Join us for an overnight outdoor adventure! Each year's theme is different for these exciting camping experiences. This year, we will be celebrating the Year of the Bat.

All campouts take place on select Friday and Saturday nights, beginning at 5:30 p.m. All campers need to bring their own tents, sleeping bags and flashlights. The adventure includes dinner, a guided tour, activities, an animal encounter, a flashlight tour and a bedtime snack. We will be around when the rest of the Zoo is closed, so we will see who might be awake! In the morning, the adventure continues with continental breakfast and a 9:30 a.m. tram ride.

The campouts are designed for families with children ages 5 and older. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $30 per person for members and $35 per person for nonmembers.  We must have your payment at the time of registration to reserve your place. We can accept credit card payment at the time of your call, or you can come in person to register and pay by cash.

Creature Campout shirts will be available for $10 each for those that camp out with us.

Space is limited, so sign up now for one of these Creature Campout nights! For more information or to register, please call the Education Department at 266-8213.

Registration is now open for Spring 2012 dates!

Friday, April 20
Saturday, April 28
Friday, May 18
Saturday, May 26
Saturday, June 23 (National Backyard Campout Day!)

Registration opens August 1 for Fall 2012 dates!

Friday, September 14
Saturday, September 22
Friday, October 5
Saturday, October 13

So, you're looking for an exciting activity for your scout, church or school group — but you don't want to mess with camping equipment. We've got just what you need. How about spending the night at the Zoo? You can set up camp inside Cargill Learning Center where you have all the comforts of home yet room for the whole group to spread out. You can invite the gorillas to your next sleepover and camp inside our Researchers Tent in The Downing Gorilla Forest. Another option is to add the outdoor element back into your sleepover, yet keep a roof over your head as you sleep under the cover of the North American Prairie Overlook. Or you can choose to sleep inside the Slawson Family Tiger Trek, the newest addition to the Zoo!

Participants need to bring a sack dinner, sleeping bag and overnight gear. Our overnight adventure starts at 6:00 p.m. in the Cargill Learning Center and the evening will include a guided tour, games, an animal encounter, a flashlight tour and a bedtime snack. The next morning the journey concludes with juice and a hike through the Zoo.

Are you a scout leader? Ask about specialized scout overnights!

Fees are $25 per person.

Choose your sleeping area:

• Cargill Learning Center
• The Downing Gorilla Forest
• North American Prairie Overlook
• Slawson Family Tiger Trek

There is a minimum of 15 participants. However, for bookings under 30 people, we reserve the right to combine groups similar in age and gender. A non-refundable deposit of $150 is due at booking. Please be advised that during evening hours, there is no guarantee you will see some of the animals.

To schedule your Nocturnal Adventure, contact the education department at 266-8213 a minimum of two weeks in advance. Dates are limited, so call now!