Family & Adult After Hours Programs - Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden®

Your Group can book a private Overnight Adventures!

Perfect for Schools, Scouts, Youth Groups, Clubs and more. Visit our Schools & Groups page to explore our offerings.

three manatees swimming

Family Night Hike: Hey Baby

Join us each season for a special night hike around the Zoo. And, of course, the Spring Season is for Zoo Babies! Join us on select nights to explore the different families we have at the Zoo. Participate in fun, educational activities, hike the zoo, and meet some of our animal ambassadors up-close and personal! All while learning about the current Zoo babies and fun families we have at the Zoo.

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Dates:Fridays, March 25, April 22, May 6, or May 20
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Cost: Members $20; Non-Members $25

Note: One adult must register per group. Children under 2 years old do not need a ticket. Registration is per person.

History and Hijinks – 2023 DATES COMING SOON

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 pretty epic tales. Step back in time with Zoo animal care and trainer veteran of 50 years, Gary Denzler, as he leads you on a fun and factual story-based historical tour of the Cincinnati Zoo, sharing tales of the people and animals that have made this zoo what it is today.

This program is geared towards participants 16 years and older.

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DETAILS, DATES, PRICING

Date: 2023 dates coming soon!
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Cost: $20 member/$25 non-member, per person

Private Cart Tours

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.

You and your group will book out an entire cart. Carts can accommodate up to 6 passengers. Attendees must be at least 12 years old at the time of a program. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Date/Time: Tuesdays – Saturdays, starting at 5:30pm
Cost: $550
Duration: 2 hours
Group Capacity: 6 person group, adults or groups with ages 12+. All groups must include one adult.

Mobility: For those with mobility concerns, cart tours may be the ideal way to learn about our Zoo! Please note there may be times when your party will need to move on/off the cart and walk a short distance.

Note: Submitting this request does not guarantee that the date and time you have requested will be fulfilled. The Education Department will be in contact with you within 2-5 days of your request to officially book your experience. Once you have booked an experience, you have secured your exclusive reservation. No refunds will be issued. Program may be rescheduled at no extra cost if rescheduled at least 48 hours in advance. This unique offering is not a behind-the-scenes tour.

FAQ and Policies

General FAQ

What should we bring for the family/adult program?

Attendees should wear closed toed shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Please bring a refillable water bottle to use at our water refill stations.

How old must participants be?

For Family Sunset Safaris: Children must be at least 5 years old at time of the program. All attendees must register, including adults. At least one adult must register with a family group. Due to the nature of the experience, we are unable to allow children under the age of 5 attend the program.

For Adult Sunset Safaris: All attendees must be at least 21 years old at the time of the program.

For Private Cart Tours: Attendees must be at least 12 years old at the time of a program. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult.

What is the earliest/latest we can arrive?

The Education Building entrance will open 15 minutes prior to your program beginning. If you arrive early, please wait patiently in the Education Parking Lot until we are ready for you.

You are attending a Zoo program when the Zoo is closed. Late arrivals can only be accommodated via a previously discussed arrangement.

What is your weather policy?

Programs happen rain or shine. Rain & wind may affect some program activities, such as where activities take place. If severe weather is imminent, we have safety locations we will remain until it has passed. Your safety during a program is our top priority!

Cancellation Policy

The Zoo reserves the right to cancel a program. Every effort will be made to contact registrants if this occurs. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Education Department will offer refunds for all eligible programs cancelled by the participant up to two weeks before the date of the Programs. No refunds or credits will be given for eligible programs cancelled by the participants within two weeks of the program date.

For Family and Adult Sunset Safaris:
Reschedule Policy

If you need to reschedule, you may reschedule up to two weeks prior to your program date. Your program fee will be applied to your new date.
We cannot reschedule participants within two weeks of the program start date.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made at least two weeks in advance to receive a refund.
If you choose to cancel your program within two weeks of the program date, no refund or credit can be given.

To cancel or reschedule, please email [email protected].

For Private Cart Tours:
No refunds will be issued. Program may be rescheduled at no extra cost if rescheduled at least 48 hours in advance.

Safety FAQ

What is the masking policy?

Mask may be required for specific animal encounters. If needed, they will be provided.

Will I be grouped with other attendees?

For Family & Adult Sunset Safaris: Yes, Education Instructors will lead small tour groups on hikes and for live animal encounters. You and your registration group may be placed with other attendees.

For Cart Tours: No, your group will have a private cart tour with your tour guide. No other groups will join you.

Will time be spend time indoors?

Programs will have a variety of indoor and outdoor experiences. However, your group will spend the majority of the program outdoors for activities, hikes, and games.