Did you know that there were TWO Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens?  One you see by day; 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mother & Child or Father & Child Sleepover

Parents, celebrate your special day spending quality time with your kids!  Your special After Dark experience includes the following:

6 p.m. Arrival & pizza dinner,
Animal encounters
Behind the scene tours and flashlight tour of the Zoo
Special kids craft activity
Evening refreshments and quiet activity before bed
7 a.m. Arise and continental all you can eat breakfast
8 a.m. Departure

Call for more information (904) 757-4463 ext. 122.

Safari Sleepover

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

Fees:
Members - $35 each person
Non-members - $40 per person

*Student Groups - $30 per person (this option does not include pizza dinner and has a 6:30 p.m. arrival time)

Call (904) 757-4463 x122 for more information.

Pack Prowl

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

Fees:    Members - $20 each person
Non-members - $25 each person

Call (904) 757-4463 x122 for more information.

Moonlight Stroller

Designed for 3, 4, & 5 year old groups of 15 or more, 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

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

We encourage parents to bring their little ones in their pajamas, so they don’t have to change them when putting them to bed that night!

Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations are guaranteed with a 30% deposit at least two weeks in advance of the reservation (four weeks in advance for Safari Sleepovers) and when a signed confirmation form is returned to the Education Department.  The balance of the program fee is due the evening of the program.

More information and to make reservations for the After Dark Programs at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens please contact the Education Department at 904-757-4463 ext. 122 or at education@jacksonvillezoo.org