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Kids & Families

Zoo Overnights

Explore the Zoo after hours with our unique Overnights program where you can get to spend the night at the Zoo and engage in a variety of activities. This experience is for both kids and adults.

About Overnights

The Houston Zoo’s Overnight programs immerse families and community groups in unique after-hours experiences to form richer connections to our Zoo animals and encourage empathy for all wildlife. Each program is designed to engage adults and children in positive outdoor experiences such as night hikes and meeting ambassador animals up-close to bring awareness that personal actions can save animals in the wild.

Fall Overnights

Cost: $85
Dates & Times: Sept 6*, Sept 13, Sept 20*
5:30pm-9:00am

Bring your tents and join us for an introduction to camping as we spend the night under the stars at our Lone Star Pavilion!

*Upgrade to Sea Lion Cave indoor campsite (+$10 per person). Limited spaces available

Register

Learn more about future overnights

Twilight Safaris, Thursdays

January-September

If you are interested in a Twilight Safari for your group, please email us at education@houstonzoo.org at least 4 weeks in advance with the Thursday(s) you have in mind and we will work to accommodate your group. Twilight Safaris are held from 5:30-8:30 p.m., and need a minimum of 20 participants. $45/person

Important Information

  • Age requirement: individuals ages 6 and up. Children under 6 years of age will not be permitted to attend.
  • Chaperone requirement: one adult per every five children, ages 6-17
  • What’s included: Dinner will be included along with scheduled activities, evening snack, light breakfast, and next-day Zoo admission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a typical Overnight look like?

Sample Overnight Schedule

  • 5:30 p.m. Arrival and campsite setup
  • 6:30 p.m. Welcome, introductions, dinner* and rules for the night
  • 7:00 p.m. Animal presentation, activities, and night tour
  • 10:00 p.m. Evening wrap up and prepare for bed
  • 11:00 p.m. Lights out (quiet hours start)
  • 6:00 a.m. Wake up, pack up, and load vehicles
  • 7:30 a.m. Breakfast*
  • 8:00 a.m. Morning tour before Zoo opens
  • 9:00 a.m. Program ends and next-day Zoo admission begins

All times, excluding arrival and program end time, are approximate and subject to change.

*Pizza dinner and breakfast tacos will be available

What should we bring with us?

For both Overnight & Twilight Safari programs:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A filled water bottle
  • Weather-appropriate outerwear – ponchos/jackets
  • Bug spray/insect repellent

For Overnights Only:

  • Sleeping bag, pillow, sleeping pad, air mattress, or cot
  • Tent* (individual, double, or 4-person tents encouraged)
  • Pajamas, personal care items
  • Change of clothes (showers not available)
  • Wagon (helpful to transport gear but not required)

*Tents are only for Fall/Spring Overnights, not for Summer Overnights, which are indoors.

Note: Please follow all Houston Zoo guidelines for food and drink items. Glass bottles, alcohol, and straws are prohibited. For a full list of Houston Zoo rules, please click here.

Do we need to bring our own flashlights?

For any Houston Zoo overnight, while on tour our staff will provide lighting to maintain animal welfare. A personal light is permitted for use around your campsite only. For additional information, please contact us at education@houstonzoo.org

Where do we go when we arrive?

All participants will enter the Zoo through the staff parking garage. Staff will be on hand to help coordinate parking i, as security will be provided for all vehicles overnight. The gate will open at 5:30 pm and participants will be greeted by our Overnight staff to provide additional instruction. For after-hours assistance, please call 713-533-6739 after 4:00 p.m. to speak with one of our staff members.

Hermann Park Dr. is closed; how do we get to the Zoo?

When traffic is heavy throughout Hermann Park, officers will close Hermann park drive from traffic turning north off of Cambridge. If you are attempting to reach the Zoo and Hermann Park Drive is closed, continue on Cambridge until you arrive at Fannin. A right on Fannin will take you towards a roundabout that will allow you to turn southbound onto Hermann Park Drive. If you stay on Cambridge all the way to Main St, you will have gone too far and may have to circle back.

Will I get to go into behind-the-scenes areas during this program?

Overnights and twilight safaris are front-of-scenes for the safety of our animals and guests. If you are interested in other interactive experiences for your family, please check out our Animal Encounters page!

What if it rains?

Overnights occur rain or shine! In the event of extreme weather, notifications will be sent out by 2:00 p.m. on the day of the event. Should the event be cancelled, every effort will be made to reschedule, or a full refund will be provided. Should the weather become inclement during an event, activities will be modified and held within the Education Center until the weather passes.

Can I get a refund?

Life happens! We understand that plans can change after you have already registered for a program. Guests who provide written notice of cancellation to education@houstonzoo.org on or before 2 weeks (14 days) prior to the program date will receive a full refund. No refund will be issued after this date.

Accommodations or Special Requests

We believe there should be no boundaries to the Overnight experience. Guests of all abilities are welcome to join. Trained staff facilitate programming at all times.

The Overnight experience includes:

  1. Exploring Zoo grounds, which has varying smells, light, noise, and temperature levels
  2. Maneuvering on uneven terrain
  3. Spending up to 2 hours at a time outdoors
  4. Participating in both group and individual activities
  5. Moving to and from the floor or ground
  6. Utilizing public restrooms
  7. Maintaining a positive attitude and following staff instructions

Our goal is to set up all guests and staff for success. To help us provide the best possible experience, please inform us of all special considerations prior to participation. This may include information on allergies, accessibility concerns, behavioral, psychological or emotional conditions as well as any other special needs. Please contact us prior to registration at education@houstonzoo.org or 713-533-6739 to make an accommodation request. We are happy to work with households to make Overnights accessible to guests with varying needs. We are, however, unable to provide one-on-one support or supplementary services.

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