Nocturnal Adventures Overnight Programs

The Wildest Nightlife in Town!

Thousands of children from school, scout, church, family groups and more have experienced the wildest nightlife in town. Come join the fun!

During the evening, you will tour exhibits, experience live animal encounters, sneak a peak behind the scenes, play games and engage in other exciting activities. In the morning you will awake to peacock and gibbon calls, have breakfast and finish your morning with a special animal appearance.

Questions or to register contact the Education Department at (513) 559-7767 or email registrars@cincinnatizoo.org

Who can participate?

  • Schools, scouts, church groups, families, and more are welcome.
  • Overnights meet School Standards Learn More >
  • and Scout badge requirements Learn More >
  • All participants must be at least 8 year old, unless attending a Family Night.
  • Minimum group size for all overnights is 15 participants and maximum is dependent on the overnight program and location you select.
  • Each group must have one adult chaperone for every ten children.

When are Overnights available?

  • Year- round, Monday-Saturday, subject to availability.
  • Program begins at 7:00pm and ends at 9:00am the next morning. Your group is welcome to explore the Zoo the remainder of the next day at no extra cost.

How much do Overnights cost?

  • All programs are $35.00/participant. (*Teachers bringing school groups are free.)
  • Cost includes:
    • Zoo admission and parking for the evening and all the next day
    • One Nocturnal Adventures patch per participant
    • Experienced Instructors
    • Use of the Education Center or Manatee Springs building
    • Program activities and supplies
    • Light Breakfast
    • Evening animal encounters
    • Morning animal show

Where do Overnights take place?

  • Depending on the topic you choose you will either be sleeping in the new Harold C. Schott Education Center, the Wolf Woods Education building, or Manatee Springs.

Choose from the following topics:

Topic Description gRADE/age
ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS Investigate how animals survive in their habitats. Learn More>

2-4th grade

WOLF WOODS I AND II Work to understand the delicate balance of life and how amazing the relationships between all animals are. Learn More>

I: 2-5th grade

II: 7th grade and up

SLEEP WITH THE MANATEES Explore the diversity of life on this amazing planet. Learn More> 5th grade and up
FAMILY NIGHTS Family and friends can Camp Out at the Zoo or Sleep with the Manatees and more! Learn More> 5 years old and up