Good questions make better events
Before the animals arrive.
Use these planning notes to choose a format, prepare the venue, and send a complete availability request.
01
Choosing a program
What is the difference between a show and a display?
A show gathers the audience for one presenter-led experience, usually with storytelling, questions, and supervised interaction. A staffed display works for open houses and festivals where guests arrive continuously and move among several tables.
Which program works best for a birthday?
Most private birthdays choose the 60–75 minute reptile show or bug show. Both are currently listed at $300 and are designed for a focused group.
Can a program include both reptiles and bugs?
Mixed lineups are possible in some formats. Share the animals or themes that interest you, and the team will recommend the best program.
How many animals are presented?
A typical birthday presentation includes roughly 10–12 ambassadors. The exact number and species vary by program, welfare needs, availability, and venue conditions.
02
Safety and interaction
Can guests touch or hold the animals?
Supervised interaction may be offered when it is appropriate for the animal, audience, room, and event conditions. Not every animal or setting supports hands-on contact.
Is Crosstown Exotics insured?
Yes. Crosstown Exotics states that it is fully insured for its traveling animal programs.
What ages can attend?
Programs are adapted for preschoolers, school-age children, teens, adults, and mixed family audiences. Share the age range when you request a date.
What if someone is nervous around reptiles or bugs?
Guests are not forced to interact. Presenters use clear explanations, respectful distance, and gradual close-up observation to help curiosity replace fear.
03
Travel and logistics
Where is Crosstown Exotics located?
The company is based in Mokena, Illinois 60448 and travels to events. It is a service-area business without a public storefront address.
What travel fees apply?
Crosstown Exotics is based in Mokena. Its published rate guide lists a $50 travel fee outside 15 miles of 60448 and a $100 travel fee outside 40 miles. Confirm the applicable travel charge with your date request.
Can a program take place outdoors?
Possibly. Temperature, sun, shade, wind, precipitation, safe surfaces, and a weather backup all affect whether an outdoor setup is appropriate.
What venue details should I share?
Include the exact address, parking and load-in instructions, stairs or elevators, indoor or outdoor setting, available space, expected attendance, audience ages, and any venue requirements.
04
Booking and pricing
How do I check availability?
Send the date, start time, exact location, event type, attendance, age range, and preferred program through the availability form. Flexibility helps when a popular date is nearly full.
Are multiple same-day programs available?
Yes. Schools, libraries, camps, and other hosts can request multiple presentations in one day, and lower per-program pricing may apply.
Can I request a specific animal?
You can share preferences, but a particular animal cannot always be guaranteed. Welfare, availability, travel, venue conditions, and the planned interaction determine the final lineup.
How is a custom appearance or production quoted?
Custom pricing considers the animal selection, preparation, presenter or handler time, duration, venue, route, schedule, audience, and production requirements.