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Find an educational and fun evening program that fits your family best! Seasonal Program Guide

Zoo Night Hike Special: Bowyer Farm & Box Turtles

Join us for a first-of-its-kind program at our Bowyer Farm! This program is designed for ages 16+ where you can come experience the natural beauty of the Farm while learning about how you can help native reptiles around you. In this program, you will get an up-close experience with the conservation work that the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is doing to protect and restore Box Turtles back into their natural habitat. This program will involve light hiking through the farm to see some of our native plants and wildlife, with some special time to see how our recently released box turtles are doing on the grounds. The night will end with a quick craft to help the native amphibians in your own backyard, and if the weather allows, some relaxing time sharing stories around a campfire with s’mores.

Date: Friday, July 17

Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Pricing: $30 Members | $35 Non-members

Note: This program is for ages 16+ and takes place at a satellite location, the Zoo’s Bowyer Property in Mason, OH. Participants will spend all their time outside and immersed in nature. Please dress accordingly! Address is 2210 Mason Montgomery Rd, Mason, OH 45040.

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box turtle rescue

Zoo Night Hike

Zoo lovers of all ages can join us each season for a special night hike around the Zoo.

August: Hot Weathered Wildlife

Different animals (including humans) have different strategies for staying cool in the summertime. Pigs wallow, goats get rid of heat through their ears and horns, snakes and lizards seek the shade and African penguins swim to keep cool! There are many ways to beat the heat in the summer! Join us as we learn about which animals enjoy the heat, and how they find ways to cool down.

Dates: July 18 & Aug 29

Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Pricing: $20 Members | $25 Non-members

 

Cute Crawly Critters
Fall is for all things spooky! But we would love to show you how some animals aren’t as scary as they may seem! Dare we say, they are cute! Participate in fun, educational activities, take a short walk in the Zoo with one of our education instructors, and meet some of our animal ambassadors up close and personal! All while learning about the cute crawly critters that call the Cincinnati Zoo home.

Dates: Sept. 26 & Oct. 24
Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Pricing: $20 Members | $25 Non-members

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joseph the cougar

Haunted Safari: Spirits of the Zoo

When the lights go out and the Zoo falls silent, something begins to stir. Join our Haunted Safari: Spirits of the Zoo, a late-night after-hours tour filled with mysterious sightings in Jungle Trails, eerie encounters in Africa, and spine-tingling stories in Education
that make our Zoo’s history a little spooky. Guided by lantern light, you’ll explore hidden corners of the Zoo where strange sounds, shadowy figures, glowing eyes, and unexplained
moments have left their mark. Along the way, hear chilling tales of haunted habitats, disembodied voices, phantom footsteps and even a stalking ghost lioness. While the tour does not feature live animals, the atmosphere,

Note: This program is designed for ages 16+ and takes participants on a walking tour of the Zoo. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This tour does not include animals. Price is per person.

Dates: Oct. 18, 24, 25 & 30
Time: 9:00–11:00 p.m.
Pricing: $20 Members | $25 Non-members

Kids touching snake, overnight adventure, smiling kids, meeting an animal, snake, ball python, happy

NEW! Adults’ Night Out 

Need a few hours to tackle your winter to-do list or simply take a night off? Drop the kids off for an evening of wild fun at the Zoo! While you enjoy a stress-free evening, your kids will enjoy pizza, games, a movie, and even an up-close encounter with some of our animal ambassadors. You can drop off and pick up anytime between 6:00–9:00 p.m. We’ll make sure your little ones have a safe and unforgettable night.

For children 4 years and older. All children must be fully potty-trained without assistance. This program takes place during PNC Festival of Lights, please allow extra time for heavy traffic.

DATES: Dec. 5 & 13
TIME: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
PRICING: Members: $35 for first child, $30 for each additional child Non-members: $40 for first child, $35 for each additional child

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History and Hijinks 

How well do YOU know your Cincinnati Zoo? The honor of “second oldest Zoo in the nation” comes with a lot of history and some epic tales! 

Step back in time with storyteller extraordinaire Gary Denzler, as he leads you on a fun and factual story-based historical tour. Gary’s 50 years of experience is perfect for sharing tales of the people and animals that have made this Zoo what it is today. 

Note: This program is geared towards participants 16 years and older. 

Dates: August 5 & 19, 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m

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Private Cart Tour

Imagine spending an evening at the Zoo, zipping around to your favorite destinations. This two-hour private tour will take you and five of your friends all around the Zoo choose-your-own-adventure style. Led by an experienced Zoo Educator, your group will learn all about the Zoo, its amazing animals, conservation projects, and more! Come ready to ask questions and get the inside scoop.

Note: These tours are for ages 12+ and run May-September to avoid any bad weather for the cart! Please note that there is some walking involved in this tour to visit animal buildings or certain habitats. The cart can only get us so far!

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selfie of people on a golf cart going through the zoo