After Dark Programs
There were TWO Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens - one you see by day, and the other you EXPERIENCE BY NIGHT! The Education Department’s After Dark Programs are unique events that take you behind the scenes to meet the exotic animal collection up-close. Whether you want to spend the night or enjoy a twilight stroll, we have a variety of programs for nearly all ages.
Safari Sleepovers
Designed for groups of 15 or more and ages 6 years and up, this After Dark Program features the following:
- 6 p.m. Arrival & pizza dinner
- Animal encounters, behind the scene tours and flashlight tour of the Zoo
- Evening refreshments and quiet activity before bed
- 7 a.m. Arise and continental all-you-can-eat breakfast
- 8 a.m. Departure or Stingray Feeding for an additional fee ($4/person)
Fee:
Members - $35/person
Non-members - $40/person
Student group rates available by contacting the Education Department at (904) 757-4463, ext. 122
Pack Prowls
Designed for groups of 15 or more and ages 6 years and up, this After Dark Program features the following:
- 6 p.m. Arrival & pizza dinner
- Animal encounters, behind the scene tours and flashlight tour of the Zoo
- 10 p.m. Departure
Fee:
Members - $20/person
Non-members - $25/person
Student group rates available by contacting the Education Department at (904) 757-4463, ext. 122
Moonlight Strollers
Designed for 3, 4, & 5 year old groups of 15 or more, we encourage parents to bring their little ones in their pajamas, so they are ready for bed when they arrive home! This After Dark Program features the following:
- 6:30 p.m. Arrival & animal encounters
- Behind the scene & flashlight tour of a part of the Zoo
- 9:00 p.m. Bedtime story & snack
- 9:30 p.m. Departure
Members - $10/person
Non-members - $13/person
Members Only Safari Sleepovers
Are you a Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Member? Just for you, the Membership Department offers Members Only Safari Sleepovers each quarter. Join fellow Zoo supporters for an After Dark Adventure you won’t soon forget.
Become a Member today!
When you cannot get a group of 15 for an After Dark experience, we offer FAMILY NIGHTS!
Mother/Child Safari Sleepover
Friday, May 7
6 p.m. – 8 a.m.
Mothers, celebrate your special day by spending quality time with your kids After Dark at the Zoo! Enjoy dinner, animal encounters, behind the scene tours, activities, snacks & breakfast. Moms come free and children must be 6 years of age and older. Reservations required.
Father/Child Safari Sleepover
Saturday, June 19
6 p.m. – 8 a.m.
Fathers, bring your kids to the Zoo and then spend the night! Your overnight experience includes dinner, animal encounters, behind the scene tours, activities, snacks & breakfast. Dads come free and children must be 6 years of age and older. Reservations required.
For fee information and to make a reservation for the Mother or Father & Child Sleepover, please contact the Education Department at (904) 757-4463, ext. 122. Space is limited, so register TODAY!



