Make a Donation
The Houston Zoo is a registered non-profit
Ask us a Question
School Wild Winks
This overnight experience allows those 7 and older to get see the Zoo’s residents in a whole new “light!” This program takes place on Zoo grounds, so please dress for the weather and be prepared to move from location to location throughout the Zoo.
What’s Included:
• interactive, educational activities
• guided walks with experienced Zoo staff
• live, touchable animals
• dinner and continental breakfast
• slumber inside the Zoo. Weather permitting, participants will sleep in tents.
• free admission into the Zoo when program ends
• interactive, educational activities
• guided walks with experienced Zoo staff
• live, touchable animals
• dinner and continental breakfast
• slumber inside the Zoo. Weather permitting, participants will sleep in tents.
• free admission into the Zoo when program ends
Cost: $45 per person
Must have a minimum of 10 participants to hold the program.
Must have a minimum of 10 participants to hold the program.
School groups please contact Sharon Reyes at 713-533-6543 for available dates.
Due to the popularity of these programs, reservations are on a first come first serve basis and are not taken over the phone. Requests are processed in the order that they are received. Spaces are not guaranteed until you receive a call for payment or receive a confirmation letter. The Reservation form must be filled out and submitted to Group Sales to start this process.
Don't see a date that works for your group? Call Sharon Reyes at 713-533-6543 for possible date options.
Dates
- Friday, August 14, 2009 - Homeschool Only
- Friday, September 11, 2009
- Saturday, December 5, 2009 - Homeschool Only
- Friday, March 12, 2010 - Homeschool Only
Note: While overnights include touchable animals, hands-on activities, and animal viewing guided by Zoo staff, there are no behind-the-scenes tours.
Frequently-Asked Questions:
Where do we sleep?
Weather permitting, participants sleep in tents on Zoo grounds.
Weather permitting, participants sleep in tents on Zoo grounds.
What if it rains? What if the weather is really hot or really cold?
Dress for the weather. We do not cancel the program unless the weather is severe and safety is a concern. In case of extreme weather, the group will sleep inside a Zoo building, but it is up to the Zoo staff member to make that decision.
What do I bring for my overnight stay?
A sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, and change of clothing. You may also bring a small mat to sleep on if you wish. Please DO NOT bring inflatable air mattresses, cots, or more than one small clothing bag as we have limited space. Please leave electronics at home.
A sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, and change of clothing. You may also bring a small mat to sleep on if you wish. Please DO NOT bring inflatable air mattresses, cots, or more than one small clothing bag as we have limited space. Please leave electronics at home.
May I bring my camera?
Cameras and flashlights disturb the animals at night, but you may take photos during the morning portion of the program. Please leave cameras at home or with your belongings in your tent.
Cameras and flashlights disturb the animals at night, but you may take photos during the morning portion of the program. Please leave cameras at home or with your belongings in your tent.
May we bring our own food and drink?
No, we provide sufficent food and drink for everyone. If you have specific dietary needs (such as vegetarian), please let us know at the time of your reservation so that we may plan accordingly.
No, we provide sufficent food and drink for everyone. If you have specific dietary needs (such as vegetarian), please let us know at the time of your reservation so that we may plan accordingly.
What if I have someone in my group that has special needs?
We can accommodate those with special needs, but please contact us prior to the program to let us know specifics.
We can accommodate those with special needs, but please contact us prior to the program to let us know specifics.
Questions about the Program
For questions about the Wild WInk programs call 713-533-6543 or e-mail at wildwinks@houstonzoo.org .
Registration
Use our Scout & Community/Youth registration form to sign up for this program. Payment must accompany your registration. Registration and payment must be received at least three weeks (21 days) in advance of the program. We do not offer group rates for the Wild Winks program.
Use our Scout & Community/Youth registration form to sign up for this program. Payment must accompany your registration. Registration and payment must be received at least three weeks (21 days) in advance of the program. We do not offer group rates for the Wild Winks program.
Note: Children must be at least 7-years-old. Children under age 7 will not be admitted. Ratio is 1 paying adult to every 5 children.
To register contact our Group Sales Department at 713-533-6550 , 713-655-554 or e-mail group.reservations@houstonzoo.org .
Cancellations
Patrons who provide a written notice of cancellation to the Group Sales Dept. (1513 N. MacGregor, Houston, TX 77030) on or before 6 weeks (42 days) prior to the program date will receive a full refund. No refund will be issued after this date. Program and date changes must be made at least 3 weeks (21 days) prior to the program date and are subject to availability.
Patrons who provide a written notice of cancellation to the Group Sales Dept. (1513 N. MacGregor, Houston, TX 77030) on or before 6 weeks (42 days) prior to the program date will receive a full refund. No refund will be issued after this date. Program and date changes must be made at least 3 weeks (21 days) prior to the program date and are subject to availability.
The Houston Zoo reserves the right to cancel any program due to minimum enrollment, inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, in which case a full refund will be issued. Cancellations are official upon receipt of confirmation from the Houston Zoo. The Houston Zoo charges a $30 fee for all returned checks.
