Thinking about a unique opportunity? Always wondered what it is like to spend the night at the Zoo? Well, come join us in our Night Safari, a unique overnight adventure at the Blank Park Zoo.
Indoor Night Safari
Have you ever wanted to sleep in the canopy of a rainforest and use the call of a Sun Bittern as your alarm clock? It is a dream come true when you are at the Blank Park Zoo's Night Safari. The overnight adventure starts at 7 pm on the first night and concludes at 9 am the next day. Each Night Safari features live animals and a myriad of fun age appropriate activities. Your group will enjoy an evening snack, a take home craft and a ton of exciting memories. We also serve breakfast. Campers spend the night in our indoor facility and activities may take place outdoors, weather permitting of course. So pick a topic today and pack your bags for a Night Safari!
Choose from these wild topics…
- Animal Trackers
Look up! Look down! Animals are EVERYWHERE! We will track animals on a scavenger hunt through the Discovery Center. We will also search for animals in the constellations (weather permitting.) Keep your eyes open - there are so many animals to see!
-The Water Planet
Water covers 75% of the Earth's surface. This camp is an introduction to all things aquatic. Create beautiful artwork in the ancient Japanese style of Gyotaku (fish printing) using life-like rubber fish replicas. Measure the length of a Blue Whale. Try your luck at a sea turtle survival game. Learn how to be a steward for the future of our oceans!
- From Dusk to Dawn
Hey! Who turned the lights off? This camp will immerse you in the world of nocturnal animals. Explore the night through the ears of a bat. investigate the lights at the bottom of the ocean. Get all of your senses ready to learn about the fascinating world that happens while you are asleep.
The Details
- Reservations are required at least 3 weeks in advance. A $75 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your date. Total payments due at the time of camp.
- We can accommodate a maximum of 40 people with no less than 15 children. 1 chaperone required per 6 campers. Program content is designed for campers aged 6+
- Zoo members are $30, nonmembers are $35. Adults are $15
Call Lori Boatwright at 515-323-8330 to book an overnight adventure!
Outdoor Night Safari Feeling adventurous? Want to be less than a mile from lions and tigers? The Blank Park Zoo has the campgrounds for you!
Scout groups can pitch tents, build campfires, and have their skits under the stars, all within a stone's throw away from the Zoo. Meeting requirements for badges through educational programs in the Blank Park Zoo is optional, and you can pick from the "menu" below. Programs are conducted by Zoo Educators for up to 30 participants, and live education animals are part of the program, unless otherwise stated. Programs for larger groups can be split into smaller groups and be rotated through the activities. Cost is $35 for the first hour of programming and $15 for each consecutive hour. (Detailed fees are listed in the "menu" below. More programs available upon request)
We can also assist you in rentals of restroom facilities and water source, and obtaining a fire permit.
Program "Menu" for Outdoor Night Safari
|
Programs |
Fee |
Length |
Notes |
|
Zoo Detectives Program |
$35/$15 |
45 min - 1 hr |
Animal “clues” are hidden and campers find them. |
|
Water Testing |
$35/$15 |
45 min - 1 hr |
Testing pH and Nitrate levels of water and how water quality affects Zoo animals. |
|
Micro-Organisms |
$35/$15 |
45 min - 1 hr |
Bacteria, Virus and Parasites. Learn about them under a microscope |
|
Animal Show and Tell |
$35/$15 |
45 min - 1 hr |
4 live education animals. We can design this program to fulfill requirements for a particular badge. |
|
Owl Pellets |
$2/child |
45 min - 1 hr |
Dissect an owl pellet and learn about the food chain. |
|
Giraffe Feeding Experience |
$1/child |
10 - 30 min |
Come up close and personal to the giraffes and learn about their adaptations (seasonal) No live education animals |
|
Zoo Careers Talk |
$35/$15 |
45 min - 1 hr |
Watch a video, learn about the responsibilities of a zookeeper and get your questions answered. |
|
Zoo Scavenger Hunt or Exhibit Design |
$1/child |
Varies |
Campers get a journal with Latin animal names and locate the answers from exhibit signs all around the zoo. Not staffed by Zoo Educators. |
|
Zoo Admission |
$3.00 per person |
|
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Sounds exciting? Call the Blank Park Zoo Education Office at (515) 323-8330 for more information and to make arrangements.
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