2011-2012 School Year
Grades 3rd - 12th
Ever wonder what it would be like to spend the night at the Zoo? Now you can find out with a Dallas Zoo "Lights Out" overnight experience! Join us as we show you the fascinating world of animals through activities, special talks, and tours of the Zoo at night.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN AN OVERNIGHT?
Overnights are available Friday and Saturday nights to groups of all sizes and kids ages 7 and up. Overnights are not exclusive to your group and we may book multiple groups in one night. All overnights include:
Watch a video about overnights!
- An after-hours tour of ZooNorth.
- A late night snack (eat dinner before you come) and a continental breakfast.
- Up close encounters with some of our Education animals.
- An official Dallas Zoo "Lights Out" overnight patch for each youth participant.
- A morning Monorail Safari ride (weather dependent, first train leaves the station at 9:30am).
- Entrance to the Zoo the following day for all participants and chaperones.
Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m. Check-out is at 10:30 a.m. the following day. We require one adult chaperone per ten participants, additional chaperones are always welcome.
School overnights can be accommodated Thursday - Saturday nights.
Please note: We require one adult chaperone per ten participants, additional chaperones are always welcome. Chaperones must accompany participants throughout the overnight experience, including all walks, tours, and activities. Boys and girls sleep in separate areas. Chaperones must enforce and abide by Dallas Zoo rules. We do not allow outside food or beverages (except water, no glass bottles) on our programs. Smoking and alcohol consumption are not allowed during our programs. We reserve the right to search any coolers you bring into the zoo, and if you are found with alcohol, you may be asked to leave the program with your group, and your overnight will not be refunded.
Overnight Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
OVERNIGHT COST
Overnights are $45/participant. Chaperones are free at a 1:10 ratio. Overnights are booked on a first come, first served basis and completed registration forms , with payment, are required to reserve your spot. If you are unsure of your final number, please pay for the minimum 15 people and put an estimate of your total number of people on the reservation form. If you are interested in dates other than those listed below, please call us at 469-554-7300. We recommend booking early as spaces fill quickly!
Night Programs Registration Form (PDF) 
OVERNIGHT SLEEPING OPTIONS
- African Safari – Guests will spend the night in our African exhibit and/or African classroom areas. In the morning, wake up with the animals and experience breakfast on the majestic deck of the Simmons Safari Base Camp as you watch elephants, giraffes, and more explore the Giants of the Savanna! This experience can accommodate up to 100 guests. Please note that groups of over 25 may be split into separate sleeping spaces.
- Classroom Camp-In – Guests will spend the night in our educational classrooms or event spaces. In the morning, breakfast will be served in our picnic areas or indoors in inclement weather. This experience can accommodate up to 110 guests. Please note that groups of over 50 may be split into separate sleeping spaces.
- Herpetologist’s Headquarters – Guests will spend the night sleeping in the exhibit spaces of our super cool Reptile & Amphibian Building! In the morning, breakfast will be served in our picnic areas or indoors in inclement weather. This experience can accommodate up to 200 guests.
- Starlight Camp Out – Guests will spend a night under the stars in their own tents on our grassy Cat Green. In the morning, breakfast will be served under the Cat Green Pavilion or indoors in inclement weather. This experience can accommodate up to 20, 8’x10’ tents.
REGISTRATION
To register for one of our education programs, complete and submit a Reservation Form. For more information call our Reservation Line at 469-554-7300 or email us at education@dallaszoo.com.
Night Programs Registration Form (PDF)
Please note: The Dallas Zoo and Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park reserves the right to cancel any program for reasons we deem appropriate. Programs that have not met the minimum number of participants within two weeks of the scheduled program date may be cancelled. In the event that we cancel your program, a full refund will be issued and individuals will be contacted directly. You will be notified within five (5) working days of receipt of your registration if the program for which you registered for is full. If you cancel a program with the Dallas Zoo or Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park, a program credit may be issued based on circumstance. The credit may be used for any education program or camp at the Dallas Zoo.
