Evening Programs
Kids Quest
Kids’ Night Out, Parents’ Night Off!
5 to 9 pm
$65 per child, $60 for members
Calling all parents! Enjoy a fun night out (or a relaxing night in) while your kids enjoy the zoo at night! Each Kids Quest is led by full-time education staff, and activities include:
- Guided night walk through the zoo
- Themed crafts and movie
- Free play with games and activities
- Pizza dinner
Take the stress out of childcare and bring your kiddos to the zoo for a safe and fun night with the animals!
Upcoming Dates:
October 14, 2023Sold Out
Theme: Animal Armor
November 11, 2023Sold Out
Theme: Wild Colors
Interested in a date that is sold out? Add your child to the Kids Quest Waitlist below!
Event details
Time: 5 pm to 9 pm
Drop-off window: 5 pm to 5:30 pm
Cost: $60 per child
Ages: 5-13 years old
FAQ
Can I pick up my child before 9 pm?
Yes! Pick-ups can occur at any point during the event. The locked pick-up gate will have a phone number to call if parent’s arrive before the end of the event, and your child(ren) will be brought to you.
Do you offer late pickups?
No, all children must be picked up before 9:15 pm, when the gates close.
Who will be taking care of my child(ren)?
Each Kids Quest event is run by one full-time education staff member, with the assistance of two Education Docent volunteers who have undergone complete background checks.
What is the adult to child ratio?
1:9
What should my child bring?
Kids should bring a water bottle to use during the night. They are also welcome to bring a pillow and blanket to be more comfortable during movie viewing.
What should my child wear?
All Kids Quest kids should wear close-toed shoes and weather-appropriate layers. While the majority of the night will be indoors, kids will be taken on a guided tour of the zoo and should be dressed appropriately.
My child has allergies. Can they bring their own food?
Absolutely! A pizza dinner will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own snacks or dinner with them. Please note any allergies that staff should be aware of when registering for the event.
Refunds for cancellations will only be given if the program is cancelled by the Sacramento Zoo OR your child has COVID-like symptoms and is isolating at home. To receive a refund, a doctor’s note or an administered COVID test showing proof of testing (even if negative) must be sent to the Reservation Specialist.
To submit a cancellation request, please visit our Program Cancellation Policy page.
If you tried to register your child for a Kids Quest program that has sold out, please fill out the wait list form below.
- One child per submission. If you need to register two children for the same evening program, please submit two separate waitlist forms.
If a space becomes available, we will pull from the wait list until the week before the class.
- You will NOT be contacted if your child does not clear the wait list.
- We are unable to tell you where your child is on the wait list.
- If you are chosen from the wait list we will attempt to contact you and if we do not hear from you within 48 hours, a staff member will call to make sure that you are still interested in the class.
- If there is no response to the phone inquiry after 48 hours, the next person on the list will be contacted. Please be sure to let us know if you are no longer interested in the class.
Kid's Quest Waitlist
Starlight Safari
Designed for families and groups, ages 5 and up
6 to 9 pm
$50 per person, $45 for members
Many of the zoo animals become more active at dusk, and a Starlight Safari program is the perfect way to witness it all. You can enjoy and explore the nighttime zoo, but still go home and sleep in your own bed!
Nighttime activities included in a Starlight Safari:
- Staff guided tour of the zoo: find out what the zoo animals get up to when the sun goes down.
- Nighttime tour through the Reptile House: A unique experience only available during starlight safaris!
- Discovery room: An educational classroom with pelts, skulls, and other animal biofacts.
- Activities or crafts
- A fun and interactive, live animal program.
Upcoming Dates:
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Theme: Adaptation Adventure
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Theme: Nocturnal Know-How
Tickets go on sale September 28 at noon.
Important info:
The Sacramento Zoo reserves the right to cancel this program up to 72 hours in advance due to low attendance.
For the safety of guests and animals, 1 adult is required for every 4 children.
Detailed Itinerary:
Enter through the front gate. Closes promptly at 6:15 pm
6:15 – 7:00 pm: Guided tour of the zoo
7:00 – 7:35 pm: Crafts/activities
7:35– 8:15 pm: Guided tour of the Reptile House and Discovery Room
8:15 – 9:00 pm: Animal program
For questions or concerns, please email our Education Department at zooeducation@saczoo.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide dinner/food?
No, the zoo does not provide a meal or snacks. However, there is time built in to eat snacks that you have brought yourself!
What should I wear?
Weather-appropriate layers. The event will take place both indoors and outside, so dress comfortably for the weather.
What should I bring?
Bring snacks, a water bottle, and a flashlight if you choose.
What is the cancellation policy?
This event is rain or shine. No refunds will be issued unless the event is cancelled by the Sacramento Zoo due to extreme weather or other circumstances.
Is the event ADA accessible?
Yes! The entire evening is ADA accessible.
Interested in booking a private Starlight Safari for your group or party? Contact the Education Department at zooeducation@saczoo.org for pricing and options.