Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

More to see. More to zoo.

After Dark Adventures

There are TWO Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens - one you see by day, and the other you EXPERIENCE BY NIGHT! The Education Department’s After Dark Adventures 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 Adventure features the following:

  • 6 p.m. Arrival & pizza dinner
  • Animal encounters, behind the scene tours and after dark 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 (must be arranged at least two weeks in advance) for an additional fee ($4/person)

Fee: Members - $35/person
Non-members - $40/person

Student group rates available by emailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 904-757-4463 x122.

Make your reservations by emailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 904-757-4463 x122.


Pack Prowls

Designed for groups of 15 or more and ages 6 years and up, this After Dark Adventure features the following:

  • 6 p.m. Arrival & pizza dinner
  • Animal encounters, behind the scene tours and after dark tour of the Zoo
  • 10 p.m. Departure

Fee: Members - $20/person
Non-members - $25/person

Student group rates available by emailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 904-757-4463 x122.

Make your reservations by emailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 904-757-4463 x122.


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 for members 6 years of age and up. Join fellow Zoo supporters for an After Dark Adventure you won’t soon forget.

  • December 3
  • February 25
  • July 21

Become a Member today!


When you cannot get a group of 15 for an After Dark experience, we offer FAMILY NIGHTS!

Full Moon Family Events

Full Moon names date back to the Native Americans of what is now the northern and eastern United States. Tribes assigned distinctive names to each recurring full moon that reflected the time of year or season. We use this naming tradition to create unique and educational experiences for families in our After Dark Adventures.

Moonlight Strollers (ages 3 - 5)

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 Adventure features the following:

  • December 8 - Long Night’s Moon

  • 6:30 p.m. Arrival & animal encounters
  • Behind the scene & after dark tour of a part of the Zoo
  • 9:00 p.m. Bedtime story & snack
  • 9:30 p.m. Departure

Fees: Members - $10/person
Non-members - $13/person

Make your reservations by emailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 904-757-4463 x122.

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Full Moon Family Sleepovers (for 6 year olds and up)

Fee: Members - $35/person
Non-members - $40/person
Stingray Feeding (must be arranged at least two weeks in advance) for an additional fee ($4/person)

Make your reservations by emailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 904-757-4463 x122.

***

Full Moon Family Pack Prowls (for 6 year olds and up)

  • December 9 - Long Night’s Moon

Fee: Members - $20/person
Non-members - $25/person

Make your reservations by emailing (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 904-757-4463 x122.


NEW! Scouting After Dark Adventures

Attention: Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts, Indian Princesses and Campfire Girls - if your troop is too small to book it’s own After Dark Adventure then join us on these nights with other troops. For Boy Scouts, we offer badge work. (We can also work with larger groups for badge work).

To make your reservation, email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 904-757-4463 x122.


NEW! Senior After Dark Adventures

Why should the kids get all the fun? These pack prowls are designed for active seniors (ages 55 years and older) that want to beat the heat and don’t want to compete with everyone else for Zoo fun. Join us from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner, a zoo tour and information on special topics.

To make your reservation, email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 904-757-4463 x122.

Fee: Members - $25/person
Non-members - $30/person


Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions section to learn more about these exciting After Dark Adventures.