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.

Mother’s Day (May 8) & Father’s Day (June 20) Safari Sleepover Specials!

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

Moms come FREE with a reservation for the Friday before Mother’s Day (May 8)!  Dads come FREE with a reservation for the Saturday before Father’s Day (June 20)! Call (904) 757-4463 ext. 122 to make your reservation today!

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

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

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 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!

Full Moon Family Sleepovers, Pack Prowls & Moonlight Strollers
August through February the Education Department designates nights close to the full moon as family nights to participate in After Dark Programs.  The theme each month changes to reflect the name of the full moon for the month.  The Native Americans passed this tradition of naming full moons onto the European settlers who added a few of their own.

AUGUST 2009 – FEBRUARY 2010 FAMILY AFTER DARK EVENTS COMING SOON!

Frequently Asked Questions