Wild nights
Experience a unique overnight adventure at the Zoo. Join us for a night of awe and amazing animals!
Overview
Our overnight program includes an after-hours evening tour, close animal encounters, and games and crafts all before bed. In the morning we will see the animals in a new light before the Zoo opens during our early-morning tour! Dinner, breakfast, and snacks will be provided, as well as a complimentary parking pass and admission to the Zoo the following day. Our program offers an educational, fun, and memorable experience for guests while also cultivating a greater respect and appreciation for animals and nature.
Additional details
We are welcoming organized groups with 30-50 participants to join. These could be scouts or school groups for example. If you are unsure if your group is eligible to attend, email at wildnights@sfzoo.org. We are currently only hosting youth groups and no adult only groups.
- Participants must be 5 years old or older.
- Participants must adhere to the Zoo’s chaperone policy of 1 chaperone for every 5 children.
Cost per person: $155
Programing starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 10:00 a.m. the following day. We ask that there are no late arrivals and no early departures. Participants are welcome to stay in the Zoo during regular hours of operation after the event for no additional cost. Participants will receive a complimentary parking pass if needed.
- Wild Dino Nights
9/4, 9/5, 9/6, 9/11, 9/12 - Spooky Nights
10/9, 10/10, 10/23, 10/24, 11/13, 11/14 - Holiday Lights Nights
12/4, 12/5, 12/11, 12/12 - Dates for 2027
1/22, 1/23, 2/26, 4/16
Preparation packet
For more information on how to prepare your little one for their Wild Night, click on the button below for our preparation pamphlet!
Frequently asked questions
We will be visiting our crepuscular and nocturnal animals. Every event will vary, and it will be a mystery of who comes out until night-of! You might see wolves, bears, snow leopards, or lions. In the morning you will see more animals you missed the night before!
For dinner we will have pizza and veggies. For breakfast we will have options such as bagels with cream cheese, yogurt, and fruit. Snacks such as granola bars and tangerines will be available between meals, and a sweet treat will be offered after your night tour.
If you have a concern about the meals, you may bring snacks or alternative food. If you are bringing food, please ensure that it is properly sealed to avoid attracting unwanted critters.
Enter into the Zoo’s main parking lot. Parking for the event is complimentary. You will see a sign for Wild Nights and a Zoo staff indicating to enter through the main entrance of the Zoo. Once through the gate, veer left and you will see Zoo staff with a table to sign in. Arrive by 5:30 p.m.
To be respectful to all guests, we ask that by 10 p.m. you are in bed and ready to sleep. If you are falling asleep before 10 that is alright! In the morning we ask that you stay quiet in bed until 7 a.m. We have books you can read if you are an early riser.
To maintain the intimacy of the evening, please refrain from excessive use of devices. That is, chaperones, bring your phone in case of emergencies, but please no playing games, watching videos, etc. while at our event.
- Rescheduling your event must be made 30 days prior to the event and is subject to availability.
- Cancellations must be made 30 days prior to the event. A 50% refund will be issued. The non-refundable 50% will be forfeited completely and is non-transferable.
- Cancellations made less than 30 days before the event will not be refunded.
- In the rare case that the San Francisco Zoo needs to cancel your program a full refund will be issued.
Know someone who would enjoy an overnight at the Zoo?
Send them this page!