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EdZOOcational programs at The Toledo Zoo (something for all ages)
 

Zoo Snoozin'

A Sleepover at the Zoo?
An evening encounter of fun, education and enrichment. If you DON'T Snooze, you lose!
 
 

 

The Zoo Snoozin' program at The Toledo Zoo is an opportunity for groups of children and their chaperones to see another side of the Zoo, plus share adventures with animals, educators, animal keepers, friends and classmates. Snoozers will be immersed in the environment of the Zoo at night and have the treat of seeing what the Zoo is like after dark!

What Happens At A Zoo Snooze?

  • Park and meet your Snooze guides at the Anthony Wayne Trail entry plaza
  • Enjoy touchable, live animal demonstrations
  • Learn about animal enrichment from Zoo keepers
  • Take part in games and activities. These vary according to weather, season and age of groups, but may include a late-night walk-about, tracking an escaped animal (stuffed, of course) or a campfire
  • Enjoy a bedtime snack of pizza and juice
  • Hit the hay (unlike other Zoo sleepers, you will be in a carpeted Zoo building)
  • Breakfast in the Carnivore Café
  • Wake up for more Zoo exploration (before the Zoo opens) and get the chance to see the enrichment items that you made the night before presented to the animals

A snooze lasts from 7:00 p.m. in the evening until 9:30-10:00 a.m. the next day. Snooze visitors are invited to return when the Zoo opens and spend the day at no additional charge.

Who's Invited?

  • Any group of children aged 6 years and older accompanied by adult chaperones.
  • Groups of people who love animals, adventure and learning new things
  • Ideal for school classes, scout troops, clubs, home school groups, church groups and more!

Security
Zoo security guards are on grounds all night. At least two adult guides will be present. These guides are teachers, scientists and wildlife workers with many years of experience leading and supervising children. Your group leader will receive detailed information, including all necessary forms and answers to frequently asked questions in a confirmation packet when your deposit is received. This information should provide helpful insights and will also define rules and expectations for a safe and rewarding Zoo experience.

Sleeping Arrangements
Groups sleep on the floor in a common area, usually an exhibit space. Each child should bring their own sleeping bag and pillow.

Note: It is the policy of The Toledo Zoo that opposite gender parents, chaperones and/or participants in mixed gender groups sleep in separate areas. Please make arrangements for chaperoning the children during sleeping hours to comply with this policy. This policy will be enforced unless other satisfactory arrangements have been made with and approved by the Education Program Manager prior to your Snooze.

Fees:

  • Price per participant (children and adults): $38
  • Send a non-refundable deposit of $10 per person when you register. (This will be deducted from your final total.)
  • Balance of payment is due one month prior to Snooze date.

How Do I Register?
Call (419) 385-5721, ext. 2042 or e-mail peggy.coutcher@toledozoo.org for available dates. (Call Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) Space and dates are limited so please contact us to see if our available spots will work for the size and gender of your group.

Please leave your name, telephone number and/or e-mail for us in case of cancellations. If you are called to fill a cancellation, we will give you a small per person discount for taking the vacancy with short notice.

  • A non-refundable deposit of $10 per person will secure your date.
  • You may register up to 50 people per Snooze.
  • Groups with smaller numbers can be accommodated too, and will be matched with other smaller groups.
  • Special food requirements or other special needs should be communicated when you register.
  • T-shirts and patches are available to purchase. Please inquire when you register.

PLEASE NOTE:    There may be other events scheduled or occurring on Zoo grounds on a night/morning that you have scheduled a Zoo Snoozin’ overnight.  The Zoo is available year-round for private parties, weddings, concerts and evening and/or morning Zoo events, and there is no guarantee that your Snooze will not be held concurrently with other activities.