffet station full of sweet and savory treats, from gourmet tea sandwiches to petit fours. Perfect for a Mother’s Day outing, a special gathering with friends, or a serene break with loved ones, this enchanting event is a toast to nature’s beauty—complete with a complimentary glass of prosecco for guests 21+. 

The tea tower buffet station features vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your experience includes a Tea Tower buffet station filled with sweet and savory treats and complimentary beverages during your one-hour ticketed timeslot.

Your ticket includes all-day zoo admission. 

Complimentary carousel rides with your event wristband. 

Our menu offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and kid-friendly options. There will be a tea tower buffet station filled with sweet and savory treats. Guests with dietary restrictions can curate items on their plates.

Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten Free [GF] options and items with nuts will be notated on the menu below.

Unfortunately, we are unable to support menu substitutions at this time.

  • Cucumber & Cream Cheese Tea Sandwich [Vegetarian]  
  • Chicken Curry Tea Sandwich  
  • Mini Crostini - Fresh Dill, Cream Cheese, Salmon Lox  
  • Mini Sun Butter & Jelly Sandwich [Vegan]  
  • Hummus & Roasted Heirloom Tomato Crostini on Gluten Free Bread [Vegan, GF]  
  • Mini Vegetarian Quiche [Vegetarian]  
  • Mini Ham & Cheese Quiche  
  • Deviled Eggs [Vegetarian, GF]  
  • Market Fresh Fruit Platter [Vegan, GF]  
  • Fresh Veggies with Romesco Dip [Vegan, GF]  
  • Assorted Petit Fours [Vegetarian]  
  • Assorted Macarons [Vegetarian, GF, *contains almond flour]  
  • Baklava [Vegetarian, *contains walnuts & pistachios]  
  • Seasonal Bundt Cake [Vegetarian]  

COMPLIMENTARY BEVEARGE SERVICE:
Individual tea bags from Art of the Tea, Café Vitta coffee, infused water, 1 glass of mimosa OR bellini for 21+ guests with valid ID.

TRANSACTION BAR:
red wine, white wine and prosecco will be available for purchase.

Afternoon Tea will take place outdoors at our Microsoft Pollinator Patio.

Yes, these events are family-friendly, so children are welcome!  

Lap infants & toddlers 2 and under can attend for free but require a ticket for capacity purposes.

Child tickets are required for ages 3-12 years old to ensure that the kitchen prepares accurate servings.

Adult tickets are required for ages 13 and up.

Please check in at Microsoft Pollinator Patio 10 minutes before your timeslot:

  • Timeslot A: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. 
  • Timeslot B: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Timeslot C: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
  • Timeslot D: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. 

Round tables will be arranged within Microsoft Pollinator Patio for communal seating. Seating is first-come, first-serve.

We are unable to accommodate table reservations. Larger groups should arrive early to increase the likelihood of adjacent seating.

Yes, groups hoping to sit together or in close proximity MUST purchase all tickets on one transaction.

Yes, your Afternoon Tea ticket includes all-day zoo admission as soon as gates open to the public at 9:30 a.m.

No, tickets need to be pre-purchased 8 days in advance.

For Afternoon Tea, guests can enter through both West Gate and South Gate. Microsoft Pollinator Patio is closer to West Gate.

Parking for these events is in the zoo lots located along Phinney Avenue N. and N. 59th Street, and the lot accessible on N. 50th & Fremont Ave. N.

Penguin Lot and Otter Lot are the two parking lots closest to Pollinator Patio.

Pay-for-parking kiosks are located at each lot. Rates for Penguin Lot and Otter Lot: $10 for the first 2 hours; $2 each additional hour with a $14 maximum daily rate (+taxes & fees).

Disabled parking is available in all zoo lots.

If you must park on the streets surrounding the zoo, please be courteous and do not block driveways.

No rescheduling and no refunds. If the zoo cancels an event, we will refund in full.

The event will take place rain or shine, and outdoor canopies will be set up for rainy days. In the event of inclement weather and zoo closure, we will cancel the event and issue refunds.

Yes! We aim to provide ample shade for all seating. However, due to the sun’s changing path we strongly recommend guests come prepared with sunhats and sunscreen.

Festive hats and fascinators encouraged!

Yes! We kindly ask that you park strollers and wagons in designated areas. Your cooperation allows easier access for guests with mobility devices to navigate within Microsoft Pollinator Patio. Highchairs will be available upon request.

Includes one complimentary mimosa OR bellini for adult ticket holders with a valid 21+ ID. Red wine, white wine and prosecco will also be available for purchase.

Not at this time. However, stay tuned as our Butterfly Exhibit is scheduled to open in summer 2026, and it will offer unique up-close experiences with butterflies!

At this time, there are no senior discounts available.

Yes! All event locations are wheelchair accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us zooinfo@zoo.org in advance.