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. 

The Zoo does not provide tents, or any other gear. 

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

Cost: $85/person, $75/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 for pricing and customized curriculum.

June 24, July 22 and August 5 at 6:30 PM

Fun for family and friends! With no minimum participant requirement these special sleepover nights allow for families or groups of any size to enjoy the zoo after hours for a very unique camping experience! Make s’mores by the fire, then sleep under the stars on the Zoo’s hilltop. In the morning, eat breakfast, enjoy an animal encounter, and ride the Zoo Train, then tour the Zoo at your leisure. It’s a camping experience to remember!

Please bring your own camping gear for overnight safaris, including sleeping bags, weather-appropriate clothing (think layers), flashlights, etc. No showers are available and access to electricity is limited: hairdryers are not allowed.

Cost $85/person, $75/person for SB Zoo Members. 

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: $75/student or chaperone, one free chaperone for every 15 student tickets