Zoo Overnight

Join us for a fun, overnight experience at the Woodland Park Zoo.  Zoo staff will lead us through the zoo for an exciting, educational experience. See the zoo from a new perspective and share a wonderful experience with your child! Three dates to choose from; pick the date that best fits your schedule.

No Late Admission, please arrive early!! Pizza  for dinner and a light breakfast will be provided. Feel free to bring your own snacks as well.

Packing List: (We will be sleeping INSIDE, so no shelter neccessary), appropriate clothing for the weather (we will be outside for our zoo adventures), sleeping bag, Sleeping pad, pillow, pajamas,  flashlight (may not be used during the activities, used for bedtime only).

FAQ's

Where do we meet our Zoo Adventures instructors?

Please plan to meet your Zoo Adventures instructors at 6:30 p.m. in the Inner North Parking Lot (directions are included in this packet).

When do the programs start and end? 

— Overnight Adventure Program: 6:30 p.m.-9:00 a.m. the following morning.

— Evening Adventure Program: 6:30 p.m.-approximately 10:00 p.m.

Where do we park?

You will be parking in the Inner North Lot at the NW corner of the zoo. This is a secure, overnight parking facility, and parking in this location is included at no cost while attending the program.

For those wishing to take advantage of the free admission to the zoo the day after your Overnight Adventure, you can park in one of the zoo’s parking lots in the morning and pay $5.25 at a kiosk or move your cars to street parking.

What if I arrive late? 
Late arrivals are disruptive to the program and other participants. Therefore, we strongly urge everyone to arrive on time. If you do arrive late, call zoo security’s cellular at 206.295.0078. The Security Officer will make arrangements to meet you and escort you to your group. However, please be notified that late arrivals may be required to wait an undetermined/lengthy amount of time for Security assistance, due to our Security departments’ considerable after-hours responsibilities.

What if I have to leave the zoo during the Zoo Adventure? 
Early departures can be facilitated during times the group is at Zoomazium. Times for such departures are roughly: prior to 7:00 p.m., between 10:00 and 10:30 p.m., and between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m. Other departures would require the entire group escorting the person to the gate, which is disruptive for the program. There are no refunds due to early departures.

Can families contact us in case of an emergency?

Absolutely. Your family should call Zoo Security’s cellular number at 206.295.0078

What is the role of chaperons(Parents)? 
Chaperons are expected to assist instructors in monitoring and maintaining appropriate behaviors while at the zoo. During the welcome program, your instructors will outline the program’s “Code of Conduct” and other important information. It is imperative that the chaperones also follow the code of conduct and behave as role models for the younger participants. 

What animals will we see?

There's no guarantee of what we'll see while prowling on zoo grounds. As in the wild, animals may choose to remain hidden, or may be off exhibit for a number of reasons. As a result, every Adventure is unique in the animals that are seen in exhibit areas.

Is food provided? 
A pizza dinner and beverage will be provided. Coffee and tea will be provided for adults. Overnight participants will also enjoy a light breakfast in the morning. If you’d prefer, please feel free to bring your own snacks. Special diets are the responsibility of individual program attendees. Fee adjustments cannot be made for individuals on special diets.

What type of gear do we need to bring? (Hint: Don’t bring more than you can carry!)

All Participants Should Bring:
• Clothing for inclement weather (our Adventure takes you outside, rain or shine)
• Camera to capture special memories (ask Instructors where flash photos are permitted)

Overnighters Should Bring:
• Sleeping bag, pillow, and sleeping pad (please note: your group will be sleeping on the floor)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Pajamas
• A flashlight (for use at bedtime, not on tour around grounds)

Prohibited Items

• The use or possession of alcohol or drugs is not permitted during any Zoo Adventure.
• The zoo is a non-smoking facility. Smoking on zoo grounds is prohibited.

What happens on a Zoo Adventure? 
During your action packed adventure you will:
• Prowl the grounds on a guided evening tour and get the inside scoop on our animals
• Enjoy a hands-on encounter with a small education animal such as a snake, lizard or invertebrate.

In addition, Overnight Adventure participants will:
• Enjoy a guided morning prowl on zoo grounds and receive free admission to the zoo on the morning after the adventure is completed (Zoo Overnight program participants only). Gates open at 9:30 a.m. Overnight guests will also be able to receive 10% off at the Zoo Store after the zoo opens in the morning.