Overnights

Snooze at the Zoo FAQs

The price of the overnight includes general admission, parking, educational activities, late-night snack and continental breakfast for one (1) person. Overnight tickets for all participants, children or adults, are the same price.

Because our Overnight Adventures often sell out and have waiting lists, we will not accept payment for registration the day of the program. Pre-registration is required for all participants in order to provide the best event experience.

This Family Overnight Adventure is designed for families or groups with children ages 4 and older. Because of the program content and late activities, we cannot allow families or groups with children younger than 4 years old to attend.

Family Overnight Adventures are designed for families and groups with children ages 4 and older, but we do allow adults (18 and older) to attend the event. Please note that overnights are alcohol-free and drug-free events.

Family Overnight Adventures are designed as a shared family and group experience. Since staff will be busy leading activities, we cannot accommodate drop-off participants who are under 18 years of age.

Overnight parking will be provided in the Queens Zoo staff parking lot. In order to access this lot, you will need to be directed from our staff service entrance at 111th street and 53rd Avenue. Directions to this location will be provided and someone will be stationed at this entrance beginning at 4:00. You will be given a parking permit that should be kept on your dashboard. Security will be provided for cars in this area.

All program participants will be sleeping outdoors at the zoo. The campsite is located near the Administration Building. A site of approximately 12 ft. x 12ft. will be allotted to each family. NOTE: There is no access to electrical outlets at the campsite for air mattresses, cell phones etc.

• Tent and hammer for tent stakes. Since there will be limited time in which to set up tents, we recommend that you practice before you arrive, especially if you have no experience setting up your tent.
• Pillow and sleeping bag, foam pad, or air mattress. If you are bringing an air mattress, make sure to bring a battery-operated pump.
• Food: you may pack dinner or purchase food at our zoo cafe during check-in, before the zoo closes.
• Personal items: toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloth, facial soaps and any medications, etc.
• Comfortable clothes and non-slip, close-toed shoes. No flip-flops, crocs or heels. Overnights are co-ed, so make sure to bring the appropriate sleepwear.
• Other items you may wish to bring: binoculars, camera, portable phone charger, duffle bag to store and carry your items comfortably.

We also recommend that participants bring a reusable water bottle and a flashlight.

Participants are required to bring their own sleeping bags.

Comfortable clothes are a must. The program will run rain or shine, so make sure to bring a raincoat if rain is in the forecast. We also suggest warmer gear if needed for sleeping, as it gets cooler at night. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended, since you will be doing a lot of walking as well.

If you arrive early, your gear can be collected and stored until you can assemble your tent. Time to set up your tent will be provided after 5:30pm when the zoo closes. Staff will assist you in bringing your gear to the tent sites. Please travel as lightly as possible and be sure to clearly label every piece of equipment and all personal items you bring with your first and last name. We suggest no more than one backpack and sleeping bag per guest.

Check-in will take place in the Administration Building from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. Check-in will close at 6:00 pm.

Please note activities will begin at approximately 6:30 pm. It is essential that you let us know if you are going to be late, otherwise you will not be able to get into the zoo.

In order to pack as much fun as possible into one night, we must start on time! Check-in runs from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. Check-in will close by 6:00pm. If you aren't able to arrive in that time slot, you need to contact us at least 48 hours prior to the overnight to let us know. Please note that there will be no one in the office to answer your calls the day of the overnight as we will be out in the zoo preparing for your arrival. Please leave a message and we will do our best to get back to you. Our offices are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. You can reach us at 718-271-7045.

Please let us know when you check-in if you will need to leave earlier than 9:00am. We will need to coordinate with Security since the parking lot will be closed.

This Family Overnight Adventure will take place rain or shine. Please check the forecast and pack accordingly for a comfortable camping experience.

Unfortunately, we cannot grant refunds if you or your child are not able to attend the overnight.

All bathrooms are a quick walk from the camp site. There are toilets and sinks, but no showers available. The bathrooms will be open throughout the night.

There are no outlets available at the campsite. If you plan on bringing an air mattress, make sure to bring a battery-operated pump to inflate the mattress. For your cell phones and other electronics, consider bringing an external charger.

On Saturday night, please feel free to bring a meal packed in disposable wrapping, as we will not have facilities available for washing dishes. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Do not bring hard-sided coolers or stoves. Do remember to bring utensils. We will provide water and juice, then drinks and snacks later in the evening and, of course, a continental breakfast in the morning. Families and groups should eat dinner before the activities start at 6:30pm. You may pack dinner or purchase food at our zoo cafe. We will provide a late night snack and continental breakfast in the morning.

Yes, please. We make every effort to ensure that our snacks and breakfast do not contain nuts or nut products. However, if you have a child with severe allergies, we suggest that you bring a snack and breakfast item in a sealed lunch box or food container. Please let us know at least 2 weeks before the overnight if you have any other dietary needs, and we'll do our best to accommodate the requests.

Yes, you can request to be grouped with another family for station rotations. Such requests should be made no later than 1 week in advance to qzeducation@wcs.org. Please indicate in the subject line and/or email that you are already registered, you're requesting station rotation placement, and the names in the group you'd like to be paired with.

Our offices are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. You can reach us at 718-271-7045 or qzeducation@wcs.org. We can't wait to see you at the zoo!