When the sun goes down the fun starts up at the Santa Barbara Zoo! Safari Sleepovers include Zoo tours, up-close animal encounters, special behind-the-scenes experiences, train ride, an evening treat, a hot breakfast after you’ve spent the night at the Zoo, and admission to the Zoo for the following day. 

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 a.m. (overnight)

Cost: $75/person, $65/person for Scout troops

If you belong to a Scout troop looking to complete merit badges or patches or would like to book a Safari Sleepover, contact the Education Department by email or phone: (805) 962-5339, ext. 154 for pricing and customized curriculum.

Thursday nights during the school year

Is your fourth grader already looking forward to the fifth grade overnight field trip next year? Give your child an introduction to the overnight experience this year at the Santa Barbara Zoo!

Classes will learn about animals and California history, then sleep under the stars during this NEW overnight program tailor-made for California fourth graders. These overnight programs are held Thursday evenings through Friday mornings during the academic year, with tents and a pancake breakfast provided by the Zoo. Bringing students to the Zoo provides teachers a break from the classroom without forfeiting standards—the Zoo program connects to both Next Generation Science Standards and California Common Core.

Time: 6:30 p.m. Thursday–10:30 a.m. Friday 

Cost: $65/student or chaperone, one free chaperone for every 15 student tickets