Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Home of the world famous hippo Fiona. Family friendly Zoo committed to inspiring visitors with wildlife and saving species.

Family Overnights

Spend the night at the wildest place in town!

Ever wondered what the zoo is like after hours? Our overnights put you and your group in the middle of the zoo at night where you will get to take a night hike, participate in fun, educational activities, get a peek at some of the zoo’s behind-the-scenes areas, and meet some of our animal ambassadors up close and personal! All three of our overnight programs (families, scouts & adults) meet our educational goals: to foster a sense of wonder, share knowledge, and advocate active involvement with wildlife and wild places.

Join the Zoo’s overnight program, Overnight Adventures, for special evenings designed for parents and children, age 5 and up. During the program, you will hike the Zoo, go behind the scenes, experience live animal encounters, and engage in other exciting activities. Awake to lion and gibbon calls, have breakfast, and then enjoy a special animal show.

To get more information or to register for an overnight, please call the Education Department at (513) 559-7767. 

Register for a Family Overnight

Dates & Topics

TopicDescriptionDates
Sleep With The ManateesDid you know that The Cincinnati Zoo is one of only two institutions outside of Florida that rescue and rehabilitate manatees? Come experience a once-in-a-lifetime sleepover with these gentle giants! During the overnight you will enjoy two sneak peeks behind the scenes, hike the Zoo at night, play games, experience animal encounters and fall asleep with our resident manatee, swimming at your feet. For families with children 5 years old and up.
Learn More and Register Online		September 1, 21, or October 6: 6 pm–9 am
Twiga
African Tented Camp Overnight		Transport yourself to Africa during this brand new tented camp overnight experience at the Zoo! Built on the edge of the newly expanded Giraffe exhibit Twiga Tented Camp offers an intimate, high-end, authentic adventure at the Zoo including special encounters with African animals, behind the scenes tours, comfortable cots in safari tents, a continental breakfast and so much more. For families with children 5 years old and up.
Learn More and Register Online		August 10, 18, 31, September 1, or 29: 6 pm–9 am
Africa Predator ProwlProwl the Zoo at night searching for predators of Africa and beyond while learning about the vital role predators play in an ecosystem and how humans and predators coexist together. Groups will meet ambassadors, hike the Zoo at night, get a peek behind the scenes, and do a hands-on investigation exploring predation techniques in the African Savannah. For families with children 5 years old and up.
Learn More and Register Online
September 15: 6 pm–9 am
Sunset Safari Want to experience the Zoo late at night but would rather sleep in your own bed? Sunset Safaris are an evening, after-hours program that begins at 6pm and ends at 11pm. Dates TBD (call 513-559-7767 if you would like to book a date for 15 or more people)
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